Begonia House Closed

The Begonia House in the Botanic Gardens has been closed for earthquake strengthening.

A structural assessment has identified that the steel framing which supports the glasshouse needs bracing and strengthening.

Given that the gardens are particularly popular over the summer, strengthening work will begin immediately to enable the building to reopen its doors to visitors by summer.

Picnic Cafe, which occupies part of the building, will be closed for three weeks for the first stage of the project. It is expected to reopen in early September.

Many of the tropical and fragile plants in the Begonia House will be relocated to other hothouses. Other more robust plants will stay where they are and Council staff will continue to water them.

While the Begonia House will be closed, the Botanic Garden has plenty of other attractions to enjoy, including the award-winning Lady Norwood Rose Garden, children's play area, bulbs, flowering rhododendrons and magnolias and a range of sculptures.