The Durban Botanic Gardens Trust is an Independent Discretionary Trust that was founded in 1993 for the stewardship and development of the Durban Botanic Gardens. The Trust’s main objectives include supporting and promoting the important work of the Gardens in the areas of People and Plants, Horticulture, Biodiversity, Education, Research, Heritage and Culture; and to raise funds through various fundraising initiatives.
Projects & Initiatives
We strive to support the Gardens in its endeavour to be a Garden of Excellence, and we can only do this with the support of our community, corporates, sponsors, partners, donors and other stakeholders.
Some key initiatives and projects of the Durban Botanic Gardens Trust
Music at the Lake
The Music at the Lakes series is a key fundraising initiative of the Durban Botanic Gardens Trust and consists of a series of premier outdoor music concerts throughout the year set in the picturesque Durban Botanic Gardens.
This series serves not only to raise funds that the Trust can put back into the Gardens by supporting various maintenance and development projects, but to bridge the connection between people and plants, and to serve as a development platform to celebrate the vast cultural diversity that South Africa has to offer.
For details of our next Music at the Lake concert, please click here.
Trail of Lights
The Trail of Lights event was founded in 2017 and emerged as a visionary opportunity to unveil the extraordinary botanical wonder of the Gardens after the sun sets. This event takes place during the festive season and is a unique fusion of nature’s beauty and artistic illumination, offering an unforgettable evening of wonder and delight.
With a commitment to quality and innovation, we deliver an experience that creates lasting memories for you and your loved ones.
This event is an essential component of the Trust’s fundraising portfolio, and funds raised through this initiative are used by the Trust to support various maintenance and development projects within the Gardens.
For details on our next Trail of Lights event, please click here.
John Medley Wood Medal
The Durban Botanic Gardens Trust recognises the need to acknowledge those that have made a significant contribution to either the Durban Botanic Gardens; horticulture in the eThekwini Municipality; or the advancement of flora in KwaZulu-Natal, by awarding a John Medley Wood Medal.
This medal is named after the “Father of Botany”, Dr. John Medley Wood. Medley Wood, who died in 1915, had been Curator and then Director of the Durban Botanic Gardens and Herbarium for over 30 years. It was Medley Wood who beautified the old Gardens and made them Durban’s brightest jewel.
He was a prolific plant hunter and productive botanist who wrote the first flora of the province. He was recognised by Kew Gardens as having international status, was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Science by the University of Cape Town, and has approximately 60 species named after him.
The Durban Botanic Gardens Trust has awarded this prestigious medal to the following recipients for their exceptional contribution to botany in their respective fields:
- Prof. Roddy Ward (2012)
- Dr. Elsa Pooley (2015)
- Teddy Govender (2022)
- Prof. Eugene Moll (2024)
Legacy Bench Project
Our legacy bench project is suited to those who would like to sponsor a bench to honour either a loved one or a special occasion.
The legacy benches are situated in strategic spots throughout the Durban Botanic Gardens, not only to provide seating within the Gardens, but to serve as a reminder to pause and take in the beauty that is the Gardens.
To find out more about this project, please email projects@dbgt.org.za and we will be in touch.