IMB Bank Community Foundation has assisted with funding twice in the past four years –first in 2014, to install an automatic watering system and build a shed and second in 2017, to establish a native gateway garden at the southern entrance.

Visited by several thousand flora lovers each year, the Gardens feature two distinct plant areas – native and exotic.

Chair of the Friends of the Garden Chris Webb said the development of the native area had only just begun and funding from the IMB Bank Community Foundation has allowed a large, raised, drystone-walled garden bed to be constructed to welcome visitors to that entrance.

“Without IMB Bank Community Foundation, we couldn’t have undertaken this project,” Mr Webb said.

“We have finished building the bed and we are now ready to plant. When completed, it will be a dramatic and wonderful entry point for our guests.”

The plants will be sourced in a collaborative partnership with the Mt Annan and Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens.

The Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens is one of 50 recipients in the 2017 round of funding by IMB Bank Community Foundation. In the past 18 years, IMB Bank Community Foundation has supported 39 projects to the tune of $400,000 in the Southern Highlands and applications for funding in 2018 are now open.

IMB Bank CEO Robert Ryan urged community groups, not-for- profit organisations and charities to put in an application for 2018.

“It all starts with an application. The local area has many people with great ideas and vision and IMB Bank Community Foundation can provide the funding so together we can make our communities better for everyone,” he said.

Applications close on February 9. Go towww.imb.com.au/communityfoundation to apply.