The Australian Plants Society Tasmania Inc. (formerly the Society for Growing Australian Plants) is part of an Australia-wide organisation made up of people interested in the propagation, cultivation and conservation of plants native to Australia. The objects of the Society are:

*   To encourage the cultivation and study of Australian plants.
*   To encourage the establishment of gardens in all types of soil and climate for the preservation of the flora of          Australia.
*   To support efforts to strengthen the laws and regulations of all bodies given authority by legislation of the              Commonwealth and States of Australia for the conservation of Australian flora.
*   To encourage obedience to and the enforcement of laws and regulations with regard to the preservation of the       flora.
*   To publish any information that may further the aims and objects of the Society.
*   To cooperate with other societies, associations or bodies with similar or substantially similar aims and objects.
*   To purchase, take, lease, exchange, hire or otherwise use any real or personal property necessary or suitable        for the purpose of the Society.
*   To do all such things as are incidental to or conducive, necessary or convenient to the rights and privileges of        the Society or to the attainment of the above objects.
*   To promote the knowledge, appreciation and preservation of Australian plants, both in their natural settings          and in cultivation, with special emphasis on species indigenous to Tasmania.
*   To promote recognition of the Society as a resource group for educationalists and the government.

(From the Society's Constitution)
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HISTORY.

The Society for Growing Australian Plants was founded by Mr A J Swaby in Melbourne in 1957. For several years he wrote a column "Know Your Natives" in the popular gardening magazine Your Garden. These articles attracted a great deal of interest. "Regions" were set up in a number of states, and Hobart was originally a local group of the Victorian Region until 1969. A new group commenced activity in an informal way until May 1971, when the Tasmanian Region was formed, led by Kay Geeves and based in Hobart. (Kay Geeves work was recognised with the award of an OAM on Australia day 2004).

In November 1976 a Northern Group was created and in May 1978, the North West Group was formed. Finally , in June 1993, a group was formed in the Kingborough region to cater for members who prefer daytime meetings.

The Hobart Group carried overall responsibility for the State until 1993 when the Tasmanian Region Council was set up to take care of  the main administration, future direction and policy. District groups are represented by elected delegates who attend the State Council Meetings and, where possible, take part in the Biennial ASGAP Conferences, ( the national body known as the Association of Societies for Growing Australian Plants.) In March, 1999 it was decided to change the Society's name to "THE AUSTRALIAN PLANTS SOCIETY - TASMANIA INC" in line with similar name changes in mainland groups.

ACTIVITIES AND ADVANTAGES OF MEMBERSHIP

The monthly meetings include talks by various experts, news from other groups and states, sales of plants at discounted prices, fresh seed from the seedbank, propagation aids, a sharing of knowledge from the study groups,  an update on changes in taxonomy, future events programme, access to the libraries, and the sale of current books. Practical demonstrations of planting and propagation techniques are popular programme items. Hobart Group presents a Wildflower Spectacular every few years.   Regular propagation days are scheduled at the nursery to provide plants for this and other events, which enables members to gain "hands on" experience.

Our Newsletter, EUCRYPHIA, is published quarterly and mailed out to members. A further publication, AUSTRALIAN PLANTS produced by APS - NSW is available at meetings. This is a continuous and very detailed  account and will ultimately cover all categorised Australian plants, and includes excellent illustrations and photographs.

Walks and excursions to places of botanical interest are available to members. These are graded as follows: A - mostly driving, short walks; B - more walking, easy paths; C - long walks, uneven ground. The trip leaders have the right to deny excursion participation to those whose health or fitness is not compatible with the grading of the walk. Hobart Group offer regular guided walks to the Tasmanian wilderness.

Regular Membership (including Organisations) $35  Concessional Membership $31
Additional Household Members $7 (Adults), $1 (Children under 16)
Overseas Membership $45

Discounts available for 2 and 5 year memberships - see membership form for details

NB: The concession rate is available to persons possessing a Student ID Card or a Pensions Concession Card issued by the Department of Social Security or by the Department of Veteran Affairs.

Applications for, and renewals of membership should be forwarded to:
    Treasurer APST Inc., 2 Killara Avenue, Lanena, TAS  7275, AUSTRALIA
Overseas members should pay by bank draft in Australian currency.
Click here for membership application