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FOUNDATION & FRIENDS OF THE BOTANIC GARDEN
Foundation & Friends of the Botanic Gardens Ltd, Cottage 6, Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney 2000. Phone (02) 9231 8182
Interim CEO: Paul Thornley foundation.friends@botanicgardens.nsw.gov.au botanicgardens.org.au/foundation-and-friends
Office hours: Mon – Fri, 9am – 3pm
facebook.com/FoundationandFriends
Instagram.com/FoundationandFriends
linkedin.com/company/foundation-and-friends
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
We honour and respect all Elders and Traditional Custodians of the lands on which the Botanic Gardens of Sydney and Foundation & Friends stand. We acknowledge the profound significance of the enduring connection between the First Custodians and this land, recognising their vital care and stewardship for their country and its meaning to all who cherish and share in it.
Cover: Calochilus campestris by Anna Voytsekhovich
This page: Sunshine Blues by Judy Morris
by Matilda Smith, Curtis’s
Autumn News
Fond farewells and new faces
After 17 years as General Coordinator of Growing Friends, Raoul de Ferranti is stepping back from leadership but will continue to be an active part of the team. His contributions have been instrumental in maintaining and developing plant sales, and we wish him well as he enjoys more time with his twin grandchildren and passions of sailing and property regeneration.
Stepping into the role in 2025 is Liz Jeavons-Fellows, who is already engaging with each Growing Friends team member to understand their unique needs.
We also acknowledge Peter van Roekel for his dedication to the Growing Friends Database, Margaret Hanks for her foundational role in Growing Friends, Carol Griesser for over 20 years of leadership at Mount Annan, and Ann Rasmussen for volunteering with us for nearly 30 years including her long-standing coordination of the Information Booth. Foundation & Friends thrives because of its dedicated volunteers and we thank you all for your contributions.
End of year campaign update
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, the ‘Rewrite Our Botanical Future’ appeal raised an incredible $43,000 for the Botanic Gardens.
Your donations are already making a tangible impact, from purchasing 344 identification tags for threatened species to equipping horticulturalists with 72 professional secateurs for plant care.
These funds also support propagation trials, potted conservation collections, and ongoing plant care – vital for protecting Australia’s precious flora. Together, we’re creating a thriving future for our native species.
Top Image: Raoul de Ferranti, Greg Lamont and Carol Griesser
Photo: Csilla Swain
From the CEO
I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself. I’m originally from England, where my love of nature – and seasonal change – began.
My mother was a passionate gardener, and though my early career was in the natural sciences, I eventually found myself drawn to engineering and entrepreneurship, perhaps influenced by my father. After a winding journey, including 18 months as a Growing Friends member, I’m now in this exciting interim role – much to the surprise of my 94-year-old mother!
Since stepping into this role, we have already celebrated some wonderful milestones, including a record-breaking New Year’s Eve Picnic with a fantastic atmosphere on a perfect Sydney evening. I’d also like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to our endof-year appeal – your generosity supports the vital work of expanding and preserving the living collection.
A major highlight of the summer was the rare corpse flower bloom at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney – our first in 15 years. Known for its enormous size and distinctive scent, the bloom captivated thousands of visitors and reminded us of the fascinating ways plants adapt to their environments. Events like these
highlight the importance of conservation and our role in protecting rare and endangered species.
As I settle in, I want to share a few initial reflections. We are incredibly fortunate to have a community of passionate members, volunteers and staff, all deeply connected to the Gardens and committed to conservation and biodiversity. My role, as I see it, is to support our staff in being as effective as possible, enable our volunteers to contribute in meaningful ways, and ensure our members continue to enjoy enriching events, exhibitions and experiences.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Pete Thomas for his dedication over the past four years as CEO of Foundation & Friends. His leadership and commitment have made a lasting impact, and we are grateful for his contributions.
Looking ahead, we have an exciting season, including the Botanica Exhibition in April and a range of engaging activities for members and donors. I look forward to connecting with many of you and working together to ensure the continued success of Foundation & Friends.
PAUL THORLEY, INTERIM CEO, FOUNDATION & FRIENDS
Growing Friends Fern-mometer
We're on a mission to raise $100,000 to create a beautiful raised boardwalk in the heart of the Camellia Garden. This addition will make the garden more accessible for everyone, protect the plants, and highlight the beauty of the Theaceae family. Alongside the boardwalk, we’ll add inviting pathways, educational signage, and thoughtful landscaping to ensure every visitor enjoys an inspiring and unforgettable experience at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Even more reasons to visit Growing Friends plant sales and purchase some new treasures this season. To find out more please visit botanicgardens.org.au/get-involved
Photo: Foundation & Friends
A night to remember
Record attendance and incredible support at our New Year's Eve Picnic.
As the sun set over the stunning Royal Botanic Garden, a record-breaking 3,800 guests gathered to welcome 2025 at our annual New Year’s Eve Picnic. With breathtaking views, entertainment, and a vibrant atmosphere, the night was truly unforgettable.
Thanks to your generosity, we raised $600,000, directly supporting the Botanic Gardens' vital conservation efforts, groundbreaking scientific research, and educational programs that inspire future generations. Your support helps ensure that these green spaces remain thriving havens for biodiversity and community connection.
We hope you had an incredible evening celebrating under the stars and fireworks with us. Relive the magic by browsing photos from the night at: www.flickr.com/photos/199874433@N05/
A year of music at the amphitheatre
One year ago, our new amphitheatre opened in the heart of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, providing a space for music students to practice and perform. Thanks to the generosity of benefactor Robert Constable and his family, along with supporters of Foundation & Friends, this 80-seat venue has become a popular spot with students and visitors.
Located behind the Sydney Conservatorium of Music near the Herb Garden and Pavilion, the amphitheatre was designed to support both musicians and Garden enthusiasts. Over the past year, students from the Conservatorium have used it as a practice space and performed lunchtime concerts for members of the public.
For benefactor Robert Constable, the amphitheatre is the perfect blend of two passions – gardens and music. He developed a love of gardens in England, where he was working after graduating, alongside a passion for music, regularly visiting Albert Hall and Festival Hall to enjoy orchestral music. His vision has now come to life, with the amphitheatre providing an opportunity for young musicians to refine their craft in an inspiring outdoor setting. With tiered grass seating and additional informal seating around the perimeter, there is plenty of room for visitors to enjoy the amphitheatre, which has become a cherished addition to the Garden. A year on, it stands as a testament to the power of philanthropy and the enduring magic of music and nature.
Top: Enjoying a free concert by Sydney Conservatorium of Music students
Bottom: The Constables with former Botanic Gardens CE Denise Ora
Photo: Botanic Gardens of Sydney
Photo: Flynn Boundy
THE OUTDOOR CLASSROOM: Bringing Kids Closer to Nature
Kate Heywood, Head of Education, discusses the Access Education initiative, which allows school students to enjoy free excursions at Botanic Gardens of Sydney.
The recently launched Access Education initiative gives eligible schools the opportunity to participate in educational excursions in the three botanic gardens – for free. Thanks to your support of Artisans in the Gardens, Foundation & Friends were able to donate $27,000 to this important program.
Which schools are eligible for the Education Access Program?
Schools with students from lower socio-economic backgrounds are eligible. The Index of Community Socio-educational Advantage (ICSEA) is a scale of socio-educational advantage that is determined for each school. Schools with an ICSEA at or lower than 1,000 are eligible.
What kind of topics and activities are covered?
School programs allow children to learn about nature, in nature. Each program is designed to enhance aspects of the Australian Curriculum, especially Science, Geography and History. We are an outdoor education provider, so our excursions take place in the Gardens and encourage children to interact with the Living Collections of plants. Children visiting the Gardens for excursions are on the lands of the traditional custodians, and many of our excursions incorporate First Nations’ knowledges and perspectives.
Can you describe a typical excursion?
We have excursions for children of all ages from early learners through to primary and secondary students. Typically, children arrive at one of our Gardens in the morning where they sit amongst beautiful trees and plants to have their morning tea. Our Botanic Gardens
of Sydney educators then lead them on an inquirybased learning experience in the Gardens. Usually the content of the excursion will enhance some of the learning that the children have been doing at school.
