What’s on Your guide to activities and events

WHAT’S ON

Here is just a taste of what is on offer during winter across our three Gardens. 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 can be booked online or by calling (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.

EXHIBITION & CONCERT

TIDELINE Presented by Cilla Campbell, Bathurst Street Printmakers & Creative Outdoor Group The Calyx, Royal Botanic Garden Mon 20 June–Sun 26 June, 10am-4pm Tideline is an imaginative exhibition of works on paper in response to the current Inside the Tide exhibition in The Calyx. It showcases linocuts and monoprints, in addition to pastel, watercolour and charcoal, and ink drawings. All artists have been mentored by Cilla Campbell.

F botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On BACH AT THE CALYX, Concert Series The Calyx, Royal Botanic Garden, Sun 5 June & Sun 3 July, 3pm Please join us for two free and interactive Sunday afternoon classical music concerts featuring the works of J.S. Bach against the spectacular backdrop of the Inside the Tide exhibition. The program will feature some of Australia's leading classical artists and freelance musicians from ensembles such as the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra and the Pinchgut Opera. These matinee concerts are family-friendly and run for 40 minutes. Entry by donation. 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

FOUNDATIONAL GARDENING SKILLS WORKSHOPS Rathborne Lodge, Royal Botanic Garden • Basic Botany for Beginners

Sat 4 June, 9.30am–3.30pm • Soil Science for Gardeners

Sat 2 July, 9.30am–3.30pm • Plant Nutrition & Watering

Sat 6 August, 9.30am–3.30pm Enhance your gardening skills with workshops led by the Garden's experts. Examine plants, and learn about plant needs for gardening success. Suitable for adults

M $162 NM $180 per workshop botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On BOTANICAL WATERCOLOUR INTENSIVE WORKSHOP with Beverly Allen Maiden Theatre, Royal Botanic Garden Tue 21–Fri 24 June, 9.30am–4pm Working with one plant subject, this class will build skills through the demonstration of watercolour techniques – from initial washes, to dry brush detail and finishing. The emphasis will be on close observation, accurate drawing, the subtleties of colour and the use of light. For intermediate to advanced students, or those with drawing skills.

M $530 NM $570 MT L i BF botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On

A VISUAL FEAST ART CLASS with Charlotte Thodey Maiden Theatre, Royal Botanic Garden Tue 23–Wed 24 August, 9.30am–4pm This two-day acrylic art class with popular tutor Charlotte Thodey will look at the basis of drawing and composition. The course emphasis will be on the close-up observation of nature and light, and careful layering of colour to capture any illumination and reveal the fleshy essence of the fruit. You will be able to explore your individual style.

M $300 NM $340 MT L i BF botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On FIRST NATIONS WEAVING AND FEMMES EXHIBITION Weaving, Wine and Wander The Calyx, Royal Botanic Garden Tue 23 August, 5.30pm–7.30pm This workshop combines traditional First Nations’ weaving skills with a chance to view the contemporary Fleurs de Villes FEMMES exhibition. First Nations educators will lead you through the process of collection, preparation and weaving. Take home your own woven piece and some newly-acquired skills. Suitable for 18+

M NM $70 botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On IKEBANA WORKSHOP with Hiroko Prado Maiden Theatre, Royal Botanic Garden Tue 19 July, 10am–12.45pm Learn ikebana from Hiroko Prado, the Director of Sogetsu Sydney and President of the Ikebana International Sydney Chapter. You’ll learn the history and fundamentals of this beautiful Japanese art of flower arranging using leaves, flowers, branches, stems and fruit. Hiroko will also teach members of the class how to handle different ikebana tools and materials.

M $150 NM $170 L MP i BF botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF PROPAGATION with Greg Lamont Maiden Theatre, Royal Botanic Garden Sat 27 August, 9.30am–12.30pm Join Greg Lamont, expert horticulturist and Growing Friends volunteer, to learn how to propagate plant species from the Garden’s living collection. You’ll learn how to take cuttings from a range of plants, and gain an understanding of potting mixes and plant care. Students will participate in hands-on propagating with take-home samples.

M $70 NM $85 MT MP i BF botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On

NATURE THERAPY • Visitor Centre, Royal Botanic

Garden Sun 5 & 19 June, Sun 3, 17 & 31 July, Sun 14 & 28

August, 10am–12noon • Visitors Centre, Australian

Botanic Garden, Sun 12 June,

Sun 10 July, Sun 7 August, 10am–12noon • Visitors Centre, Blue Mountains

Botanic Garden, Sat 20 August, 11am–1pm Slow down and connect with nature! Be gently guided through a series of sensory experiences, mindfulness, quiet aware walking and nature appreciation to help promote slowing down, nature connection and relaxation. 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 ROYAL WALK WITH HIGH TEA Lion Gate Lodge Royal Botanic Garden Thu 9 June, 1.30pm–4pm Inspired by the Queen's Birthday long weekend, join our volunteer guides for this fascinating tour about the royals from across the globe who have visited our Garden. The tour will conclude with a delicious high tea and glass of sparkling wine. Pictured above is Queen Elizabeth II who in 1954 planted a Melaleuca leucandendra (Weeping Paperbark) at Government House.

