The First Garden

Olive Pink (1884 -1975) was a botanical illustrator, anthropologist, gardener and a trailblazing Aboriginal land rights activist and environmentalist.

In October 1956, at the age of 72, Olive Pink set up her tent on the grounds of what is now the Olive Pink Botanic Garden and from this tranquil location she vigorously lobbied Northern Territory politicians to establish a Flora Reserve to protect native flora and provide a site where locals could visit and learn about desert environments.

The First Garden is her story. The story of a woman who took no prisoners in her quest to develop her life's dream; it is also the story of how diverse cultures have valuable lessons for each other.