One of our newly developed excursions is for Early Stage 1 (Kindergarten) – Big Rain Coming. This experience allows children to discover and explore how First Nations people read and understand daily and seasonal weather changes, and how this affects the places and environments around us.
What kind of response has there been from children and educators?
Students and teachers who come on excursions to Botanic Gardens of Sydney give overwhelmingly positive feedback on their experiences. We are hoping that the Access Education program will allow even more children and teachers to experience awe and wonder at the power of plants.
Is there a part of the excursion that children particularly enjoy?
Children love learning about the different ways First Nations people use plants, from food to tools and weapons. Dip netting in the ponds is always fun; discovering what creatures inhabit the watery parts of the Gardens.
How has the funding from Foundation & Friends supported the program?
The $27,000 that was raised by Foundation & Friends will cover the cost of excursions for over 60 classes of children. That’s over 1800 children who can potentially experience an excursion at one of our Gardens – for free!
WORKING TOWARDS A
Nature positive future
Professor
Brett Summerell AM, Chief Scientist and Director Science, Education and Conservation, discusses the importance of nature repair, whether achieving a nature positive future is possible, and the role the Botanic Gardens plays in this vital effort.
A lot has been said about the concept of nature repair and how we, as a community, can live in a way that is more ‘nature positive’. This is being reflected in various legislations being proposed, developed and implemented at both a State and Federal level, and has been a focus at several international meetings throughout 2024.
At the Global Nature Positive Summit held in Sydney last October, the aim of the summit was to “accelerate collective action to drive investment in nature and strengthen activities to protect and repair our environment”. These are grand ambitions, although somewhat difficult to interpret and define. Nonetheless, there were good opportunities to interact with a range of different organisations, locally and globally, and highlight some of the programs that we currently have under way.
Maurizio Rossetto
How do we define ‘nature positive’?
So what does ‘nature positive’ and ‘nature repair’ mean –and what is hoped to be achieved in response to these concepts? A nature positive approach should enhance biodiversity, fix carbon from the atmosphere, purify water and reduce pandemic risk. In short, it should enhance the resilience of our planet, ecosystems and societies. Unfortunately, there are no solid definitions of what nature repair looks like and there has been a tendency to focus on economically driven programs involving a nature repair market.
One policy that was adopted at COP16 (the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity) was an updated Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC), which is part of the Global Biodiversity Framework and, as the name implies, highlights the actions related to plant conservation that are needed to enhance biodiversity outcomes. The GSPC has guided the plant conservation activities of botanic gardens around the world since 2000 and is based around a number of themes ranging from documenting plant diversity, restoring ecosystems and educating the community about the importance of plants and conservation. The GSPC is a voluntary strategy and as such countries are not obligated to follow it. Unfortunately this can result in a reluctance to take serious steps to implement the actions outlined.
Key components of the Global Biodiversity Framework include the ‘30 by 30’ target – the protection and conservation of 30 per cent of the world’s land and 30 per cent of the world’s oceans by 2030. Also included is a requirement that by 2030 at least 30 per cent of areas of degraded terrestrial, inland water, and marine and coastal ecosystems are under effective restoration, in order to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem functions and services, ecological integrity and connectivity. The GSPC addresses how organisations like the Botanic Gardens of Sydney can respond to these challenges.
Dr Jason Bragg from the Research Centre for Ecosystem Resilience (ReCER) sampling mangrove for genomic studies.
Photo:
“A nature positive approach should enhance the resilience of our planet, our ecosystems and ultimately our societies.“
PROFESSOR BRETT SUMMERELL AM
How the Botanic Gardens play a part
Our research and actions with respect to plant conservation have long been focused on naturepositive outcomes that lead to nature repair. This is predominantly with a focus on conserving plants in nature, understanding the underlying principles that define plant diversity and the evolutionary processes that lead to species arising, and providing scientific infrastructure (laboratories, nurseries and living and preserved collections) that are used for research and to document the diversity of plants. This is supported by a diversity of education programs that foster a love of plants, highlight the need to live sustainably, and have a strong commitment to consultation with our First Nations people and communities.
It is critical to address the biodiversity and climate crises if we wish to create meaningful impact, by reducing emissions while halting biodiversity losses. The key elements to repairing nature are to prevent further degradation by halting land clearing and removal of vegetation, addressing the processes that threaten species (weeds, diseases and climate change), and to restore ecosystems in a way that
is sustainable and ensures they are resilient. This is easier said than done, especially in a short timeframe. Our role is to develop information, techniques and scientific knowledge to support these objectives. In recent years we have focused on accumulating knowledge and technology to support the restoration of ecosystems and recovery of threatened species. This ranges from programs documenting the diversity of species in ecosystems to high-level genomic understanding of species to ensure restoration results in genetically viable, climate-resilient populations.
We are focused on combining such programs with conservation horticultural activities. This allows us to use seed and propagation material we have collected at the Australian PlantBank, grow them in a way that complies with the biosecurity protocols developed at the PlantClinic and ensure the pedigree of the plants are confirmed by the team at Research Centre for Ecosystem Resilience (ReCER). To do this, we need to expand and enhance the nursery facilities at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan. A proposal for a nature restoration nursery has been developed and, if achieved, will allow us to ramp up our commitment to practically repair nature.
Stefanie Carusi from the Seedbank and Conservation team collects seeds
Photo: Dr Nathan Emery
CREATING THE NEW SOUTH WALES PLANT Tree of Life Project
By Dr Russell Barrett and the Plant Discovery and Evolution Research team
A tree of life describes pathways of common descent and relationships amongst organisms, referred to as a ‘phylogenetic tree’ by biologists. Dr Russell Barrett explains how he and the Plant Discovery and Evolution Research team plan to create the first ever ‘tree of life’ for all native plant species in NSW using the latest genome-sequencing technology.
The New South Wales Plant Tree of Life (NSWPToL) project developed as Plant Diversity and Evolution and Collection teams prepared to move the herbarium to Mount Annan. We wanted to make best use of the facilities and resources available in the new National Herbarium of New South Wales, combining the skills and expertise of our teams. Critical factors included addressing key priorities of the NSW government as well as the needs of on-ground workers for practical outcomes from our research, matching our world-class resources and expertise with areas of greatest need.
Why create a Plant Tree of Life?
In an age of scientific scepticism, we are frequently asked about the practical benefits of our research and its relevance to everyday people. Researchers at the National Herbarium of New South Wales work at the core of biodiversity knowledge, understanding species, their origins,
relationships and geographic distributions, all of which are critical to conservation efforts.
Plant classifications based on evolutionary relationships underpin our herbarium collection, valued at over $350 million, including their physical order and management. Looking at the herbarium’s history, as Australia's oldest scientific institution, we realised our collective taxonomic expertise has never covered all of the vast plant groups in our collection, and it is unlikely that it ever will. A new approach to plant systematics is needed.
New South Wales does not exist in isolation, and our chosen methodology has been proven and utilised at national and global levels. The Plant and Fungal Tree of Life project led by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, recently published a paper in world's leading multidisciplinary science journal, Nature, recognising the globally significant value of DNA data. Australian herbaria made significant contributions, including 12 researchers from the National Herbarium of New South Wales (see The Gardens 142, Spring 2024 issue, pages 10-11).
Key to success are new, highly reliable genetic methods with proven results obtaining DNA from specimens up to 240 years old. We have successfully sequenced two presumed extinct species in the genus Pultenaea (peas), one specimen being 120 years old. As our herbarium has the best representation of the
Photo: Ian Brown
“Stage one of our NSWPToL project, for which we are currently seeking
funding for three new staff and sequencing costs for five years, will sequence all native seed plants in NSW (about 7,000 species and subspecies).“
While over 120 years old, this presumed extinct pea specimen still yielded high-quality genomic DNA, enabling its relationships to be critically assessed.
NSW flora anywhere in the world, our organisation is best placed to deliver this critical project.
The project will serve not only our own organisational needs for curation and research, but also workers in the fields of ecology, conservation and evolution. Combined with planned upgrades to the NSW Flora Online (PlantNET), building the NSWPToL will provide unprecedented global access to detailed knowledge of the NSW flora, informing future research in unprecedented ways.
