What’s on - Your guide to activities and events

WHAT’S ON

For more information about events, and to book, visit botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On. All activities have been planned with your safety in mind, including social distancing and hygiene measures. Events with the BF symbol are organised by Foundation & Friends, and these can also be booked by calling the office on (02) 9231 8182.

DUE TO THE EVERY-EVOLVING NATURE OF COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS ON OUR EVENTS, PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION.

CELEBRATION

NEW YEAR’S EVE PICNIC IN THE GARDENS Mare and Foal Lawn, Royal Botanic Garden Fri 31 December, 5pm–12.15am Welcome 2022 from one of the most desirable locations in Sydney – the Royal Botanic Garden. Foundation and Friends of the Botanic Gardens invites you to experience New Year’s Eve at our exclusive open-air waterfront picnic. Situated on the Mare and Foal Lawn – one of the best vantage points in town – this self-catered picnic-style event is perfect for groups of all ages, including families with children. The event is fully enclosed in a secure area, where you will be able to stretch-out with your picnic rug and beach chairs to enjoy the fireworks show. The Mare and Foal Lawn is one of the few harbour-side locations in Sydney where alcohol (BYO) is permitted. Capacity is limited so that guests may have the freedom to relax in the ample space provided. Bookings available from Mon 1 November. Suitable for all ages

M $130 Member’s guest/s $150 (conditions apply) MC NC $30 (free under 5yrs) i BF botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On

KEY: M Foundation & Friends’ member NM Non-member MC Member’s child NC Non-member’s child F Free MT Morning tea provided L Lunch provided R Refreshments provided MP Materials provided B rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au BF Book through Foundation & Friends New member gift voucher can be used i More information with booking

CHRISTMAS WREATH-MAKING The Calyx, Royal Botanic Garden Sat 4 December, 10.30am–12.30pm and 1.30pm–3.30pm Join the creative team from Merchant & Green to make a beautiful Christmas wreath. You’ll be supplied with premium ingredients including a natural driedvine wreath, metallic and fresh foliage, botanically-inspired decorations, and a gift bag in order to take your creation home. The emphasis is on using sustainable and biodegradable materials where possible. Suitable for 15+

M $85.50 NM $95 botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On DIY NATURAL SKINCARE INSPIRED BY THE SEA The Calyx, Royal Botanic Garden Sat 11 December, 10.30am–12.30pm and 1.30pm–3.30pm Join Polly from Sage Cosmetic Coaching to learn how to make your own natural skincare using ingredients from the sea. Take home three luxurious products to enjoy yourself or give away as gifts. You will make all your products from scratch. Suitable for 13+

M $45 NM $50 botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On

ASTRONOMY AT THE CALYX The Calyx, Royal Botanic Garden Thu 10 February, 7.30pm–9.30pm Join us for a night of astronomy and stargazing, surrounded by the captivating ‘Inside the Tide’ exhibition. Over a glass of wine discover what the night sky teaches us with First Nations astronomer Drew Roberts from Shared Knowledge. Then travel through space to visit mysterious planets with Dr Angel Lopez-Sanchez.

M $37 NM $41 MT MP i BF botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On FUNDAMENTALS OF PROPAGATION With Greg Lamont Maiden Theatre, Royal Botanic Garden Wed 16 February, 9.30am–12.30pm Join expert horticulturist and Growing Friends volunteer, Greg Lamont, to learn how to propagate plant species from the living collection of the Gardens. Guests will learn the fundamentals – from cuttings made from a range of indoor plants, garden shrubs and succulents, to understanding potting mixes and plant care. Guests will enjoy hands-on propagating, with take-home samples.

M $70 NM $85 MT MP i BF botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On OUTER ISLAND WINE & CANVAS Maiden Theatre, Royal Botanic Garden Thu 10 February or Fri 11 February 6.30pm–9pm Sip wine, laugh with friends, and create your own masterpiece with the passionate artists behind Outer Island. You will be guided, step-by-step, in creating your own painting of a Gardens-inspired bird to take home. A great night out with friends, after-work drinks, or the first step toward learning to paint in a fun, relaxed environment.

