Raising Rarity, Sowing the Seeds of Wonder with Tash Van Velzen & seed ecologist Dr Meg Hirst, Royal Botanical Gardens Victoria

Raising Rarity is an enquiry-based outreach program which fosters conservation education using a hands-on approach.

The program recruits community to grow and care for a threatened plant that occurs (or did so historically) within proximity to their location.

Through authentic participatory learning coupled with a commitment to conservation outcomes, the Raising Rarity outreach program aims to raise local awareness of the plight of endangered species, increase botanical knowledge, develop the skills needed to grow and monitor plant health and contribute to our understanding of caring for plants at risk.

Given our proximity to Hidden Creek, we will be looking at Swamp Everlasting Xerochrysum palustre a relatively large, yellow-flowered native daisy growing in seasonal or permanent wetland habitats. There are only about 35 wild populations left in south-eastern Australia!

Tash Van Velzen is a horticulturalist and facilitates outreach for Raising Rarity RBGV.

Dr Meg Hirst is a plant ecologist with specialist experience in ex situ seed banking and plant conservation through her work with the Victorian Conservation Seedbank at Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Meg holds a PhD in plant ecology from the University of Melbourne and is a teacher and researcher with experience in growing, tending and studying plants in both scientific, public gardens and experimental settings.