Wagga City Council's horticulture supervisor Henry Pavitt said this weekend is all about celebrating the Botanic Gardens’ 50^th birthday. 

“It’s a much-loved area of Wagga and the fact there is an event on is just another bonus,” he said.

Mr Pavitt said 50 years ago the Botanic Gardens was started by Tom Wood Senior.

“He had a bit of a vision for this site on the bottom of Willans Hill,” he said. 

“Through a lot of hard work and determination, he and his staff started planting. From then on it has developed into what it is today.” 

As part of the celebrations throughout the year there have been some redevelopments, Mr Pavitt said. 

“We have upgraded the Shakespeare Garden,” he said. 

“We are also working on some upgrades for the zoo to celebrate 50 years.” 

The celebration kicks off from 9am this Sunday at the Botanic Gardens, MacLeay Street, Turvey Park. 

Entry is free, and there will be free activities, rides, competitions, displays and demonstrations, food and drink to enjoy, and all sorts of garden stalls.

Mr Pavitt encourages Wagga to come down and enjoy the festivities.