Botanic gardens springs to life

Where You Meet's Kira Hunn and City of Greater Geelong mayor Trent Sullivan. (supplied)

For more than 170 years, the Geelong Botanic Gardens has been a space like no other.

It is a natural refuge, showcasing the botanical history of Australia, and other areas all around the world.

It is a feast for the senses, with a range of threatened and rare trees and plants, and some of the city’s early colonial buildings.

Importantly, the gardens mean a wide variety of things to different people.

This is because, as a social and activity space, it offers us a range of experiences.

It’s a place to inspire creativity; to celebrate events and special occasions; and to wind down, escape and recharge.

As of last weekend, the Geelong Botanic Gardens are again a great spot to share a coffee and pastry.

Council is really pleased that the Teahouse cafe has reopened as WYM (Where You Meet).

Privately managed by Kira Hunn, WYM provides another great reason for people to spend time in one of the region’s premier attractions.

Supporting a number of our producers by stocking locally sourced food and drinks, WYM will be a great spot if you’re looking to spread out on the lawns with a treat.

Residents can check out WYM at next weekend’s Christmas in the Gardens.

This is the first time council has held this Christmas celebration in the Gardens, as part of an effort to spread the festivities into different parts of Geelong.

The free family event will be held on Saturday December 16 from 10am to 4pm.

If you haven’t had a family photo with Santa yet, this is a great opportunity to get one with him, free of charge.

Just bring your own camera, and your biggest smile.

There are a host of other great Christmas-themed activities on the cards.

This includes sand art, craft, a photo booth, giant games, face painting, a scavenger hunt, roving circus performances, and music and storytelling with Granny Lee.