M $85 NM $95 R MP i BF botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On

TOMATO FESTIVAL SYDNEY Online event Sat 19 February–Sun 20 February, Session times will be available on the website later in the year. Celebrating its ninth year, Tomato Festival Sydney will go online in 2022, offering a fabulous range of inspiring live sessions for tomato lovers of all ages. Learn how to grow the humble tomato, cook tasty recipes honouring the tomato and more! botanicgardens.org.au/ tomatofestival

Hiroko Prado Sally Jackson Round 2 Timbers 5

IKEBANA AT THE CALYX The Calyx, Royal Botanic Garden Sat 4 December–Sun 12 December, 10am-4pm Workshops and demonstrations on Sunday 5 & 12 December After every storm comes a rainbow. Australia has seen much hardship over the past year. Let’s take time to celebrate our lives, look to the beauty of nature, and awaken our senses with gorgeous and uplifting ikebana art on display at The Calyx. Suitable for ages 10+ F botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On

THROUGH THE SMOKE, THROUGH OUR EYES The Calyx, Royal Botanic Garden Tue 14 December–Sun 23 January, Open daily, 10am–4pm Showcasing the stories of our Blue Mountains Botanic Garden staff in response to the 2019 Gospers Mountain bushfire, this exhibition provides a moment for reflection and a powerful opportunity to acknowledge and document the impact of the largest forest fire in Australia’s history on the Garden.

F botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On TRANSFORMATION OPENING NIGHT Maiden Theatre, Royal Botanic Garden Fri 10 December, 6pm–8pm View the exhibition in person, ahead of the public, mingle with artists, sip wine, and enjoy shopping for artworks. After a successful online exhibition, Transformation will include drawings, printmaking, photography, jewellery and sculptures, all featuring recycled material in an effort to shine the spotlight on our disposable lifestyles. Suitable for 18+

M $55 NM $65 R i BF botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On

TRANSFORMATION X ARCHIE ROSE DISTILLING CO. Maiden Theatre, Royal Botanic Garden Fri 17 December, 5.30pm–8pm Foundation & Friends and Archie Rose Distilling Co. present a night to enjoy a memorable cocktail while immersing yourself in the recycled art of the Transformation exhibition. Enjoy appetising canapés and ticket includes an Archie Rose cocktail. Suitable for 18+ M $50 NM $60 botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On TRANSFORMATION EXHIBITION Palm House & Moore Room, Royal Botanic Garden Sat 11 December–Sun 19 December, 10am–4pm This unique exhibition shines a spotlight on how we can reduce waste by the clever recycling and reuse of various materials including plastics, textiles, wood, glass and organic-found materials. All artworks are for sale. Suitable for all ages F botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On

Bruce Illingworth

BIRDS OF A FEATHER Presented by Cilla Campbell, Bathurst Street Printmakers & Creative Outdoor Group The Calyx, Royal Botanic Garden Mon 24 January–Sun 6 February, Open daily, 10am-4pm ‘Birds of a Feather’ showcases linocuts and mono-prints as well as pastels, watercolours, and charcoal and ink drawings. All participating artists have been mentored by Cilla Campbell, who they have studied and exhibited with since 2007.

F botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On

ABORIGINAL BUSH TUCKER TOUR & ABORIGINAL HARBOUR HERITAGE TOUR Palm Grove Centre, Royal Botanic Garden Every Thurs, Fri & Sat, 11am & 1pm, sunset tours every Fri & Sat Our guides will immerse you in the rich Aboriginal culture of the traditional custodians of the Sydney city area, the Gadigal. Discover the ongoing connection of Saltwater People to Sydney Harbour and the ways plants in the Garden are used by the Gadigal. Day tours: M $27 NM $30 MC NC $20 Sunset tours: M $38 NM $42 rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/aboriginal-experiences

NATURE THERAPY WALKS • Palm Grove Centre, Royal Botanic Garden 19 December, 23 January, 20 February, 10am–12noon • Visitors Centre, Australian Botanic Garden 5 December, 9 January, 6 February, 9am–11am • Visitors Centre, Blue Mountains Botanic Garden 11 December, 15 January, 12 February, 10am-12noon Slow down and connect with nature through a series of sensory experiences. Suitable for families and ages 13+ M $32 NM $35 botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On, australianbotanicgarden.com.au/What-s-On, bluemountainsbotanicgarden.com.au/What-s-On GHOSTLY GARDEN Woolloomooloo Gate, Royal Botanic Garden Fri evenings at Sunset, 3 & 17 December, 14 & 28 January, 11 & 25 February Take a twilight adventure through the Garden in this spine-tingling event. Hear spooky and kooky stories, and strange happenings from the Garden's past, as flying foxes flit above your head and owls stare from the treetops. Suitable for adults and ages 12+ Adult must accompany under 18s