Harvesting fragments from herbarium specimens requires a level of destructive sampling, however with only 20 milligrams of plant material needed to extract genomic DNA, impacts on precious collections are minimal. The sampling of 10,000 herbarium specimens will require extensive collaboration between our curation and research teams.
DNA sequencing technology, for the first time, provides us with a cost-effective tool for assessing our entire flora with a uniform approach. Stage one of our NSWPToL project, for which we are currently seeking funding for three new staff and sequencing costs for five years, will sequence all native seed plants in NSW (about 7,000 species and subspecies). Ultimately, we hope to sample from multiple specimens of all species to reveal genetic diversity within and between species.
Leading the way
It is clear from the 2024 International Botanical Congress in Madrid that our plans are some of the most advanced in the World. As leaders in plant phylogenomics, our efforts to create a NSWPToL will create invaluable data for researchers globally.
Evolutionary histories can explain why plants grow where they do, and how they breed. Mapping the shared DNA of NSW plant species will help us understand which plant lineages survived and thrived during our geological past, and which were forced into refugia during climatic shifts, greatly enhancing our ability to focus our conservation resources.
We will add value to collections already enhanced through photographic digitisation, which captured high resolution images of each herbarium specimen. We will now be unlocking their very DNA – the invaluable information hidden within their cells.
The NSWPToL therefore represents a fundamental unit of knowledge and digital infrastructure that our current and future researchers need. We are seeking funding now, as our new herbarium is settled, digitisation is complete, and advanced genomic methods are proven. We believe the NSWPToL will be a cost-effective investment in the future of our state’s precious biodiversity that will pay for itself many times over.
Photo: Botanic Gardens of Sydney
A living work of art
The new green wall at the Growing Friends Nursery has turned a blank space into a vibrant feature, writes Belinda Moon.
Creating a green wall inspires us to think about alternative ways to achieve the pleasure and health benefits of gardens as our urban environments become more congested and densely populated.
Many of our Growing Friends volunteers worked on the green wall project, assisting with everything from the placement of the structure to giving advice on background wall colour, design and the practicalities of getting it up and growing.
Growing Friends volunteers have also been involved with plant selection for the wall under the expert guidance of Greg Lamont, Growing Friends Horticultural Advisor and Liz Jeavons-Fellows, Growing Friends General Coordinator. Liz prepared the planting design layout that continues to be updated according to seasonal changes.
Plant selection
The plants that make up the wall are an unconventional collection but we have made it work by being aware of the growth habits of each one and keeping up with regular maintenance. It has been necessary to implement some barriers to deter possums as they also seemed to be enjoying the wall! The structure for the wall was purchased from The Greenwall Company with funds raised by Growing Friends volunteers.
Most of the plants featured on the wall are sourced from the Royal Botanic Garden and propagated by our volunteers. These, along with other plants suitable for green walls, are now available for purchase at Growing Friends plant sales in small tube pots. We encourage visitors to experiment with using colour in both
flowers and foliage and to create their own vibrant, living tapestry. Whether plants are weeping, trailing, pendulous, spreading, upright, robust or delicate, the many leaf variations – from ferns to succulents and air plants – all contribute to what can become a living work of art. Volunteers are happy to advise and provide information should visitors be contemplating their own green walls or vertical gardens or further promoting green infrastructure in their community.
The many benefits of green walls
We have a unique opportunity to demonstrate a relatively new approach to gardening to our visitors and customers, as conventional practices for creating a natural environment become less available. A green wall is a great option if you are short on space, and can help to improve local biodiversity by providing essential habitats for pollinators, insects and birds. Even in small or difficult spaces, the plants within a green wall can contribute to the wider ecosystem.
Vertical gardens have always existed in nature, on cliff faces and waterfalls, river valleys and limestone outcrops. The introduction of green walls and vertical gardens have changed design concepts throughout the world and are recognised as one way to counter the impact of climate change on the environment.
Green walls also help improve air quality. Plants naturally absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping to counter the effects of pollution. Green walls can also help lower urban temperatures by reducing the ‘heat island’ effect, due to hard surfaces, concrete and asphalt. The plants’ ability to provide insulation not only cools the surroundings but also reduces energy consumption by reducing the need for air conditioning.
Another advantage of green walls is their ability to manage rainwater. They act as a natural water filtration system, capturing rainwater, reducing run-off and preventing erosion. This process helps in managing stormwater while also reducing the pressure on urban drainage systems.
Top: The green wall at Growing Friends plant sales.
Bottom: Volunteers working on the green wall installation
Photos: Csilla Swain
Fresh perspectives on the Formal Garden
The Formal Garden at Blue Mountains Botanic Garden has had many iterations over the years. Now, thanks to a visionary redesign, the garden has transformed into a dynamic, ever-changing tapestry, writes Marion Whitehead, Supervisor Ornamental Gardens and Nursery Mount Tomah.
Nestled at the summit of Mount Tomah, the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden’s Formal Garden has undergone many iterations over the years. Within its symmetrical garden beds and impeccable hedges, each version of the Formal Garden has shared a common thread: the changing displays have told visitors stories about the history of horticulture. As the most accessible garden on-site, taking pride of place at the top of Mount Tomah, it was time for another transformation to once again capture the public’s imagination and inspire the awe that only a sprawling garden can evoke.
When it was originally established, the Formal Garden told the story of horticultural history, with plantings ranging from an old-style herb garden to displays that paid homage to great horticulturists and designers such as Gertrude Jekyll and Edna Walling. For the last eight years, the beds have been filled with seasonal bulb displays, featuring vibrant cohorts of tulips overplanted with pansies.
While these displays were a riot of colour, they demanded immense effort – every available staff member worked for at least two weeks to install them (often in the pouring rain), only for a stiff breeze to dismantle them in minutes. These displays also left the beds fallow for large portions of the year, waiting for the next floral festival to begin.
At the start of 2023, we were fortunate to engage renowned artist and perennial garden designer Ralph Bristow to help update and refresh the garden. An accomplished oil painter as well as a plantsman, Ralph ‘paints’ with a palette of plants. His designs, inspired by the New Perennial Movement,
embrace a naturalistic style that mimics nature while featuring plants from around the world. While botanic gardens often emphasise scientific and conservation collections, Ralph taps into the emotional core of gardening – channelling feelings into beautiful landscapes. Before designing, he visited the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, gaining a deep understanding of the garden, the horticulturists who care for it, and the emotions the Formal Garden should evoke to align with the spirit of Mount Tomah.
The vision for the Formal Garden was to create beds alive with butterflies and bees in spring and summer, bursting with fluffy grasses and structural plants in hues of bright red, orange, purple, and yellow. As the seasons transition to autumn, the tones mellow into mauves, putties, and chocolate browns as the garden reflects the waning warmth. In autumn, the grasses take centre stage, capturing the soft, romantic light of the mountain, reminiscent of a Heidelberg painting. Winter transforms the garden into a gothic Victorian landscape, with towering seedheads adorned with dewy spiderwebs and the gentle susurration of dry grasses. At the end of winter, the garden is cut back, ready to begin the cycle anew. Ralph masterfully achieved this vision.
It is hard to believe that the Formal Garden has only been in place for a year and a half. Highlighting the unique flora of the Garden’s cool-climate, high-altitude theme, the garden features plants rarely seen in ornamental horticulture. Among these are Lobelia gibberoa and Lobelia aberdarica, species native to the gorilla habitats of Uganda, and Ferula communis, the giant fennel, that towers dramatically over its neighbours.
The planting also pays tribute to the 2019-2020 fires that breached the garden’s borders and damaged parts of the collection. Among these is Rudbeckia maxima (coneflower), the tallest of its kind, with golden, reflexed petals that sway high above the garden like beacons.
These striking plants are pioneers, often among the first to bloom after wildfires in the prairies of North America. This selection of ‘best of Tomah’ plants celebrates rare and unusual species housed throughout the Gardens’ collection, giving a nod to our own horticultural history while demonstrating the aesthetic potential of uncommon garden plants.
