10 minute read
WHAT’S ON
Here is just a taste of what is on offer across our three Gardens. For more information about events, and to book, visit botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On or just point your mobile device's camera at the QR code on this page, then tap the notification to open the link. Alternatively, phone us on (02) 9231 8182. All activities have been planned with your safety in mind, including social distancing and hygiene measures.
CLASSES & WORKSHOPS
Advertisement
Art Kintsugi Workshop
with Yoko Kawada
Royal Botanic Garden, Maiden Theatre
Thu 27 April or Fri 28 April, 10am–3pm
Join Yoko Kawada in the Garden for this unique hands-on workshop. Kintsugi is a century-old Japanese craftwork, where broken ceramic objects are pieced back together using lacquer and gold dust, finding beauty in imperfection. This process transforms rescued objects in a sustainable way to create a new piece of art. You will produce your own Kintsugi art to take home. Lunch is provided.
From $190
Still Life Painting With
ACRYLICS with Charlotte Thodey Maiden Theatre, Royal Botanic Garden
Wed 1–Thu 2 March, 9.30am–4pm
Autumn is harvest time and could there be a better way to celebrate? This still life workshop will focus on composition, tone and colour. Explore your individual style, ranging from a loose open brush to finely detailed work. You'll be making use of seasonal fruit, foliage, vegetables, china and linen as props. Learn to make big decisions about small things and clear the mind. Light lunch included.
From $300
En Plein Air
with Cilla Campbell
Royal Botanic Garden, Maiden Theatre
Wed 3, 10, 17 & 24 May, 10am–12.30pm
Over four Wednesday mornings, join artist Cilla Campbell for roaming plein air classes in the Garden. This course is for anyone wishing to draw in captivating surrounds guided by an en plein air artist and teacher. Using simple drawing techniques and minimal art materials, you will gain confidence to explore an endlessly fascinating subject. Price covers four classes and morning tea.
From $275
FRESH FLORAL JEWELLERY with
Peony Story
Royal Botanic Garden, Maiden Theatre
Thu 11 May, 2pm–4pm
In preparation for Mother’s Day, join the wonderful floristry team at Peony Story for a floral jewellery workshop that showcases the beauty of locally grown flowers. Using seasonal varieties, you’ll be encouraged to unbridle your inner-artist with expert guidance to create unique pieces of wearable accessories. A delicious afternoon tea will be provided.
From $175
CLASSES & WORKSHOPS
Reignite Your Creative Spark
with Sue Liu
Royal Botanic Garden, Maiden Theatre
Tue 16 May, 10.30am–1pm
"I’m not creative ...I used to draw, but I haven’t done it for a long time ...I’ve lost my creativity”. Does this sound like you? This powerful and practical workshop is designed to help those who feel creatively blocked, stuck for inspiration and wishing to reignite their artistic side. Facilitated by author and artist, Sue Liu (aka Wildcard Sue). Morning tea included.
From $75
Scrapbook Journal
with Johanna Clough
Royal Botanic Garden, Maiden Theatre
Sat 20–Sun 21 May, 10am–1.30pm
Join handmade book artist and paper designer Johanna Clough for this two-day workshop encompassing each step of making your very own handmade journal, sketchbook or scrapbook. Learn simple but effective book-binding techniques and skills to continue your new obsession independently! Suitable for beginners and experienced crafters. Materials and lunch included.
From $460
FUNGI IN BOTANICAL ART with Anna Voytsekhovich
Royal Botanic Garden, Maiden Theatre, Wed 24–Fri 26 May, 9.30am–4pm
Learn botanical art from Anna Voytsekhovich, a professional scientist, scientific illustrator, botanical artist and wildlife illustrator. During the workshop, you will learn about the main morphological groups of fungi and Anna will demonstrate different watercolour techniques. Students will produce an initial drawing of selected fungi, and learn what to include in a composition. Lunch included each day.
From $400
At The Australian Botanic Garden
LEARN FROM THE EXPERT –NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY
• Bird Photography
Sun 26 March, 8.15am–1pm
• Fungi (mushroom) Photography
Sun 23 April, 8.15am–1pm
• Plant Photography
Sun 28 May, 8.15am-1pm
Take your nature photography to the next level with nature lover and award-winning photographer, Glenn Smith.
$120
PROPAGATION WORKSHOP with Greg Lamont and Carol Griesser
Sat 15 April, 9.30am–12.30pm
Join horticultural adviser Greg Lamont and Growing Friends coordinator Carol Griesser for a morning of gardening. Learn the fundamentals of potting mixes and plant care, and how to prepare cuttings and seeds from a wide range of plants. Morning tea included.