M $37 NM $42 botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On

SUNSET SPOTLIGHT TOURS • Visitors Centre, Australian Botanic

Garden, Fri 21 January • Woolloomooloo Gate, Royal Botanic

Garden, Sat 22 January Experience the Garden and its fascinating night-life on this adventure by torchlight. We'll visit biodiversity 'hotspots' such as the ponds to look for nocturnal animals – some who fly in for the night, others who are long-term residents. We'll use our senses and some tech-gadgets used by our scientists to help us locate animals. Suitable for adults and families

M NM $42 botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On australianbotanicgarden.com.au/Whats-On

CHRISTMAS CHILDREN’S PROGRAM • Royal Botanic Garden, Mon 20 December • Australian Botanic Garden, Tue 21 December • Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Wed 22 December (Santa’s Studio only) Join us at Santa’s Studio where your little elves can create beautiful Christmas crafts and presents from a range of art mediums and natural materials. Additionally, in ‘Dreaming of a Green Christmas’, children will be able to join in the adventures of two elves who have been sent to Australia to prepare for Santa’s visit, but things don’t quite go to plan. MC NM Visit website for pricing botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On, australianbotanicgarden.com.au/What-s-On bluemountainsbotanicgarden.com.au/What-s-On KIDS IN THE GARDEN • Royal Botanic Garden • Australian Botanic Garden • Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Various dates from 11 January–25 January Coming to the Gardens this summer are workshops that allow kids to build a miniature garden and experience a taste sensation with Indigenous bush foods and ingredients.

MC NM botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On

SEEDLINGS NATURE SCHOOL • Nature Classroom (in front of Farm

Cove Eatery), Royal Botanic Garden every Thu 10 February–31 March, 10am–12noon • Bowden Centre, Australian Botanic

Garden, every Wed 9 February– 30

March, 9.30am–11.30am • Brunet Meadow, Blue Mountains

Botanic Garden, every Fri 11

February–1 April, 10am–12noon Bring your little one along to explore, grow and develop in nature. Each week’s program is a combination of nature-based activities, games and stories, combined with supervised free-play time. Suitable for children aged 2.5–5 years and their carers. Bookings essential. MC NM Single Class $18, Full Term Pass $126 botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On australianbotanicgarden.com.au/ What-s-On/Seedlings-Nature-School bluemountainsbotanicgarden.com.au/ what-s-on/Seedlings-Nature-School

MINDFUL YOGA CLASSES IN THE GARDEN Bowden Centre & PlantBank, Australian Botanic Garden Led by Shanti Meera of Aum Unlimited Yoga. There will be a five-week mini-term from 14 Nov. Suitable for beginners and mixed-level experience ages 14+

M NM $188 for 10 weeks; $126 for five weeks, aumunlimited.com

MEMBERS ONLY

HELPING HANDS Discover the work that goes into maintaining the Gardens and learn from the horticulture staff, taking direction from the team. Please wear sturdy boots and bring a hat, gloves, sunscreen and water. Join online as a Foundation & Friends member to participate in this exclusive and fun activity. Members Only

F BF i Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah Education Centre Wed 1 December, Wed 2 February, 8.30am–12noon Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan Meet at the main car park Wed 8 December, Wed 9 February, 8.30am–12noon Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Foundation & Friends Terrace Thu 16 December, Thu 17 February, 8.45am–12noon botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On

Foundation and Friends of the Botanic Gardens Ltd, Cottage 6, Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney 2000 Phone: (02) 9231 8182 Chief Executive Officer: Peter Thomas foundation.friends@botanicgardens.nsw.gov.au botanicgardens.org.au/foundationandfriends Office hours: Mon–Thu, 9am–3pm facebook.com/FoundationandFriends instagram.com/FoundationandFriends

EDITORIAL Editor: David Carroll Designer: Lauren Sutherland Coordinator: Helen Goodall Arts writer: Sue Wannan Scientific advisers: Dr Marco Duretto, Dr Brett Summerell and John Siemon Regular contributors: Dr Brett Summerell, Miguel Garcia, Margaret Hanks, David Laughlin, Ryan Newett and John Siemon

Printer: Bright Print Group Print Post approved: PP 100004091 ISSN 1324 - 8219 Printed in Australia on paper made from FSC-certified and other controlled materials.

FSC® helps take care of the forests, and the people and wildlife that call them home.

Foundation and Friends of the Botanic Gardens supports the important work and programs across your Botanic Gardens – the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan and the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah. Our mission is to grow a strong, supportive community to advocate and raise funds for our Botanic Gardens and their vital horticultural, scientific, education and conservation work.

Join our vibrant community of members today by phoning (02) 9231-8182 or visiting rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/Join-Support/Foundationand-Friends-of-the-Botanic-Gardens