Through Ralph Bristow’s inspired design and the meticulous efforts of the horticultural team, the garden has become a dynamic and ever-evolving celebration of both nature and art. As visitors stroll through its seasonal displays, they are invited to connect with the landscape, to reflect on the stories of the plants, and to find their own moments of awe – and with a new plant or combination becoming the ‘hero’ of the garden every day, these moments of discovery are limitless.
Photo: Ralph Bristow
Conserving the leafless Bossiaea
A
team of geneticists have helped to clarify taxonomy and conservation planning for seven leafless Bossiaea species, writes Chantelle Doyle, Restoration Genomics Outreach Coordinator.
When geneticists from the Research Centre for Ecosystem Resilience (ReCER) started working with the NSW Saving Our Species (SoS) team to investigate the quirky group of peas known as the ‘leafless Bossiaea’, the project bounced in more than one unexpected direction.
Genetic profiling of seven species enabled identification of a possible new subspecies, collapse of two species into one and ongoing research to ask, at what point do we intentionally mix isolated plant populations to reduce inbreeding, and could this mixing include hybridisation? Leafless Bossiaea stand out for their flattened, photosynthetic stems and highly reduced leaves that have evolved into tiny scales, giving the appearance of being leafless.
There are 78 recognised species of Bossiaea, from shrubs to small trees. While most species have traditional stems, leaves, and the characteristic pea flowers that rely on pollinators to transfer pollen, a subset of species along Australia’s east coast has evolved differently. These plants have replaced leaves with flattened, photosynthetic stems called cladodes.
The evolution of aphyllous or leafless plants may be an adaptation to stressful environments. The absence or reduction of leaves reduces water loss and heat stress, through reducing the total surface area used for photosynthesis and respiration.
Having less surface area is also theorised to reduce the nutrients required to grow and maintain leaves which means leafless species can grow in nutrientpoor soils. Leaflessness occurs in many plant families
Photo: Chantelle Doyle
across the globe, such as Cactacaeae (Cactus) and Euphorbiacaea (Euphorbias). These plant families are often associated with hot, arid, nutrient-poor environments.
The challenge of classification
Taxonomists classify genera and species primarily by floral structure, but Bossiaea is tricky as its floral traits are often too similar. Instead, leaf, hair (indumentum), stipule, and fruit traits are used. Leafless Bossiaea are particularly challenging, having scales instead of classic leaves. This group is also the most widely distributed, with the 12 known species ranging from far north Queensland to Victoria and Tasmania.
Key traits like stem scales, flower arrangement, bracts, growth form, and location help classify them. Morphological differences and distinct locations suggest isolated populations might be unique species – but is this supported by genetics? Working on a world leading program with the NSW SoS, ReCER geneticists have been able to review the classification of seven leafless Bossiaea, five of which are threatened with extinction.
Genetic tools make these conclusions feasible
Eilish McMaster, a geneticist with the Conservation Genomics team at ReCER, analysed the leafless Bossiaea species using genetic markers called Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). These tiny variations in DNA are often shared among related individuals and help identify distinct populations and species.
The analysis revealed that many leafless Bossiaea species have limited gene flow, with seeds and pollen rarely traveling less than one kilometre. This isolation suggests that populations rely heavily on clonal reproduction and self-pollination, raising concerns about their genetic health.
Encouragingly, the research also identified a previously unknown population of Bossiaea vombata and suggested that two other species should be considered a single species.
One of the most intriguing findings involves two species, Bossiaea fragrans and Bossiaea milesiae, which are separated by 300km. Despite their geographic isolation, genetic data suggests they are closely related and may represent two subspecies of a single species. The scientists suggest trialling crossbreeding between the redescribed subspecies to assess its viability for conservation, and to test the biological isolation between groups.
Both subspecies are struggling with unpredictable seed production, which could be due to inbreeding within isolated populations. Plants, like animals, are often healthiest when they mate with unrelated individuals, but geographic isolation can limit options.
If inbreeding is identified as a contributing factor to the limited seed production, a solution would be to test mixing the subspecies. Given the genetic evidence suggesting these lineages are closely related, they should be able to mate successfully. This would increase the genetic diversity of both populations, potentially enhancing their resilience and protecting them from long-term extinction.
Hybridisation provides a powerful potential pathway to conserve species with limited gene pools. However, within our current Australian environmental laws, threatened species conserved through adding new genetics from other closely related species may not be protected because they are hybrids.
Once a species reaches the point of ‘functional extinction’ – when it can no longer reproduce due to inbreeding –hybridisation may become the only means of preserving both biodiversity and the unique genes of the species.
Fortunately, neither Bossiaea subspecies is at this critical juncture, and more research is needed to identify the factors limiting seed production. Nonetheless, identifying opportunities for long-term conservation, even in the worst-case scenarios, is a vital aspect of proactive decision-making that we must begin to prioritise to ensure the survival of these species for future generations.
Top: Bagging Bossiaea fragrans for collection
Bottom: Bossiaea fragrans seed pods
Photos: Chantelle Doyle
CORPSE FLOWER
A TITAN OF THE PLANT WORLD
Earlier this year, a corpse flower bloomed in Sydney for the first time in fifteen years. Nicknamed ’Putricia’ by Botanic Gardens staff, she quickly captivated people all over the world, writes John Siemon,
Director Horticulture and Living Collections.
Deep in the rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia, grows one of nature’s most astonishing and rare botanical wonders: Amorphophallus titanum, commonly known as the Bunga Bangkai (Indonesian), titan arum or corpse flower. This striking plant, famed for its enormous bloom and infamous stench, has captured the imagination of scientists, conservationists, and plant enthusiasts worldwide. Its fleeting flowerings, dramatic in both size and spectacle, are a testament to the intricacies of plant evolution and the challenges of global biodiversity conservation.
The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney successfully bloomed its own titan arums in 2004, 2006 (twice, just weeks apart), 2008 and 2010. Garden staff meticulously recreated the plant’s native conditions, nurturing it through its unpredictable life cycle –a cycle that includes years of vegetative growth, starting as a tiny tuber, before a flowering event, which lasts for only 48 hours. The 2004 flowering marked the first time a titan arum had bloomed in the Southern Hemisphere, drawing more than 18,000 visitors in just three days.
With much excitement, our Nursery staff announced in late December 2024 that they had observed a bloom forming in our glasshouse. Over the next 18 days that bloom would grow at a rapid 10cm per day, reaching over 1.6m in height. To ensure our visitors could witness the bloom, our staff carefully relocated the top-heavy behemoth to our heritage Palm House, established in 1876.
As Sophie Daniel, Manager of Interpretation & Placemaking, says, the team created “a royal display inspired by Queen Victoria’s funeral, crossed with a little shop of horrors, an homage to David Lynch, gothic funeral parlour vibes and vintage side show”.
On display, the titan arum, nicknamed ‘Putricia’ for her putrid smell, felt like she was lying in state with visitors approaching down a red carpet. Our incredible teams and volunteers supported a rapid influx of more than 27,000 people, many who queued for hours to see her. A livestream drew in more than 1.7 million views from
all over the planet and unprecedented media attention reached millions more.
During the first night of her short bloom, Alyse Baume, Conservation Horticulturist in the Garden’s Nursery, delicately sliced a square into Putricia’s spathe and used a paintbrush covered in donated pollen to hand-fertilise her in the hopes of producing fertile seed in the coming months. On the second night the focus shifted to collecting her maturing pollen, which was raced to the PlantBank at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan and into cold storage to ensure maximum viability.
These types of bloomings are more than momentous, they are critical in supporting international effort to conserve this species. They allow the blooms to be pollinated and new seed to be collected to distribute to other botanic gardens. The titan arum is just one of more than 12,000 species the Botanic Garden of Sydney’s Living Collection supports. In this case the titan arum has helped us to spotlight the plight of Sumatran rainforests and the challenges of protecting biodiversity in the face of climate change and human encroachment. It has also created much needed dialogue in plant conservation, generated significant donations and hopefully inspired a new generation of scientists.
Jarryd Kelly and Professor Brett Summerell AM with 'Putricia' Photos: John Siemon
The Art of Disguise and Deception BOTANICA
Nature is full of secrets, and this year’s Botanica exhibition invites you to unmask its hidden wonders.
