It has been a long time coming but with the support of volunteers Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens (SHBG) opened its gates on Monday.
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The gardens will be open from 9am to 5pm seven days a week.
"This is another major milestone for the development of the gardens," SHBG CEO Charlotte Webb said.
"The gardens are for the community and we hope that people will become familiar with the existing and proposed development now that access is readily available."
Grant funding has recently been sought for the installation of a children's playground and individual support from the community for that project will be sought if the project is accepted in the first round of considerations. This will require individual online voting.
"We will publicise voting access as soon as practical," Charlotte said.
The Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens had its genesis 20 years ago and included a protracted review of potential sites and feasibility before the current site was identified.
Just three years ago a lease for the property from Wingecarribee Shire Council was finally signed.
"The gardens receive no government or council funding; is a registered charity and not for profit organisation that relies solely on fundraising efforts and the very large support of volunteers who participate in weekly working bees," Charlotte said.
The community is encouraged to visit the site at the corner of Old South Rd and Kangaloon Rd Bowral from July 1 and enjoy the expanse of open space for everyone's enjoyment.
The complete plantings and building development will progress as funds allow.
