BEECHWORTH Bush Botanic Garden is set to be revegetated with 200 seedlings dug in by landcare volunteers tomorrow, Saturday, 21 June, from 9am to 11am.

Beechworth and Urban Landcare Sustainability (BULS) secretary Libby Hosking said a dedicated group of volunteers had transformed the site from a weed infested and rubbishy area to a beautiful native one.

“It’s a showcase of native plants where locals and tourists alike can wander and enjoy,” she said.

Around eight years ago BULS member Mary Bould had joined forces with close friend and neighbour the late Ali Garnet in leading the garden project.

A fortnightly working bee run by Mary and a team of volunteers with an occasional visit from Landmates, a service offered by the Beechworth Correctional Centre, has kept the garden well maintained.

Libby said BULS invited people from the community who would like to pitch in tomorrow in continuing to help develop the garden.

Additional support is needed if more people can make the planting due to the number of plants.

“The plant purchases have been supported by Indigo Shire Council with a grant,” Libby said.

Tomorrow’s working bee will go ahead if showers are forecasted.

The social group of landcare lovers asks everyone to bring a small sweet or savoury plate to share with the group for a late morning tea.

With the BULS committee trialling a different model for monthly meetings, a short meeting will be held following the planting with everyone welcome to join.

Gardening gloves, spades, sunhat/beanie, water bottle, sturdy shoes or gumboots and raincoats need to be brought along.

Parking is available in Silver Court near the Chinese Gardens.

For more information about tomorrow’s project contact BULS member Nicki Munro on mobile 0407 797 092.

BULS invites people to meet like-minded locals keen to increase the biodiversity and flora and fauna habitat around town.

Another revegetation project on vacant land between 15 to 17 Lower Stanley Road in Beechworth with a planting will take place next Saturday, 28 June from 2pm to 4pm.

Libby said if people are unable to help for tomorrow’s event, they may like to join in on this one.

“The area has lots of springs and we’re creating a wetland area and habitat,” she said.

For more information about this project contact BULS president Russell James on mobile 0417 811 850.

In helping to keep BULS Landcare projects maintained, the Landmate service offered by Beechworth Correctional Centre to the North East is a program delivered by Corrections Victoria.

Corrections Victoria works in partnership with environmental organisations to provide low-cost labour on eligible projects throughout the state’s regional areas.

“The team provides excellent service,” Libby said.

Libby said the BULS projects in qualifying for the team’s help means more manpower undertaking the work in less time.

“The Landmate team learn new skills and interacts with the community too,” she said.

“We are very fortunate to have willing workers helping on public land.”