The history of the Gardens prior to 1990 has been well researched by Patricia Withers. The following is a brief account of developments which have taken place between 1990 and 2001. The bulk of this information was provided by Jack Shield during interviews conducted in September 2001.
During the last decade much progress has been made. Some walking tracks have been extended and new ones have been built. Theme gardens have also been expanded and new ones created. The main gardens are; the Entry garden, Grevillia garden, Acacia garden, Succulent and Cactus garden, Aboriginal Plant garden, Palm garden, Fern Gully and the Orchid House.
Another innovation is Parry Place, developed by the Australian Native Plant Society to encourage visitors to grow native plants in their own gardens by providing examples of native plants that are readily available at commercial nurseries.
The visitors Centre has been upgraded and now includes a gift shop, library and a cafe. Next to it, a picnic pavilion has been built, providing shade on hot days and shelter in wet weather.
Jack Shield has been actively involved with the Botanical Gardens since 1987. He is now the Chairman of the Board of Directors and says that they plan, during the next few years, to construct an Education Centre adjacent to the Visitors Centre. This would provide for groups of school children, seminars, wedding receptions etc.
In 2001 there are currently between 60 to 70 volunteers. About half of these help in maintaining and extending the gardens, others help staff the gift shop and cafe and assist in administration. One volunteer has designed and regularly updates a website- see www.huntergardens.org.au. Some paid staff are also employed.
Finance for the Botanic Gardens comes from a variety of sources including the State Government, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens Councils, entry fees and donations. Tomago Aluminium and Newcastle Permanent Building Society pay for the printing of a newsletter and promotional literature. Local media also assist with the provision of free publicity.
The gardens cover an area of 140 hectares, much of which has been preserved as natural bushland. This land is leased, on a "peppercorn" rent, from the Hunter Water Corporation.
The gardens were opened to the public in 1986 and were recognised in 1999 with the "Significant Regional Attraction" award in the Hunter Regional Awards for Excellence in Tourism. It has also won other environmental awards in recent years and continues to attract large numbers of visitors.
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