The Australian Plant Community was deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Bernie Farrell on 13 December 2024. Bernie was a highly respected and influential Australian plant grower, loved and appreciated by many on the Central Coast.
Before moving to the Central Coast, Bernie was a founding member of the Macarthur APS. More recently, he served as President of the Central Coast APS, where he was also a vital member of the propagation and plant sale team. His dedication, time, and extensive knowledge made him an invaluable asset to the group.
Central Coast members fondly remember him:
“His wicked sense of humour and infectious laugh. His gentle ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His deep, broad, and passionate knowledge of Australian plants. His tremendous efforts to promote Australian plants through his many Facebook groups. His kind and humble acceptance of the role of President when we needed him most. Vale Bernie—you will be greatly missed.”
Bernie’s most enduring legacy may be his contributions to several Facebook groups dedicated to Australian plants, the largest of which boasts over 80,000 members, including 5,000 members from overseas. He was particularly fascinated by how Australian native plants were grown in hothouses and open spaces in countries like Germany, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Canada, and the USA.
Rest in peace, Bernie.