What’s on Your guide to activities and events

WHAT’S ON

Here is just a taste of what is on offer during autumn 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.

CLASSES, WORKSHOPS & TALKS

ASTRONOMY AT THE CALYX The Calyx, Royal Botanic Garden Tue 5 April, 6.30–9pm 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 far from Earth. Renowned astronomer Fred Watson will then take you on a journey to ‘other’ worlds. Hear about the interesting planets we have found out there. Suitable for 18+

M $37 NM $41 botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On SEASONAL HARVEST ART CLASS with Charlotte Thodey Maiden Theatre, Royal Botanic Garden, Thu 28–Fri 29 Apr, 9.30am–4pm This two-day art class with popular tutor Charlotte Thodey is a practical search for solutions in the ‘still life’ genre, with an emphasis on composition, tone and colour. Explore your individual style, ranging from a loose open brush, to a finely detailed work. We use seasonal fruit, foliage, vegetables, china and linen as props. Learn to make big decisions about small things, and clear the mind.

M $300 NM $340 MT L 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

PICKLING with Cornersmith The Calyx, Royal Botanic Garden Sat 30 April, 10.30am-12.30pm Pickling is the perfect way to preserve the season and Alex Elliott-Howrey from Cornersmith is the perfect teacher! Whether you are taking advantage of good market prices, making the most of your garden glut or wanting to practise sustainable gifting, this workshop will get you pickling for life. Suitable for 12+

M $160 NM $165 botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On

JELLYFISH SUCCULENT HANGING BASKET The Calyx, Royal Botanic Garden Sat 14 May, 10.30am-12.30pm Join a Royal Botanic Garden horticulture expert to learn how to make an enchanting jellyfish hanging basket, inspired by the Inside the Tide exhibition. These gorgeous garden sculptures are a great way to capture a touch of the sea, inside or outside your home! You will get to take home your very own jellyfish garden sculpture. Suitable for 12+

M $105 NM $110 MP botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On ESSENTIAL OIL BLENDING WORKSHOP The Calyx, Royal Botanic Garden Sat 7 May, 1.30pm-3.30pm Join the team from Sage Cosmetic Coaching for an afternoon discovering botanical scents. You will learn the art of blending essential oils and create your own natural roll-on perfume and matching scented moisturiser. The perfect activity for lovers of nature, perfumery and natural products, this workshop will delight the senses. Suitable for 12+

M $45 NM $50 botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On PLEIN AIR PAINTING with Toni Mcdowell Maiden Theatre Royal Botanic Garden Thu 12–Fri 13 May, 9.30am–4pm Paint the landscape like a French Impressionist! It’s a rewarding artistic experience that takes a few simple techniques to master with the help of Toni McDowell, finalist in the NSW Parliament House Plein Air Painting prize.

M $280 NM $320

MT L i BF botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On

FUNGI IN BOTANICAL ART with Anna Voytsekhovich Maiden Theatre, Royal Botanic Garden, Fri 20–Sun 22 May, 9.30am–4pm In this three-day workshop with botanical artist Anna Voytsekhovich you will cover new and interesting facts about Australian fungi while producing an eye-catching and aesthetically pleasing botanical watercolour painting of fungi. Anna will demonstrate different watercolour techniques used in botanical art, explain the difference in materials and styles, and help you produce a preliminary drawing of your selected fungi to produce your final painting.

M $400 NM $440 R i BF botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On

Jack Buckley Helen Shin

ARTISANS IN THE GARDENS EXHIBITION OPENING NIGHT Lion Gate Lodge Royal Botanic Garden Fri 25 March, 6pm–8pm View the much-anticipated Artisans in the Gardens exhibition in-person, before the general public. Mingle with the artists, sip on a glass of wine, enjoy delicious canapés and shop for exquisite, one-of-a-kind pieces. The exhibition will feature sculpture, ceramics, hand blown glass, jewellery, textiles and more.