The theme for this year’s Botanica exhibition, ‘The Art of Disguise and Deception’, explores how plants and wildlife use mimicry, camouflage and trickery to survive and thrive. This year, in addition to moving from Lion Gate Lodge to the plush new surrounds of The Garden Gallery, the exhibition has two new Curators, Alissa Cook and Katharine Rogers, who are delighted to help bring you the best in botanical art.
Alissa is a photographic stitch artist with a scientific and project management background. Katharine is a filmmaker, writer and photographer. Together, they have collaborated with Curator Judy Dunstan to select a fantastic array of works.
The exhibition’s theme invited a broad interpretation, resulting in a wide range of artistic styles and mediums, including drawing, painting, linocut, cyanotype,
photography and more. The majority of works featured are in traditional botanical style, with meticulous attention to detail and scientific accuracy.
It can take a botanical artist between 200-500 hours of precise and painstaking work to create one picture. Come and find the dolphin hidden in Kate Nolan's Tulip, and marvel at the delicate dots used to draw Tane Andrew’s Pitcher Plants.
Artful deception in the plant kingdom
The artworks include a variety of depictions of mimicry and deception, including the tiger orchid, which fools male wasps into spreading its pollen; the blue-spotted sun orchid, which grows near the native iris, stealing their pollinators away; or the Venus fly trap, which clamps its jaw-like structure over unsuspecting insects.
Left: Clematis jackmanii hybrid, 'Guiding Promise' by Deb Chirnside
Right: Pollen Presenters by Harlinah Teoh
Right: Astrobotany Tetryon Arcturus by Franca Turrin
The curators have also carefully chosen a small number of interpretive works that fall outside of conventional botanic art but are nonetheless outstanding pieces in their own right. Each work responds distinctly and in exciting ways to the theme.
The exhibition features many of your favourite botanical artists, including Beverly Allen, John Pastoriza-Pinol, Angela Lober, Anna Voytsekhovich and Elaine Musgrave, and some new emerging names such as Natasha Mansfield and Tane Andrews, who will undoubtedly be ones to watch in the coming years.
The exhibition will accompany a series of talks, workshops, and other events, including art classes, a private tour of the Royal Botanic Garden library, a children's book reading and a panel discussion with the Garden's leading botanists. Discover the surprising ways plants adapt and survive, as artists bring their ingenuity to life in Botanica 2025.
Supporting Foundation & Friends
Proceeds from Botanica will not only celebrate art and nature but also support the Education Access Program. Twenty per cent of Foundation & Friends’ income from the exhibition will help provide free educational excursions to all three Botanic Gardens of Sydney for eligible schools.
This initiative ensures more children can experience
A free copy of the catalogue can be requested from Foundation & Friends via email two weeks prior to the exhibition and artworks may be purchased in advance.
BOTANICA: THE ART OF DISGUISE AND DECEPTION
5 – 21 April, 10am – 4pm.
The Garden Gallery, Royal Botanic Garden
Entry is by donation, and all works will be for sale, with commission going towards programs at the Gardens.
OPENING NIGHT
Friday, April 4, 6 – 8pm.
Join us at the exhibition’s official opening – a
Passion and purpose
From becoming a member of Foundation & Friends, to donating and volunteering, Gail Dihm is one of our many dedicated supporters. She reflects on more than two decades of giving back to the Gardens.
How did you first get involved with the Botanic Gardens?
I have been coming to the Gardens since I was a young girl. My membership with Foundation & Friends started in November 2004 – I wanted to give back in return for all the happy hours spent wandering around. After retiring from work in 2014, I was able to spend more time in the Gardens. This included attending exhibitions, talks, book launches and morning teas. I started to donate in 2020.
Are there specific programs you are passionate about supporting?
My donations have not been directed to a particular cause, I leave that to Foundation & Friends. However, I have indicated my interest in the Scholarship Program and funds to enable staff to attend meetings and seminars. It has been most rewarding to attend briefings where recipients have talked about their experiences.
How long have you been volunteering?
My volunteer career started in May 2015 as the Thursday Office Assistant in Cottage 6, working alongside the tireless Linda Cholson (Office Coordinator). Both cottages come with challenges – steep, narrow stairs, cold in winter, termites… However, I love being in the cottage with a view from my desk to the grassy strip and trees on Mrs Macquarie’s Road. The role provides lots of contact with our members, processing memberships, booking events and general duties.
What has been the highlight so far?
It will be hard to surpass the experience of dealing with our recent diva, Miss Putricia (see page 18). I volunteered on numerous shifts and saw her throughout the week – initially simply standing there all
regal until finally showing us her full bloom. It was such a happy time. Despite crowds queuing for hours some days, people were happy to chat and donate.
And a highlight as a donor?
It gave me great pleasure to have an artwork I had donated hung at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan. The artwork, Endangered by Cathy Gray, was part of the exhibition On the Edge: Species at Risk. It features 755 of the 758 endangered and critically endangered Australian plant species. To me it demonstrated the important work of conservation, education and science that the Gardens commit to.
Do you have a favourite plant or flower?
I do love a perfumed flower. Recently the Royal Botanic Garden grew some sweet peas in the Trial Garden and then in Cadi Jam Ora – that perfume revived old memories as they were a popular flower when I was young.
Do you have a favourite spot in the Garden?
Oddly, one spot I like has few plants – the Bennelong Lawn. The views from there are simply stunning. Every Thursday, weather permitting, I can be found in the Succulent Garden having lunch.
Advice for anyone considering supporting the Gardens?
Volunteering is a continuing source of delight. After 44 years in the workforce my retirement plan needed something to keep me active. The Gardens have provided that in so many ways; a new circle of colleagues, always something new to see and it is such a happy place to be. All sorts of volunteer opportunities are available – something for every skill set. If individual circumstances provide for the ability to donate I strongly recommend it as a two-way benefit – something for the Gardens and for yourself.
Gail Dihm enjoying the Cactus Garden
Photo: Caitlin Bye
Plants in the Gardens
Discover more about the wonderful plants to look out for next time you visit the gardens.
BLUE MOUNTAINS BOTANIC GARDEN
The Wedding Tree Terrace at Blue Mountains Botanic Garden is a unique location known for its well-manicured lawn and picturesque views of the gardens framed by the iconic Alnus nepalensis (Nepalese alder) tree.
This charming setting is popular for couples looking to tie the knot. Historically, however, due to the lawn's size, it has only been able to accommodate small weddings. Excitingly, our events and turf teams have collaborated to improve the surrounding garden beds and expand the lawn.
Bluestone retaining walls have been constructed to allow for a 60m2 extension to the lawn, and bare patches of grass that suffered from tree root competition have been transformed with mass plantings of mondo grasses. This creates a striking contrast of green foliage. The surrounding garden beds featuring various maple and camellia plants
will provide additional privacy and autumn colour in the coming years. These enhancements have doubled the patron capacity, and we are receiving more enquiries from couples eager to create lasting connections to this unique location.
Another experience that will change this season is that of the Mount Tomah Restaurant and Kiosk. With a new ownership comes a new culinary journey.
The in-house chef has crafted a menu that celebrates the region's unique flavours and Australian native cuisine, highlighting local produce and native herbs such as lemon myrtle and mountain pepper.
When you visit, pack a coat, as you'll want to sit out on the deck, soak in the dramatic landscape, and savour a warm, delicious meal.
ASH FILIPOVSKI, CURATOR MANAGER, BLUE MOUNTAINS BOTANIC GARDEN
Wedding Tree Terrace at Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah
Photo: Botanic Gardens of Sydney
ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN SYDNEY
Autumn has this almost magical quality in the garden. It’s as though the season pauses for a breath before plunging into the chill of winter. The air is crisp, the soil is soft, and the fading heat gives way to the perfect conditions for planting and preparing for next year’s garden displays. This is the time to refine, expand, and of course, dream about the blooms to come.
Speaking of dreams, the rose collection in bed 80 is about to bloom into something quite extraordinary. Nestled at the top of the Palace stairs, this bed will soon house roses from a variety of eras, a nod to both history and future beauty. Although they will only be planted this autumn, the future promise of their full, fragrant glory is unmistakable. It’s a project long in the making, and when these roses establish over the next few years, they’ll carry stories from centuries past while adding a new chapter to the garden’s tale.