From $70
ON THE EDGE: SPECIES AT RISK EXHIBITION & ASSOCIATED EVENTS
On The Edge Opening Night
Royal Botanic Garden, Lion Gate Lodge
Fri 17 March, 6pm–8pm
Join us for the celebratory opening night of our brand-new exhibition
On the Edge: Species at Risk. You'll get the opportunity to mingle with the participating artists and our three curators, enjoy Taylors' wines along with delicious canapés created by Radish Events, and shop for exquisite pieces of artwork before the general public in the beautiful gardens surrounding historic Lion Gate Lodge.
From $55
ON THE EDGE: SPECIES AT RISK EXHIBITION
Royal Botanic Garden, Lion Gate Lodge. Sat 18 March–Sun 2 April, 10am–4pm This exhibition explores nature in peril – highlighting Australian flora, fauna and habitats that are threatened by climate change, development, introduced species and other environmental issues. A diversity of endangered and vulnerable species and ecological communities are showcased across the mediums of painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, ceramics, woodwork and textiles. Each artwork will be accompanied by an artist's statement outlining the threat the species or environment is facing. Free
Food With Friends Caf
Royal Botanic Garden, Lion Gate Lodge
Sat 18 March & Sun 19 March, Wed 22 March–Sun 26 March, Wed 29 March–Sun 2 April, 10.30am–2.30pm
Visit the exhibition’s very own pop-up café where you can indulge in fresh coffee, sandwiches and delicious homemade treats right in the heart of our exhibition precinct. Take this opportunity to sit among the fine artworks, served by our incredible catering volunteers. All proceeds from the café will benefit our continued support of the Botanic Gardens.
PLANTS IN PERIL WALK –RARE & ENDANGERED PLANTS
Royal Botanic Garden, Foundation & Friends’ Terrace
Sat 18 March, 10.30am–12noon
Some 1,362 of Australia’s 22,500 vascular plants are listed as threatened at a national level and at least ten times this number by State and Territory jurisdictions. Join Paul Nicholson and volunteer guides Ann Webber and Pam Davis to discover some of the endangered plants in our living collection and what scientists are doing to conserve them.
From $40
On The Edge Exhibition Tour
with the Curators
Royal Botanic Garden, Lion Gate Lodge
Wed 22 March, 10.30am–11.30am
Mon 27 March, 2pm–3pm
Fri 31 March, 10.30am–11.30am
Sit in Lion Gate Lodge’s garden and enjoy a delightful morning or afternoon tea followed by a tour of the On the Edge: Species at Risk exhibition. Enjoy this exclusive small-group experience where you will be able to chat to a curator as she guides you through the exhibition.
From $30
On The Edge Expert Panel
with MC Costa Georgiadis
Royal Botanic Garden, Maiden Theatre
Thu 23 March, 3pm–4pm
Join Dr Brett Summerell, our Chief Scientist and Director Science, Education and Conservation; Professor Maria Byrne, aquatic species expert; and Dr Elspeth McLennan, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Koala Genome Survey, Sydney University. Learn about the latest conservation work. Costa Georgiadis, host of ABC’s Gardening Australia, will take questions from the floor.
From $40
Brunch With The Birds And Dr Holly Parsons
Royal Botanic Garden
Foundation & Friends’ Terrace
Thu 30 March, 7.30am–10.30am
Meet some of the the Royal Botanic Garden’s most noisy residents, the birds, with our expert volunteer guides and join Dr Holly Parsons from Birdlife Australia for a talk about our endangered feathered friends. The morning will conclude with a delicious brunch. Don’t forget to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring your binoculars.
From $45
Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub
by Jane Guthleben
From Field Notes To The Studio
with Jane Guthleben
Royal Botanic Garden, Maiden Theatre
Fri 24 March, 10am–3pm
Take notes in the field and develop them into paintings using the Garden as your inspiration. You will be guided in observing and recording endangered flora, using your detailed field notes to compose a painting back in the studio. All levels of experience are welcome. The class is led by artist Jane Guthleben who is exhibiting at On the Edge: Species at Risk. Light lunch included.
From $120
Decorate Your Own Chocolate Bilby
Royal Botanic Garden, Maiden Theatre
Sat 1 April, 11am–12noon
Decorate a chocolate bilby for Easter with a range of coloured icing, sprinkles, smarties and silver pearls. As you create your fantastic edible art, you’ll learn about our threatened species and the important programs our horticultural staff and scientists are engaged in to protect habitat. Perfect for all ages. Please note, children under 10 will need an adult’s help.
From $35
Beautiful Bricolage Birds
with Nichola Bryan
Royal Botanic Garden, Maiden Theatre
Sat 25 March, 12noon–4pm
Create a bird assemblage with upcycled plastics. Bricolage refers to art made from a diverse range of materials and in this workshop you’ll craft a bird in the form of a wall-hung relief. From design and composition through to selection, manipulation and the arrangement of materials, you will be guided by artist Nichola Bryan who is exhibiting at On the Edge: Species at Risk.
