After a couple of weeks of trial runs Flora Explorer, the Botanic Gardens' new electrically powered mini bus (funded by the Friends), was officially launched on her way by General Manager Peter Byron and Vice President of the Friends, Barbara Podger.

The Australian National Botanic Gardens ClimateWatch Trail was launched on 22 May 2012 as part of the International Day for Biological Diversity celebrations.

The Rainforest Gully on 1 March 2012

By Linda Beveridge, Volunteer Guide

Canberra’s summer of 2011-12 had 202.4 mm of rain, compared with the historical average of 168.7 mm. The rain fell over 33 rain days, well above the long-term average of 22 rain days. Most of the rain fell in February which recorded more than twice its historical average rainfall. The wettest day in February was the 29^th which reached 29.8 mm at the airport.

Over 1500 plants, of over 120 different species, went on sale at the Growing Friends autumn plant sale on Saturday 14 April. The Growing Friends run plant sales every autumn and spring, selling plants that have been propagated from cuttings taken from the living collection in the Botanic Gardens.