In bed 101, the Southern African collection is taking shape with the kind of precision that only comes from attention to the smallest details. Horticulturist, Scott Yates has been working hard addressing soil and drainage issues, crafting the perfect environment for this collection. The subsurface drainage has been improved, the soil profile enhanced, and now water moves through beyond the root zone, preventing the collection from being inundated with water around the root system. In a few years, this garden will really fill out and it will be a living testament to the work that has been done to display some of our rarest plant material.
Bed 60, home to the elegant Theaceae family, is coming into its own with a finished path network that invites visitors to wander and marvel. The circular paved section offers a breathtaking view, especially of the Palm Grove. Standing in the centre
is almost like being on the threshold of a different world. The development of an accessible boardwalk at the southern end will give people an entirely new perspective – the chance to step right over the roots of the Ceiba speciosa (silk floss tree), which run above (and beneath) the surface and are integral to the tree’s power and beauty.
With all the seasonal transitions, don't forget to take a moment to appreciate the stunning colour display from the deciduous trees. Their autumnal transformation is a vivid reminder of nature’s rhythm, and of course, the perfect backdrop for all the hard work that has been put into the garden.
Did you know that anthocyanins, produced in response to sunlight and cool temperatures, contribute to the striking crimson shades seen in certain leaves? Carotenoids, present throughout the year but masked by chlorophyll, shine through as the green fades, casting trees in warm, golden tones.
The intensity and variety of colours depend on factors like tree species, weather conditions, and geographic location. Maple trees dazzle with reds, while oak leaves may shift to russet or brown. Take a leisurely stroll through the Garden and enjoy the visual symphony.
Beyond the aesthetic appeal, the changing foliage serves ecological purposes. Trees reabsorb nutrients from their leaves, preparing for winter dormancy. While we can’t fully benefit from this process the annual spectacle of autumn foliage reminds us of nature's cyclical rhythm and the beauty inherent in transition and transformation. Enjoy your time in the Garden this autumn and hope to see you around.
JARRYD KELLY, CURATOR MANAGER, ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN, SYDNEY
The exquisite Rose Garden at Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Photo: Botanic Gardens of Sydney
AUSTRALIAN BOTANIC GARDEN
As we transition from summer to autumn the cooler weather is a welcome relief for staff and many specimens within the Living Collection. This change in weather will see the flowering of some beautiful Banksia specimens, especially our Sydney species that include Banksia integrifolia, B. marginata and B. spinulosa.
For the team, autumn is a busy period delivering additional landscaping projects. The two main projects the Horticulture and Living Collections team are delivering are the extension and redevelopment of the Arid Landscape within Connections Garden and the next stage of creek landscaping between the award-winning Bowden Centre and the central precinct at the Garden.
The concepts to extend and upgrade the Arid Landscape and Living Collection were collectively developed by our Conservation Horticulturist Sarah Dempster and former employee Simon Reed, while the final designs were produced by our Landscape Designer Sitthichat Bamrung. Currently the Arid Landscape is around 672m2 and the extension of the landscape convert the adjoining couch lawn that will increase the display landscape by an additional 564m2. These works also include an interconnecting concrete path network, new species, and specimens to the display, and two new dedication benches overlooking Lakeside lawns and Lake Sedgwick. New specimens included are various species of emu bush (Eremophila densifolia and E. subangustifolia), blue bush (Maireana sedifolia) and curly malee (Eucalyptus gillii) and E. woodwardii that will complement the existing exquisite Queensland bottle tree (Brachychiton rupestris) and Central Australian cabbage palm (Livistona mariae) specimens that have a dominance in this area.
The creek landscaping is a continuation of the work the conservation horticulturists have been implementing in two previous stages to improve visitor engagement, with a key section of the landscape that people encounter when they arrive on site in our main carpark, while moving between the café, our visitor centre, event space or while exploring the living collection on display. This stage will see a low-key activation space for people to congregate, dedicated bench to watch the flow of water and beauty of the Gardens and interconnected walking path to connect sections of woodlands and displays together, while the landscaping in the creek will slow the flow of water to allow sediment to settle and the Living Collection plantings to filter out nutrients before it enters Annan Creek.
The hard landscaping aspects are due for completion in April for the Arid Landscape and May for the Creek line landscaping, respectively. Hope to see you soon in the Gardens.
MICHAEL ELGEY, CURATOR MANAGER, AUSTRALIAN BOTANIC GARDEN MOUNT ANNAN
Banksia integrifolia (coast banksia)
Photo: Botanic Gardens of Sydney
Eremophila maculata (Spotted emu bush)
Photo: Glenn Smith Photography
GROWING FRIENDS
Five plants for the autumn garden
Add a splash of colour and texture to your garden with these show-stopping plants that will flourish throughout the season and beyond. Whether you’re looking for vibrant flowers, lush foliage or hardy natives, these autumn picks from the Growing Friends team are sure to make an impact.
Banksia spinulosa (Hairpin Banksia)
It is such a joy to see the onset of the spectacular yellow, red, orange and gold flower spikes catching the light in gardens and native forests in autumn. The display can continue throughout winter into early summer. The Hairpin Banksia varies in height, from 1-3m, growing naturally along the east coast. There are many cultivars now available making it a popular choice for landscaping. The nectar-rich flowers attract birds and bees, while the foliage offers a habitat for various wildlife species. It can be grown in full sun or part shade and will tolerate harsh climatic conditions including frontline salt, pollution and light frost. Grows best in a well-drained clay loam soil.
Stenocarpus sinuatus (Queensland Firewheel Tree)
Autumn is when this outstanding Australian rainforest tree with its unusual dark green, shiny leathery leaves, produces a display of orange to scarlet wheel-shaped flowers. The flowers attract birds and pollinators as well as creating visual impact in the landscape. Reaching up to 15m in cultivation, Stenocarpus has been used as a street tree, in rainforest gardens and heritage landscapes. It grows in a deep, moist, well-drained soil, but will also tolerate short periods of drought. For best flowers, grow in full sun but they will tolerate some shade.
Camellia sasanqua
winter Camellia sasanqua produces an abundance of attractive, delicate flowers in shades of white, pink, yellow and red. Its glossy leaves make it an ideal plant for formal hedges, informal borders and as a specimen tree. Some cultivars can reach up to 4m but will respond well to pruning to a desired height. Best grown in moist, humus-rich soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6 degrees.
Dichorisandra thyrsiflora (Blue Ginger)
There is an excellent mass planting of this striking perennial next to the Growing Friends Terrace in the Royal Botanic Garden. Best grown in warm, humid environments with dappled light, Dichorisandra thyrsiflora provides a splash of colour in autumn, with its spikes of vibrant blue flowers and glossy lush foliage. Originating from the forests of Brazil, it thrives in moist, humus-rich soil in frost-free areas.
Correa alba (White Correa)
Correa alba produces clusters of white flowers, complemented by dark greygreen foliage from autumn to spring. This Australian native shrub grows to 1.5m in full sun to part shade in coastal, dry environments. Ideal for low-maintenance, water-wise landscaping, Correa attract birds and provide habitat. Correa alba and its many cultivars can be used for hedging, groundcovers, and with regular pruning have become popular in landscaping, often seen clipped into balls and interesting shapes for eyecatching effect.
2 3 5 4 1 2 4 5 3
This is a hardy vigorous shrub or small tree that will thrive in full sun or part shade. From autumn through to
BELINDA MOON, GROWING FRIENDS SYDNEY
Banksia spinulosa (Hairpin Banksia)
Photo 1: Botanic Gardens of Sydney
Photo: Glenn Smith Photography
Photo: Glenn Smith Photography
Photo:
Botanic Gardens of Sydney
Photo: Botanic Gardens of Sydney
What’s On
These are just some of the experiences you can enjoy across our three Gardens this autumn. From engaging events and fascinating exhibitions to guided walks, tours, and interactive workshops, there’s something for everyone. With activities tailored for every age group, from curious kids to life-long nature lovers, it’s the perfect season to explore and connect with the beauty of our Gardens.
