Kym Winter-Dewhirst, BHP Billiton

"Many sunny and lazy Saturday mornings were spent with my coffee and newspaper under a tree in the Herb Garden".

Monday, March 02, 2009

Like many people who now call Adelaide home, the Adelaide Botanic Gardens have always been a constant in my life for as long as I can remember.  Although born in Adelaide I spent a number of years in Europe and living in apartments became my ‘norm’.  This means I have always used public parks and gardens and ‘adopted’ them as my ‘own’ outdoor garden. 

When I returned to Adelaide as a busy professional, I embraced the ease of living in a city surrounded by parklands and bought a town-house just opposite the Botanic Gardens East Terrace entrance.  Many sunny and lazy Saturday mornings were spent with my coffee and newspaper under a tree in the Herb Garden, a place I considered my own sanctuary just minutes from the street bustle.

I was even married in the Gardens in 1983 so they obviously hold a special place for me personally, and I have had many associations professionally with our lovely gardens including my current role.  I am really pleased that I can contribute to the Gardens now as a Board Member.  As a beloved South Australian cultural icon, I am immensely proud of our Gardens: from their world renowned scientific research, its wonderful history and its exciting future for the coming generations to enjoy as I have.  I hope to see you in our Gardens soon.

Preserving the past, planting the future.