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

Jason Macdonald

ARTISANS SHOPPER POWER HOUR Lion Gate Lodge Royal Botanic Garden Sat 26 March, 9am–10am The early bird catches the worm! The doors will open an hour early on the first public day of the exhibition for those who want to buy ahead of the crowds during this exclusive event. Numbers are capped for this special event.

M $20 NM $25 i BF botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On ARTISANS IN THE GARDENS EXHIBITION Lion Gate Lodge, Royal Botanic Garden, Sat 26 March–Sun 3 April, 10am–4pm The in-person celebration of this exciting and diverse art exhibition will feature more than 2,000 artworks across the mediums of sculpture, ceramics, hand-blown glass, jewellery and textiles. The pieces are thought provoking, awe-inspiring, functional and beautiful pieces of art. The artistic inspiration for the works draws on the intrinsic beauty of nature as well as current environmental issues and sustainability. All items are for sale with proceeds going to the artists and to assisting F&F continue supporting horticulture, conservation, scientific research and educational programs within your Botanic Gardens. Suitable for ages 10+ F botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On

A WANDER IN THE PAPER ARTISTS’ GARDEN with Colleen Southwell Maiden Theatre, Royal Botanic Garden, Sat 26 Mar, 11am–1pm Paper sculpture artist Colleen Southwell draws on a background in horticulture and connection to the land to create her finely detailed botanical works. Colleen will take you on a storytelling wander through her country garden, its characters, and her tin cottage studio, exploring how her daily and seasonal connection to the life around her guides her work and informs her process. You’re sure to enjoy this discussion about the pleasures of taking time to pause, observe and appreciate the natural world.

M $50 NM $65 BF botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On

ARTISANS X ARCHIE ROSE DISTILLING CO Lion Gate Lodge, Royal Botanic Garden Fri 1 April, 5.30pm–8pm Foundation & Friends and Archie Rose Distilling Co. present a night to enjoy a cocktail or two, while immersing yourself in the talent of Australian artists at Artisans in the Gardens. Enjoy appetising canapés with some delicious cocktails. Your ticket will include one Archie Rose cocktail, with additional drinks available for purchase on the night.

M $50 NM $60 i BF botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On

WIRE AND NATURE with Harriet Goodall Maiden Theatre Royal Botanic Garden Sat 2 April, 1.30pm–4.30pm & Sun 3 April 9.30am–12.30pm Join Artisans weaver Harriet Goodall for a two-session weaving class. Create woven free-form wire cocoon-like pods embellished with simple embroidery or ink. The sculpture can be suspended off a branch or elevated on a stand.

M $250 NM $270 i BF botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On PEARL BEACH ARBORETUM Marijke Greenway The Calyx, Royal Botanic Garden Mon 28 February–Sun 20 March, 10am–4pm This exhibition features works inspired by the trees, palms, ponds and wildlife of Pearl Beach Arboretum. The artist has painted en plein air scenery and encaustic works (made of beeswax and coloured oils, using a blowtorch instead of a brush), creating works with textured unexpected delights. F botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On

FROM THE HIVE… SWARMING TO THE CALYX Marijke Gilchrist The Calyx, Royal Botanic Garden Mon 4–Sun 24 April, 10am-4pm Experience the rich, luminous and ethereal qualities of encaustic paintings – created by fusing layers of beeswax, natural resin and pigment with a high-heat source. The exhibition is a truly sensory experience of sight, touch and smell. These works capture the diversity of the Australian landscape – from the trees to the sea, with the outback in between.

F botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On EDDI KEWLEY & OCEA WITHEROW Joint Exhibition The Calyx, Royal Botanic Garden Mon 21 March–Sun 3 April, 10am-4pm In this joint exhibition of grandmother and granddaughter, Eddi Kewley takes a humorous look at cows and the beauty of birds, while Ocea Witherow explores fantasy, frogmen and fungi. Eddi’s exhibition features works on furniture, canvas and paper, while Ocea is exhibiting works in pen and ink on paper. This exhibition is inspired by the world around us and magic moments in time.

