An invitation to stop and smell the roses
If you’ve visited Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden, you already know it’s a beautiful place to immerse yourself in the sights, smells, and sounds of nature, while taking in incredible views of the spectacular Sydney Harbour. But do you know the story behind one of the benches nestled in the Rose Garden?
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23 November 2022
Stories
| Aged Care Homes
If you’ve visited Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden, you already know it’s a beautiful place to immerse yourself in the sights, smells, and sounds of nature, while taking in incredible views of the spectacular Sydney Harbour. But do you know the story behind one of the benches nestled in the Rose Garden?
Donated by BaptistCare Shalom resident, Ian McLachlan and his wife Helen in 1988, the bench provides the perfect place to ‘take a seat,’ reminisce, and enjoy the gardens.
A dedicated volunteer at The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Helen headed there every Wednesday afternoon for 15 years. Her work included remounting some of the 1840s specimens of German explorer and naturalist, Ludwig Leichhardt – a task which she loved.
When Ian was made redundant in 1978, he wanted to use some of his payout to contribute to different organisations. At the time, the State Library was running a fundraising campaign, and Ian decided he would make a donation. His wife told him (in no uncertain terms!) that if he was going to donate to the Library, he should donate to the Garden as well.
Ian has donated to both foundations every year since (that’s more than 44 years!), helping more people enjoy experiences that bring beauty to the eye, heart, and mind.
This year, in recognition of his long-term and ongoing donations, Ian was invited for a private tour of the grounds by one of the Garden’s management team, Miray Makram. He mentioned the seat to Miray, and locating it became a highlight of the day for them. While no one could remember the exact cost of the original seat, it was nothing compared to today’s going rate of around $12,500!
If you find yourself in the Royal Botanic Garden, make sure you head to the Rose Garden and take a seat on Ian and Helen’s bench. Maybe even take a photo and share the joy with Ian, via the Lifestyle Coordinator at BaptistCare Shalom.
We can’t think of a better way to stop and smell the roses.