'Name That Flower' - now being published in its 3rd edition - is a valued source of clear and concise information on identifying flowering plants from around the world, both cultivated and in the wild. This edition is updated to align with current systems of plant classification that incorporate advances in molecular DNA analysis. It includes more than 130 detailed line drawings, 64 colour pages and information on 46 plant families.

At the National Arboretum Canberra the new Friends sponsored garden in the Central Valley is planted with salt bushes (Rhagodia spinescens). Amalie Shawcross, operations manager at the Arboretum, says the plants were purchased from Yarralumla Nursery which propagates the majority of the saltbush it supplies as it is highly successful and is grown to Canberra conditions.

The latest issue of the Australian Association of Friends of Botanical Gardens (our peak association) is now available. For some cheery reading, click on the link below.

Council has approved these Guidelines for Friends' Activities Approval Process. Should you have a great idea for a funding project/proposal to be spear-headed by the Friends, this document will help you through the process!

The first three Zigzag Gardens in the Central Valley of the Arboretum were launched on 28 March, having been planted last December. They are a stunning example of how wonderful this Valley will look when all the Zigzag Gardens are complete.

Take yourself for a shady walk this summer along one of our Forest Trails. Go in your own time - early or late in the day. The map of the Self-Guided Forest Trails appears below.

If you have been to the Arboretum in the last couple of weeks you will see that it is waking up. The cherry trees and the Callery Pears are just spectacular and the Discovery Garden is also a treat. Ange McNeilly who manages the garden has got it just beautiful at the moment. As we move towards summer we are looking for volunteers who might help Ange in the garden and/or would like to harvest figs or make jams and/or other preserves. Some of our jobs can be weekly but many are just before a Market Stall or if we have a glut of fruit or vegetables. It’s loads of fun!

The Friends of ACT Trees Inc. (FACTT) has recently released a new publication entitled "Woods Wiki – stories of trees in Australia and related topics". This is an intriguing little collection by the distinguished former Head of CSIRO Forestry and published by FACTT. It is a collection of pieces about trees and ideas - largely from and by Canberra people. A great birthday or Christmas gift idea!

In 2016, the Friends developed this draft Strategic Plan to help guide activities, events and discussions.

In early June, the Friends lodged a submission to the ACT Legislative Assembly's Inquiry into the value of the natural environment to an urbanising Canberra via the Standing Committee on Environment and Transport and City Services on 'Nature in our City'. Submissions have now been made public on the ACT Government website. A copy of the Friends' submission is now available.