M $60 NM $70 L i BF botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On

ABORIGINAL RIGHTS & FREEDOMS NAIDOC TOUR • Royal Botanic Garden

Tue 5 July 10am–11.30am & Tue 12 July 1pm–2.30pm • Australian Botanic Garden

Mon 11 July 10am–12pm & 1pm–3pm In line with this year’s NAIDOC theme Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!, explore our Indigenous gardens and learn about First Nations peoples in their journey for sovereignty, justice and freedom. Participants will also create Aboriginal flags, headbands and more.

M $16 NM $18 botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On MEET OUR EXTRAORDINARY TREES WALK Maiden Theatre Royal Botanic Garden Sun 31 July, 1.30pm–4pm Spend National Tree Day exploring the extraordinary trees that live in the heart of Sydney! The Royal Botanic Garden is home to some of Sydney’s oldest, most valuable and rarest trees. You will also meet Peter Martin, a brilliant wood-turner who creates wonderful treasures from the Garden’s salvaged trees. Afternoon tea included.

M $35 NM $45 R i BF botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On GHOSTLY GARDEN Woolloomooloo Gate Royal Botanic Garden Fri evenings at sunset, 10 & 24 June, 8 & 22 July, 12 & 26 August Take a twilight adventure through the Garden in this spine-tingling event. Hear spooky and kooky stories and strange happenings from the Royal Botanic Garden's past, as Grey-headed Flying-foxes flit above your head and Powerful Owl's 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

ABORIGINAL BUSH TUCKER TOUR & ABORIGINAL HARBOUR HERITAGE TOUR Meet at Garden Shop Royal Botanic Garden • Every Thu, Fri & Sat, 11am & 1pm • Sunset tour every Fri Our guides will immerse you in the rich Aboriginal culture of the traditional custodians of the Sydney city area, the Gadigal. Discover the many 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

MC NC $25 botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On

DAFFODIL COACH TOUR Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, departing Sydney Central Station Thu 18 August, 8.30am–4pm Celebrate spring in the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah as it bursts into life with seas of golden daffodils. Nearly 100,000 daffodil bulbs cover the Garden, and this coach tour is the perfect, convenient opportunity to appreciate and explore these rays of sunshine. Hear from expert horticulturalists and meet the Garden Curator for an update on this world-class cool-climate garden. Transport included.

M $130 NM $150 L i BF 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 Feature writers: Dr Brett Summerell (Botanical Science), John Siemon (Horticulture), Sue Wannan (Arts) and Miguel Garcia (History) Scientific adviser: Dr Russell Barrett Regular contributors: Raoul de Ferranti, Carol Griesser, Margaret Hanks, Jarryd Kelly, Greg Lamont, David Laughlin, Simon Reid and Marion Whitehead

KIDS’ ACTIVITIES

KIDS IN THE GARDEN Across the three Gardens Various dates, June–August Join us for a school holiday program of paid and free activities. MC NC botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On

SEEDLINGS NATURE SCHOOL • Royal Botanic Garden

Every Tue 7–28 June or every

Thu 2–23 June, 10am–12noon • Australian Botanic Garden

Every Wed 1, 8, 15 & 22 June, 9.30am–11.30am • Blue Mountains Botanic Garden

Every Fri 3, 10, 17 & 24 June, 10am–12noon Suitable for 2.5–5 years and carers. Bookings essential. MC NC 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

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 June, Wed 6 July, Wed 3 August 8.30am–12noon Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan Meet at the main car park Wed 8 June, Wed 13 July, Wed 10 August 8.30am–12noon Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Foundation & Friends Terrace Thu 16 June, Thu 21 July, Thu 18 August 8.45am–12noon botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On

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.

BECOME A MEMBER 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 Membership fees: Standard $70, Concession/student $60, Household $95, Household concession $80

The Botanic Gardens are a last line of defence for threatened plants. Donate today

So much of what your Gardens achieves in securing the future of our threatened plants relies on the support of our members and donors. Please consider a tax time gift today. You can donate online at botanicgardens.org.au/donate-eofy or by using the QR code. Thank you for your amazing support.