The global diversity of the gardens reflects the wide geographic origins of plant species.

I noticed labels showing whether plants were native, endemic, or introduced — a clear link to how plant species have travelled and evolved over time.

In the Herbarium, many specimens include notes about the environment the plant was found in, showing how different species adapted to specific climates and conditions (The National Herbarium of Victoria, 2025).

The lush Fern Gully shows plants adapted to shaded, wet environments, with large fronds to catch sunlight.

Throughout the gardens, there were plaques explaining reproductive strategies — from pollination by birds and insects to seed dispersal methods.

I saw lots of flowering plants that rely on visual attraction to pollinators, as well as cone-bearing species with wind-dispersed seeds.

The Herbarium is essentially a living record of plant evolution over time, providing material that can be used for genetic and morphological studies to trace how species have changed.

The Indigenous Plant Walk also highlighted how native species have evolved alongside Australia's unique climate and ecosystems.

After this field trip, I’m realising there’s so much more to the RBGV than I initially thought. One thing I’d like to explore further is their work in plant conservation, especially how they collaborate with Indigenous communities to preserve native species (Nature Fund, 2025). Another aspect which interests me is the way the gardens intend to approach climate change in the coming decades, specifically in regard to the types of projects and the changes that required to protect the diverse gardens (Kendal, 2018).

In regard to the herbarium, this experience left me curious about the people who work there and the type of research they conduct. I’d love to learn more about how scientists use herbarium collections to inform modern conservation strategies or track the spread of invasive species. It also made me think about the importance of documenting and preserving knowledge in physical form — something that often gets overlooked in our increasingly digital world.

In terms of how this experience might connect to my degree and future career, the visit definitely shifted how I see green spaces. Whether I end up working in environmental education, sustainability, or community engagement, understanding how places like the RBGV function as both learning environments and community hubs will be invaluable.

Plus, on a personal level, it reminded me how grounding and healing nature can be — and now I know there are self-guided tours available, I am able to revisit and explore at my own pace.