From $120
On The Edge High Tea
Royal Botanic Garden
Lion Gate Lodge
Sun 2 April, 2pm–4pm
You might have heard of the Threatened Species Bake Off? Well, this high tea takes the cake! Join us for the usual delicious fare of petit fours, finger sandwiches and the CWA's famous freshly-baked scones, with the added twist of some flora and fauna themed cup-cakes, bilby chocolates and more. You’ll love what our talented team of chefs has cooked up!
From $80
WALKS, TALKS & DAY TOUR
Aboriginal Harbour Heritage Tour
with First Nations Guides
Royal Botanic Garden, Visitor Centre
Every Thu, Fri & Sat (excl. public holidays), 11am–12noon
Our First Nations guides will immerse you in the rich Aboriginal culture of the traditional custodians of the Sydney city area, the Gadigal. Stroll along the Sydney Harbour foreshore and listen to stories of Gadigal lifestyle, traditions, history and connection to country & community.
From $27
SUNSET SPOTLIGHT
Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan Drive gate
Fri 14 April & Fri 21 April, sunset times vary
Immerse your senses on a nocturnal bushwalk through the Garden’s critically endangered woodland and learn about what makes this habitat so special. Join an experienced guide as we try out spotlighting and other field work techniques used by our scientists. Suitable for 8+ (children must be accompanied by a paying adult)
From $36
ABORIGINAL BUSH TUCKER with First Nations Guides
Royal Botanic Garden, Visitor Centre
Every Thu, Fri, Sat (excl. public holidays), 1pm–2pm Walk with a First Nations guide to learn more about Indigenous bush foods and how they were used traditionally and adapted to the modern plate and palate. You’ll also take in the Cadi Jam Ora garden to learn about some of the hottest bush foods on the market, all while tasting some goodies for yourself.
From $27
Sunset Spotlight
Royal Botanic Garden, Woolloomooloo Gate
12 & 19 April, 6.30pm–8pm
The Garden is an oasis waiting to be explored and night-time is the best time to do it! We'll visit biodiversity 'hotspots' 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. Suitable for 8+ (children must be accompanied by a paying adult)
From $36
AUTUMN COLOURS DAY TOUR
Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Thu 11 May, 8am–4pm
Celebrate autumn in the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah, as the Garden’s maples (Acer spp.) turn into burning hues of orange, yellow and red. This is your perfect, most convenient opportunity to explore the Garden’s expansive collection of 198 different maples and their vibrant autumn colours with and an expert horticulturalist. The tour will depart and return to Sydney’s Central Station. A delicious lunch is provided. Transport included.
From $200
KIDS’ HOLIDAY PROGRAM
Celebration
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
Royal Botanic Garden
From $16 per class
• Rainforest In A Jar
Tue 11 April or Wed 12 April 10am–11.30am or 12.30pm–2pm
Learn alongside our Garden educators to build a ‘Rainforest In A Jar’. Fern-tastic! Kids 5+ (must be accompanied by adult)
• Bush Tucker Pizzas with First Nations educator
Tue 11, Wed 12 or Thu 13 April 12.30pm–2pm
BLUE MOUNTAINS BOTANIC GARDEN
From $16
• Rainforest In A Jar
Thu 13 April, 10.30am–12noon or 1pm–2.30pm
Australian Botanic Garden
From $16 per class
• Art and Weaving with First Nations educator
Tue 18 April or Wed 19 April 12.30pm–2.30pm
• Shelters and Bushcraft
Thu 20 April or Fri 21 April 10am–11.30am
• Eco Art
Thu 20 April or Fri 21 April 12.30pm–2pm
Experiment with natural materials to create artworks.
FOUNDATION & FRIENDS’ 40TH ANNIVERSARY
• Blue Mountains Botanic Garden
Tue 7 March, 10.30am–12.30pm
• Royal Botanic Garden
Thu 27 April, 2pm–4pm
• Australian Botanic Garden
Wed 10 May, 10.30am–12.30pm
Join us to celebrate 40 years’ of shared vision and passion that has helped the Gardens remain among the world’s greatest scientific, educational, horticultural, cultural and recreational spaces. The celebrations will include a ceremonial tree planting, speeches and morning tea. RSVP via website or by contacting the office. Free for members.
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 in order to participate in this exclusive, enlightening, educational and fun activity. Free. Members Only Blue Mountains Botanic Garden
Mount Tomah, Education Centre
Wed 1 March, Wed 5 April, Wed 3 May 8.30am–12noon
Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan, meet at the main car park
Wed 8 March, Wed 12 April, Wed 10 May, 8.30am–12noon
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Foundation & Friends’ Terrace
Thu 16 March, Thu 20 April, Thu 18 May 8.30am–12noon
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, Antony Rivers and Marion Whitehead
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 botanicgardens.org.au/membership
Membership fees:
Standard $70, Concession/student $60, Household $95, Household concession $80