For more information about our events, and to book, visit botanicgardens.org.au/Whats-On scan the QR code or phone 02 9231 8182
Walks and talks
BELIEVE IT OR NOT? GARDEN TOUR
Be amazed by fascinating and fun plant stories Conservatorium Gate, Royal Botanic Garden Fri 14 March, 6 - 7.30pm
Venture into the Gardens to hear stories of plant discoveries, plants doing unbelievable things and tales of how our scientists here at the Botanic Gardens are contributing to serious plant conservation. The twist? You get to decide whether the tales are true or not. Be surprised by the wacky world of plants.
SCULPTURES IN THE GARDEN
A stroll through nature and art Royal Botanic Garden Sat 22 March, 10 - 11.30am
From neoclassical nudes carved in marble to plants sensually represented in woven copper, the Royal Botanic Garden is home to more than 70 statues and sculptures. Each one is brimming with stories, creating a window into the past, reflecting on the changing values, aesthetics and ideals of society over time. Join our expert volunteer guides to discover this open-air gallery. Delve into the fascinating history behind these works of art, learn about the artists who made them and the way these artistic works connect to the history of the Gardens.
Suitable for 12+. From $40
From $30
GHOSTLY GARDEN
Woolloomooloo Gate, Royal Botanic Garden Fri 28 March and Fri 30 May (times vary according to sunset)
Take a twilight adventure through the Royal Botanic Garden in this spine-tingling storytelling event. In a rare opportunity to come inside the Garden Gates after hours, you’ll journey along shadowy tree-lined paths, creep past gloomy ponds and tiptoe through eerie grottos. You’ll hear spooky and kooky stories of the Garden’s past – tales of people long-since dead – as bats flit above your head and night creatures stare from the treetops on this unforgettable tour of the ‘ghostly garden’.
Suitable for 12+. From $40
THE ART OF DISGUISE AND DECEPTION
The Calyx, Royal Botanic Garden
Sun 13 April, 10.30am – 12pm
Orchids are the world’s second-largest family of flowering plants, fascinating people for generations with their beauty. Through a behind-the-scenes tour of the orchid glasshouses, find out about how these fabulous plants utilise the art of disguise and deception to attract pollinators. The tour will be given by specialist orchid volunteer Peter D’Olier and fellow orchid judge and volunteer guide, Jane D’Olier.
ASTRONOMY AT THE CALYX
A night of stargazing
The Calyx, Royal Botanic Garden Thurs 3 April, 6.30 - 9pm
Join us for a night of astronomy and stargazing at The Calyx in the heart of the Royal Botanic Garden. Over a glass of wine, understand the cultural significance of the night sky with First Nations educators, before exploring space to see these mysterious planets far from Earth. More than 4,000 planets have been discovered around other stars. Dr Angel Lopez-Sanchez will take you on a journey to these strange ‘other’ worlds.
Suitable for 12+. From $37
From $30
SUNSET SPOTLIGHT
Experience the Garden at night
Woolloomooloo Gate, Royal Botanic Garden
Wed 16 and 23 April, 6.30 - 8pm
Experience the Garden and its fascinating nightlife on this adventure by torchlight. We’ll wander garden pathways and 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 tech gadgets used by our scientists to help locate animals and plants that have special nocturnal adaptations. We may see Golden Orb spiders, Brush-tailed Possums, Microbats, Flying Foxes or Tawny Frogmouths.
Suitable for 7+. From $36 for adults, $17 for children.
ORCHID WALK:
Walks and Talks
ASTRONOMY AT MOUNT TOMAH
Learn about the night sky
Visitors Centre, Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Sat 3 May, 5.30 - 8pm
Over a glass of wine, learn about the cultural significance of the night sky with one of our First Nations educators. Travel through space with Dr Angel Lopez-Sanchez as he takes you on a journey to another world. Learn about some of the more than 4,000 planets which have been discovered around other stars and look through telescopes to see a glimpse into
HIGH TEA IN THE ROSE GARDEN
Stop and smell the roses
Rose Garden, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Sunday 11 May, 2pm – 3pm
Celebrate the special women in your life with a stroll through the stunning rose garden at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. You will then take a seat to admire the vibrant Autumn blooms, soak in their captivating scents, and enjoy a lovely afternoon tea accompanied by a glass of sparkling wine. This is the perfect way to enjoy the company of loved ones whilst enjoying the beauty of the Garden.
From $50
BREAKFAST WITH THE BIRDS
Enjoy a morning of bird-watching
Foundation & Friends Terrace, Royal Botanic Garden Thurs 8 May, 7.30 - 9.30am
Join us for a magical morning of bird watching in the heart of the city and look for some of the possible 20 species regularly found here. We will see waterbirds, bushbirds and songbirds. We may get lucky and see a Powerful Owl. Bring your binoculars, water and hat and let our birdwatcher Guides introduce you to the many birds that call this oasis home. The tour concludes with breakfast on the Foundation & Friends’ Terrace.
From $45
Kids activities
SEEDLINGS NATURE SCHOOL
Enjoy nature-based activities in the Garden
Join experienced Early Years nature educators in the Garden for play-based activities and nature experiences for you and your little one. Seedlings Nature School allows young children to explore, grow and develop in nature. Children will build, discover, play and engage their senses in the natural world. Each week’s program will be a captivating combination of nature-based activities, games and stories in the Garden.
AUSTRALIAN BOTANIC GARDEN
Wed 12 Feb - Wed 2 Apr, 9.30 - 11.30am
ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN
Tue 11 Feb - 1 Apr, Thurs 13 Feb - 3 Apr, 10am - 12pm
Term pass $130, casual pass $18.50 per child per session.
GHOSTLY GARDEN FOR KIDS
Discover the gardens at night
Woolloomooloo Gate, Royal Botanic Garden
Fri 11 April, 5.30 – 7pm
Do you dare enter the Garden gates after dark? Come on a journey along shadowy tree-lined paths, creep past gloomy ponds and tiptoe through eerie grottos. Bats will flit above your head and night-creatures will stare from the treetops. On this unforgettable tour of the ‘ghostly garden’, you’ll hear spooky and kooky stories of the past, and visit the Garden’s oldest haunted houses.
Suitable for 8+. From $20.
THE ILLUSTRATED ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF EXTINCT ANIMALS BOOK READING
An exciting adventure for young readers
The Garden Gallery, Royal Botanic Garden
Tue 15 April, 2 - 2.30pm
Join us at the Botanica: The Art of Disguise and Deception exhibition, for a special book reading with bestselling author and illustrator, Sami Bayly. Sami will share her latest book, The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Extinct Animals, taking young readers on an exciting adventure through the amazing world of extinct and critically endangered creatures. From a tiny tick living in a pygmy possum’s fur to a stick insect camouflaging in Melaleuca trees, the natural world is full of these incredible partnerships.
Suitable for age 7+. Free
PLANT
HUNGER GAMES
Family outdoor theatre
Rathborne Lodge Lawn, Royal Botanic Garden
Tue 15 April, 11am and 1pm
Arnie the plant has a problem – he can’t get to the shops to buy food. He needs your help to learn the skills he needs to catch fresh food and survive. Join in the fun and learn about different ways plants get their nutrients.
Suitable for ages 2-8 and caregivers. From $16.50
DANGEROUS PLANTS
Learn all about carnivorous plants
Did you know Australia is home to many carnivorous plants? Join a workshop to create a habitat for ‘dangerous’ plants, take a guided tour of the garden and learn how plants can adapt in order to thrive.
RATHBORNE LODGE, ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN
Tue 15, Wed 16, Thurs 17, Mon 21 and Tue 22 April, Wed 23 April, 10.30am and 1pm.
BOWDEN CENTRE, AUSTRALIAN BOTANIC GARDEN
MOUNT ANNAN
Thurs 17, Tue 22 and Thurs 24 April, 10am
WARATAH ROOM, BLUE MOUNTAINS BOTANIC GARDEN
Tues 15 and 22 April, 10.30 - 12pm
Suitable for ages 5-12. From $23.
FIRST NATIONS HOLIDAY PROGRAM
Tea time with your Elders
Led by First Nations educators, children and their Elders will explore the Gardens to find plants used by the local Gadi people of Sydney Harbour. Discover how Indigenous plants are used to make drinks, learn about their benefits and make tea and teacups to take home.
