Friends of Jerusalem Botanical Gardens

What's going on

There's something for everyone

Every person has the chance to make a change for good — no matter how big or small. Whatever amount you can give, or time you are willing to dedicate, know that your contribution makes a difference in the lives of others. Your donation, together with those of our other supporters, brings us ever closer to our goals.

Join us

Are you looking to support Friends of Jerusalem Botanical Gardens?  Can't think what gift to buy a friend or relative? Consider an annual membership -  it costs just £60 a year (£5 per month) for individuals and £100 a year for two people at the same address. 
Your support is very important to us and we can assure you that it will have a major impact on what we can do.

Garden visits and talks

Support the Friends of Jerusalem Botanical Gardens by attending our talks and garden visits.   

We’d love to share our discoveries with more people who enjoy plants and gardens.

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Our next event is on  Wednesday, 29 January 2020 at 6.30 pm in Hampstead, London NW3.

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We are delighted to welcome Tom Coward, head gardener of Gravetye Manor, who will be telling us about 
William Robinson. The Wild Gardener and his Legacy.  
 

William Robinson is considered one of the most influential gardeners of his generation.  He paved the way for
the modern gardening we know today, but sadly this colourful character is largely forgotten.  
His numerous books and articles bear testament to his creativity but his greatest legacy is the garden
he left at Gravetye Manor.  In this talk, Tom will explain the impact Robinson
has had on gardening and how his vision lives on today.

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Tickets  £15  contact the Friends' office.   Concessions available on request.  

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Volunteering opportunities

Once a year, usually in March or early April, a group of volunteers goes to Jerusalem and works for a week to 10 days to support the small permanent gardening team.  It's hard work and a lot of fun.   In 2020, we are planning a trip from 22 March-3 April (12 nights), staying in a centrally-placed hostel with shared accommodations.  Please contact us for more information.

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If you can't spare that much time, there are one and two day volunteering opportunities as well. 
 

Email or phone us to find out more.

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How We Help

It starts with the will to make a difference

Plants, biodiversity and green spaces are crucial for people and the natural world. 
Spending time in a garden is proven to be beneficial to our health and mental well-being. 

The Friends supports the gardeners of the future, helping them gain the knowledge and
practical experience to help keep our planet green.

International Horticultural Scholarships

Discovering conservation and culture

Our long-established and successful scholarship (internship) programme offers different opportunities, each requiring a minimum stay of 6 months. Scholarships typically start in the autumn (fall) and interviews are usually held in May/June by VOIP.  The successful applicant(s) receive a contribution towards flights, free accommodation and a living allowance.  There have been over 130 scholars from all over the world. 

When funds allow, the Friends also contribute towards cross-cultural educational initiatives for Jerusalem schoolchildren and support the growth of outreach activities run by the Hub for Urban Sustainability, based at the Gardens.

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If you would like to apply, contact the Friends' office for job descriptions and an application form.

Education

Encouraging the gardeners of the future

The Gardens are visited by thousands of schoolchildren every year.  Understanding plants, our environment, science, conservation and each other are all important lessons.  In the past the Friends have supported cross-cultural programmes to help Jewish and Muslim children learn with each other. 

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A dynamic, interactive Children's Discovery Trail opened in April 2016 to which the Friends contributed.  By making it so much fun children don't realise they are learning, the new trail incorporates interactive experiences such as panning for ‘gold’, weighing natural products, exploring a mysterious root system and making up stories in the Lilliput garden.     

Hub for Urban Sustainability

Making Jerusalem greener

The Botanical Gardens is home to the Hub, providing a dynamic meeting place for the many educators and activists whose shared passion is to make Jerusalem a greener and more sustainable city. Over 40 charities and organisations are involved, giving everyone the opportunity to develop and helping to take gardening to all parts of the city.  This includes hundreds of kindergartens, where Hub volunteers are showing teachers and children how to grow food and flowers.