North Lodge

Historical use

The charming North Lodge cottage, situated close to the Friends' Gate, was built in 1866, nine years after the Garden was opened to the public.

It was designed to provide rent-free accommodation for a Garden foreman to ‘render necessary attention to the greenhouses in the evenings, to close the Garden gates, to feed the animals and perform such other duties as deemed necessary after closing time.’

Its construction cost £305.10, but in 1889, two further rooms were added at additional cost. The house remained gas-lit until electricity was provided in 1935. North Lodge remained a family home until December 1984 when the last occupant retired.

Renovations

In 1985 restoration and refitting of the Lodge was approved and the Friends of the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide moved their gift shop to the front three rooms, while the back half of the house was occupied by a member of the Garden's maintenance staff.

In 2023, North Lodge was renovated again, following a generous donation from the Friends of the Botanic Gardens, which allowed the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium to receive a matching grant.

Works included upgrades to the kitchen and bathroom, roof and woodwork repairs as well an internal refresh. A Boston Creeper covering the front of the building was removed which, while attractive, was unfortunately damaging the integrity of the building.

Current use

As a true 'home to the Friends', North Lodge is used for various functions such as new members morning teas, two book clubs and a Mahjong group. It also contains a library resource for the Garden Guides and a gift shop.

Gift Shop

This quaint building is home to a gift shop full of botanically-themed products.

On sale are a range of art works, calendars, postcards, posters, books (both new and secondhand), jewellery, gourmet food and a variety of eucalyptus products from Kangaroo Island.

All money raised goes to the Friends of the Botanic Gardens to support the work of the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium. Volunteers who would like to assist with retail activities are always very welcome.

Opening times:

Tuesday - Sunday: 10.00am to 3.00pm

Please note that North Lodge is supported by wonderful volunteers. We endeavour to remain open as advertised but due to unexpected circumstances, North Lodge may occasionally need to close at short notice.