Over the years, a number, if not most of the seating at the Bason Botanic Gardens, has been donated by people or families that have a personal connection to the gardens. 

You may notice that most of the seats have a small plaque explaining who the seat is in commemoration of.  

Recently we have received two new seats, and the Trust would like to acknowledge the families that have made this possible.  The seats have been strategically placed on the lake edge to take advantage of the views of the lake, the Japanese Tea House and what will be the new sculpture that is currently under construction.  

Fred and Shirley Millward have donated one of the seats as a way of celebrating their 75th wedding anniversary. The couple have been long-time supporters of the Bason Botanic Gardens, and Fred at one time was part of the Board. The Millward family gathered at the Bason from afar to help Fred and Shirley celebrate.

The second seat on the lake front was donated by the Palmer family.  Some words from the family below:

Recently we have arranged a Memorial Seat for our sister Janet who died in February 2021 in Perth WA. Because of severe travel restrictions at the time the family could not get there.

In the last few years Janet returned to NZ each Christmas and it became a family tradition to travel to Whanganui and picnic at Bason Botanical Gardens on the Memorial Seat that was installed in 1994 for her mother Hazel. 

We felt it was fitting tribute to Janet to arrange a seat for her too. It is now installed on the Lake Walk, at a point where visitors can rest a while and enjoy the splendour of the gardens. 

We thank Simon from Ethan Furniture and Wendy from Whanganui Council for their assistance in making this happen. 

Ross and Faye Palmer. 

Please note that the Whanganui District Council will always give consideration to accepting new donations of a seat, but there may not always be room for new seating in all reserves.