About SGAP QLD Region Inc.

The Society for Growing Australian Plants QLD Region is a non-professional organisation and is open to all persons interested in studying, growing and conserving Australian plants.

The Society for Growing Australian Plants (SGAP) was formed in 1957 for the purpose of studying and developing the horticultural potential of Australian native plants and preserving them through cultivation. With over 8,000 members throughout Australia, it is one of the largest horticultural societies in the country. SGAP has made a significant contribution to the knowledge of the Australian flora, its cultivation and introduction into nurseries and home gardens.

The Society operates as autonomous regions based in each of the 6 Australian States and the Australian Capital Territory. There are autonomous regional headquarters in the capital cities of each state, as well as numerous branches throughout the country.

SGAP Queensland Region has about 1200 members, some of whom have also joined one of the Local Branches throughout Queensland and hold regular meetings in their own areas. Members of SGAP Qld have also formed numerous Study Groups.

The Queensland Region meets at the Botanic Gardens Auditorium, Mt. Coot-tha Road, Toowong.

Aims of SGAP Qld

• To conserve Australian native flora by promoting its introduction into gardens.
• To improve existing species by breeding and selection.
• To advocate the establishment of National Parks, Flora Reserves and Botanic Gardens in all types of soil and climate for the preservation of the flora and for the enjoyment and education of the people.
• To obey and strengthen the laws and regulations of all bodies given authority under the governments of the States or Commonwealth for the preservation of the flora.
• To interest nurserymen in propagating and supplying Australian native plants to the public.
• To record and publish information on Australian native plants.
• To encourage the establishment of District Branches and Specialist Groups within the Society.
• To support research into Australian native plants.
• To establish and maintain association with organisations having compatible aims.
• To carry on any other activities appropriate to the objects of the Society.

Activities of SGAP Qld

• The regular Meetings of the SGAP provide members with opportunity to meet and exchange information. Speakers are invited to these meetings to present various topics of interest. Members bring plant and flower specimens to share with the group and a plant raffle is often conducted. An Annual General Meeting is held in April for the Queensland Region and between January and March for the Branches.
• The Society conducts various Excursions and Garden Visits to see plants in their natural habitat and in cultivation, thus providing the opportunity to learn about different aspects of our native flora.
• The Queensland Region of SGAP holds its Spring Flower Show, usually in September, where a wide range of native flowers and plants are displayed. Plant sales, audiovisual programmes, book sales and many other displays are regular features. Many of the branches hold their own local flower shows, as well as contributing to the Regional Show. An Autumn Plants Sale is also a regular event on the SGAP calender. The SGAP exhibits Australian plants in conjunction with various Show Societies and other organisations.
• Queensland Regional Conferences are held, usually every two years, in different areas of the State, and emphasise the flora of that particular region and its habitats. Various tours are an optional, and highly recommended, part of these Conferences. The "Bill Tulloch Memorial Lecture", an annual and well esteemed lecture, is usually presented during the period of the Conference in a Conference year.
• The Regional Societies are part of a national body, the Australian Native Plants Society (Australia) (ANPSA), which holds a Biennial Conference and Seminar in each State on a rotational basis. These Conferences provide an important link between SGAP members from the different areas of Australia and present programmes of wide interest. The Conferences are usually accompanied by excursions to interesting scenic and botanic areas within the host State.
• SGAP is involved in Community Projects in many areas, giving assistance with revegetation plantings, providing technical advice, giving talks to community groups and schools, and compiling flora lists of specific areas, etc.
• The Queensland Region "Bulletin" is posted to members quarterly. It carries details of all meetings and activities of the Queensland region and its Branches as well as articles on a wide range of topics relating to native plants in Queensland.
• In addition to the quarterly magazine, SGAP produces a number of Publications on various topics relating to Australian native plants. These may be obtained from the SGAP Sales Officer.
• An extensive collection of books on Australian native plants is maintained in the Queensland Regional Library for the benefit of members. Many branches also have their own libraries with borrowing privileges for their members, or take bulk borrowings from the Region library.
• Members are entitled to receive free seed from the SGAP Seed Bank. This is an important service of the Society. It allows members to propagate many species that are not readily available. In doing so, members obtain valuable information on the germination and cultivation of these species under different conditions. Seed held in the Seed Bank is donated by members, so availability can be variable. A complete list of available seed is published in the June issue of the "Bulletin" and updated in successive issues.
• There are more than 30 Specialist Study Groups within the Society, which carry out studies on various plant families (e.g. Acacia, Banksia, Grevillea, etc.) or on native plants for certain purposes (e.g. Container plants, Rainforest plants, Wallum plants, etc.). These Study Groups consist of SGAP members from all over Australia, with a Leader who coordinates the activities of the Group. Membership is usually by a small subscription. Joining a Study Group adds a new dimension to the enjoyment of belonging to SGAP.

An Invitation to You

If you are interested in learning more about Australian plants, in growing Australian plants suitable for your home garden or local community project, and at the same time, assist in the "Preservation of Australian Plants by Cultivation", we welcome you to join the Society for Growing Australian Plants, or attend one of our meetings as a visitor. You will find yourself amongst friends. See more details on the Membership Page.

For more information about the Society, please contact:

The Honorary Secretary
Society for Growing Australian Plants
Queensland Region Inc.
P.O. Box 586
FORTITUDE VALLEY. Q. 4006
secretary@sgapqld.org.au