What's it all about? ....who we are and what we do

The Association of Societies for Growing Australian Plants (ASGAP) caters for people interested in Australia's native flora whether that interest is simple appreciation of the beauty and diversity of the flora or whether it extends to propagation, cultivation and conservation. ASGAP is made up of seven independent, non-profit, Regional Societies........one in each of the six Australian States and the seventh being based in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

The idea of a Society dedicated to the cultivation of Australian plants initiated with Arthur Swaby who, for several years from May 1954, wrote a column "Know Your Natives" in the popular gardening magazine "Your Garden. The first Regional Society was established in 1957 in Victoria.

ASGAP, itself, was formed in 1962 to foster the interchange of ideas and information throughout Australia and to co-ordinate issues extending beyond regional boundaries. ASGAP is an administrative body and does not have individuals as members. Individual membership is through the Regional Societies.

A brief history of the Society can be found here.

To celebrate the Society's 50th Anniversary, a detailed history was published in 2007. The book not only documents the Society's history and Arthur Swaby's role but also tells the story of the pioneer growers of Australian native plants in the period before the Society was formed. The book was researched and written by John Walter and published by the Australian Plants Society (Victoria).

Further information on the book, including a review and purchasing details, can be found here.

Since their inception, the Regional Societies have continued to grow and expand their activities. In total, the combined membership of the seven Societies numbers about 9000 and includes over 100 District Groups serving members in regional centres.

The Society's activities are wide ranging and include special interest Study Groups and support of research through the Australian Flora Foundation. The Society is also involved in the publication of a range of practical and educational books on Australian plants and its members have been responsible for the establishment, development and maintenance of many public gardens and reserves throughout Australia. Other promotional activities undertaken by Regional and District Groups include annual exhibitions of Australian plants where the general public can view examples of the flora from all parts of the continent.

Although the great majority are Australian residents, the Society's members can be found in many other countries including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Belgium and the United States.

ASGAP Newsletter

ASGAP publishes a newsletter twice yearly to facilitate communication between the Regions. The newsletter is available here - it will be of interest mainly to the elected executive members of the Regions.

Aims and Objectives ....spreading the word

The aims of the Society can be summed up as growing, conserving and appreciating the Australian flora. This includes the following activities:

• Encouraging the growing and use of Australian native plants in home gardens, public places and for revegetation projects and rural planting.
• Supporting the nursery industry in the development of better forms of Australian native plants as garden subjects.
• Promoting and supporting the study, cultivation and appreciation of Australian native plants.
• Communicating knowledge about Australian plants through wildflower festivals, publishing, websites, periodicals, CDs, meetings and seminars.
• Protecting Australian native plants in their natural habitats and encouraging the cultivation of endangered species in botanical gardens and other reserves.
• Taking part in decision making by Government departments.