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

A FLASH OF RED Jean Dennis The Calyx, Royal Botanic Garden Mon 25–Sun 8 May, 10am-4pm The title of this exhibition featuring the genus Brachychiton refers to the artist’s first sighting of a red flower in otherwise dry-brown bush. On display are life-sized watercolours of trees and shrubs of the Indigenous Brachychiton genus, comprising part of a significant collection of paintings of this little-known genus. F botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On

NATURE THERAPY WALKS • Visitor Centre, Royal Botanic Garden 20 March, 24 April, 22 May, 10am–12noon • Visitors Centre, Australian Botanic Garden 6 March, 10 April, 8 May, 10am–12noon • Visitors Centre, Blue Mountains Botanic Garden 12 March, 9 April, 7 May, 11am–1pm 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, 11 & 25 March, 8 & 22 April, 13 & 27 May 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 BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE PLANTBANK Australian Botanic Garden Departing Sydney Central Station Tue 5 Apr, 8.45am–5pm Australia has lost around one third of its rainforests in the last 200 years. Join Cathy Offord, Principal Research Scientist, and explore the Rainforest Conservation Project and its unconventional methods for storing rainforest seeds. Transport included

M $80 NM $90 MT i BF botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On BREAKFAST WITH THE BIRDS Foundation & Friends Terrace, Royal Botanic Garden Thu 10 March, 7.30am–10am Join the volunteer guides for a magical morning birdwatching in the heart of Sydney, and learn about the many beautiful bird species that inhabit your Botanic Garden, including tawny frogmouth, white-necked heron and chestnut teal. The tour will conclude with a delicious breakfast. Please bring your binoculars, water and a hat or sunscreen.

M $30 NM $35 MT i BF botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On

BATS IN THE GARDEN Australian Botanic Garden Fri 6 May, 4.30pm What do bats have to do with Botanic Gardens? Featuring talks, walks and wildlife interaction, come along to find out! We will head out at twilight for a woodland walk, revealing the secret life of bats after dark and providing a unique opportunity to spot lots of other interesting nocturnal wildlife rarely seen inside the Australian Botanic Garden. Suitable for 5+

M NM $25 MC NM $15 australianbotanicgarden.com.au/Whats-On

MOTHER’S DAY PERFUME WALK Maiden Theatre, Royal Botanic Garden Sun 8 May, 1pm–4pm Unravel the mysteries of perfume while exploring the Garden’s most fragrant plants. Join perfume consultant Catherine du Peloux Menage, who will discuss the sense of smell, the evolutionary purpose of perfumes in nature and the history of perfume.

M $50 NM $60 R i BF botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On

KIDS’ ACTIVITIES

KIDS IN THE GARDEN Across the three Gardens Various dates, 11 April–25 April Join us for a school holiday program of paid and free activities. MC NM botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On

SEEDLINGS NATURE SCHOOL • Royal Botanic Garden, every Thu 10 February–31 March, 10am–12noon • Australian Botanic Garden, every Wed 9 February– 30 March, 9.30am–11.30am • Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, every Tues 8 Feb - 29 March, 10am–12noon Suitable for 2.5–5 years and 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 ORCHID GUIDED WALK Maiden Theatre, Royal Botanic Garden Sat 28 May, 10.30am–1pm Orchids are the world’s second largest family of flowering plants, and they have entranced and excited us for generations with their beauty and desirability. Find out who else these flowers attract and learn more about how to grow them with a tour of the Garden’s orchid collection with specialist orchid volunteer Peter D’Olier and fellow orchid judge and volunteer guide, Jane D’Olier.

M $40 NM $50 MT i BF botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On

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 2 March, Wed 6 April, Wed 4 May 8.30am–12noon Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan Meet at the main car park Wed 9 March, Wed 13 April, Wed 11 May 8.30am–12noon Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Foundation & Friends Terrace Thu 17 March, Thu 21 April, Thu 19 May 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, Marion Whitehead, 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