BOWDEN CENTRE, AUSTRALIAN BOTANIC GARDEN MOUNT ANNAN
Wed 16 and Wed 23 April, 10am - 11.30am
Suitable for age 5+. Elders are free. From $18.50.
Exhibitions
BOTANICA OPENING NIGHT
Garden Gallery, Royal Botanic Garden
Fri 4 April, 6 - 8pm
Join us for the exclusive opening night of Botanica, The Art of Disguise and Deception, an enchanting celebration of nature’s masquerade ball. We invite you to be the first to explore this spellbinding exhibition that reveals the hidden artistry of the botanical world. Wander through a gallery of works that uncover nature’s secrets from the Tawny Frogmouth’s seamless camouflage to the deceptive beauty of the bee orchid. Enjoy a glass of wine and canapés on this evening of discovery. Your support through the purchase of artwork helps sustain both the talented artists and the Foundation & Friends of the Botanic Gardens.
From $65
BOTANICA CURATOR & LIBRARY TOUR
Garden Gallery, Royal Botanic Garden Wed 9 April, 10 - 11.30am
Join an intimate guided tour around the Botanica: The Art of Disguise and Deception exhibition by curator Alissa Cook and get exclusive insights into the exhibition. Take the opportunity to ask Alissa about your favourite artist or artwork to find out more about the background and inspiration. Next, enjoy a tour of the Daniel Solander Library, Australia’s oldest botanical research library, with librarian Miguel Garcia. Its world-class collections contain over 250,000 items, including books and journals that feature species also in the Botanica exhibition. Lastly, enjoy morning tea provided by Foundation & Friends' volunteer caterers.
From $40
PLANTOLOGY BOOK LAUNCH
The Garden Gallery, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney Thurs 6 March 5.30 - 7pm
Celebrate the launch of Plantology: The Essential Guide to Better Gardens with horticulturists Teena Crawford and Lisa Ellis. With over 60 years’ combined experience in horticulture and planting design, they’ll share insights from their five-year journey creating this essential guide. Join us for an exciting panel discussion around the topic ‘for the love of plants’, with leading Australian landscape architects, whose garden designs are featured in the book. The panel will include Jane Stark (Stark Designs), Nicola Cameron (Pepo Botanic Design), Matthew Cantwell (Secret Gardens) and Myles Baldwin (Myles Baldwin Design). Get your book signed by Teena and Lisa and enjoy a 20% discount off your purchase, exclusively available at the event, thanks to publisher @barometerbooks
From $55
Bottle Brush by Melinda Edstein
NATURE JOURNALING
Connect creatively with your environment Waratah Room, Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Sun 9 March, Sun 13 April, Sun 4 May, 10 - 12.30pm
Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of autumn through the art of nature journaling. Led by an experienced Garden educator, these workshops invite you to discover the many benefits of nature journaling. As the landscape transforms with vibrant autumnal hues, it’s the perfect moment to slow down and observe the delicate details of nature. Join us for a series of hands-on workshops that foster mindfulness, creativity and deep observation, while encouraging exploration and a greater appreciation for the environment around you.
From $81
BOTANICAL FOCUS
Intensive workshop with Beverley Allen Joseph Maiden Theatre, Royal Botanic Garden
Tue 8 - Fri 11 April, 9.30am - 4pm
This four-day workshop will help you build watercolour skills for botanical painting on paper with demonstrations of drawing and painting techniques from initial washes and layering to dry brush detail and finishing, and through individual instruction. Working on one subject, there will be an emphasis on close observation and accurate drawing from life. Suitable for intermediate to advanced students, or those with drawing skills and experience in other media.
From $580
AUTUMN ABUNDANCE
Still life painting class with Charlotte Thodey Joseph Maiden Theatre, Royal Botanic Garden Tue 18 and Wed 19 March, 9.30am - 4pm
Immerse yourself in the world of still life painting over two inspiring days. This hands-on workshop invites you to explore your individual style with an emphasis on composition, tone and colour. Explore a range of techniques from a loose open brush to finely detailed work. You’ll be making use of a carefully selected array of seasonal fruit, foliage, vegetables, china and linen as props. Refreshments and lunch provided daily.
From $340
INTRODUCTION TO BOTANICAL ART WITH SHIPRA SHAH
The Maiden Theatre, Royal Botanic Garden
Mon 28 April and Tue 19 April, 9.30am – 4pm
Step into the captivating world of botanical art. This specialised art form combines precision, detail and creativity to reveal the natural beauty of plants. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn to bring botanical specimens to life through skilful sketching and watercolour techniques. This workshop is designed to nurture your creativity while teaching the fundamental skills to capture nature’s beauty with watercolour paints. Perfect for beginners and those with some watercolour experience.
From $310
“Volunteers are at the heart of [Foundation & Friends]. We joined because we believe in the value of the Botanic Gardens of Sydney.”
– Dr. Sheila Van Holst, Volunteer
Volunteer with the Gardens
Ignite your passion for nature and make a lasting impact
By volunteering with Foundation & Friends, you’ll play a crucial role in preserving our beautiful gardens and help raise vital funds to continue important scientific and conservation work at its green heart. Your time and energy will help preserve vibrant spaces and inspire visitors of all ages. Feel the joy of watching your contributions bloom!
Our nine volunteer programs include: Special events, exhibitions, Growing Friends Plant Sales, catering and much more.
READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
We need your help. Join us now.
To get involved, contact our Volunteer Coordinator on (02) 9231 8182, or visit botanicgardens.org.au
Queensland bottle tree
In 1969 a young man named Doug Sowerbutts arrived as a migrant from the UK to begin a new life in Sydney. Making the most of his new surroundings, he was naturally drawn to the Sydney Harbour foreshore and started regularly running through the Royal Botanic Garden, particularly around Farm Cove.
During his runs Doug became fascinated with the strange-looking Queensland bottle tree (Brachychiton rupestris) in the Lower Garden. This began a lifelong fascination with this remarkable tree species. Doug eventually settled in Queensland and began exploring the regional areas in the Southeast of the state where bottle trees naturally occur. Rich coal deposits occur in similar areas and there was much mining activity underway, with more planned.
Doug began rescuing bottle trees from proposed mine sites and growing them on land he had acquired near Toowoomba. He started to supply these trees to clients far and wide, as they became more popular as a landscape plant.
Fast forward to the early 2000s and Doug established contact with me at the Royal Botanic Garden. In 2006 he put me in touch with a property owner in Bellevue Hill who had a bottle tree that was outgrowing her small front yard. Along with a team of arborists and horticultural staff, we excavated the tree from the small garden and transplanted it back to the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney where it still stands, near the Opera House Gate.
The following year Doug and I arranged to gift the Royal Botanic Garden with another bottle tree that he had rescued from a mine site in Acland, Queensland. The tree arrived in Sydney after its long journey and went into the ground on November 28, 2007. It still occupies a prominent spot on the Garden’s rockery in Farm Cove more than 17 years later.
David Bidwell, Consulting Arborist and proprietor of Rainbow Tree Consultancy. Former Senior Arborist Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain, 1993-2017.
Top: David Bidwell with the Queensland bottle tree in 2025
Bottom: Planting the Queensland bottle tree in Farm Cove in 2007, (left to right): Peter Feilen, Doug Sowerbutts, Angels Mateo, Peter Spring and David Bidwell.
Fundraising Fern-mometer
WE’RE ON A MISSION TO RAISE $100,000 TO SHOWCASE OUR RARE AND EXOTIC CAMELLIA COLLECTION AT ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN SYDNEY.
20% of the funds from your purchase today will enhance public access to our Theaceae plants through improved pathways, educational displays, and carefully designed landscaping. By highlighting the beauty and diversity of these iconic plants, we’ll create an inspiring and more accessible experience that ensures the Camellia Garden continues to captivate visitors.
Goal:
$100,000
$90,000
$80,000
$70,000
$60,000
$50,000
$40,000
$30,000
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Shop with purpose at Growing Friends Plant Sales!
With 20% of every sale dedicated to funding crucial projects at Botanic Gardens of Sydney, your purchases directly support plant conservation, education, and research initiatives. Together, let’s nurture our community and gardens with every purchase you make.
