It is with great sadness that the Menai Wildflower Group acknowledges the passing of our dear friend and long-time member, Lloyd Hedges.
For more than three decades, Lloyd’s dedication, knowledge and generosity left an indelible mark on the Menai Wildflower Group.
Lloyd was instrumental in developing the group’s nursery operations, community education programs and creating the demonstration native garden and propagation facilities at the Illawong Rural Fire Station that are still central to the group’s activities.
Lloyd’s work extended well beyond the local community, he propagated thousands of native plants for restoration projects, supported revegetation in the Royal National Park, supplied plants for Dharawal National Park and Five Islands projects and led the production of large numbers of she-oaks for the Glossies in the Mist project which created habitat corridors for the vulnerable Glossy Black Cockatoo. By 2021 the Menai Wildflower Group had supplied 13,000 plants for the project.
Lloyd was a natural educator, mentor and storyteller, encouraging people of all ages to appreciate the remarkable diversity of Australia’s flora and the importance of protecting it. Whether leading a bushwalk, demonstrating propagation techniques or sharing a fascinating botanical discovery, he brought curiosity, humour and generosity to every encounter.
Lloyd’s contributions were recognised in 2012 with the Australian Plants Society NSW Conservation Award and, in 2019, Life Membership of the Society, honours that reflected the enormous impact he had on native plant conservation and community education.
To those of us fortunate enough to know him, Lloyd was much more than a respected botanist and conservationist, he was a valued friend whose kindness, wisdom and enthusiasm enriched our lives and strengthened our community.
His legacy lives on in the gardens he created, the bushland he helped restore, the countless plants he propagated and, most importantly, in the many people he inspired to care for Australia’s unique natural heritage.
Our sincere condolences are extended to Mary, their family and all who knew and loved Lloyd.
He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.