Masterplan A new vision for the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan

SUMMER UPDATE

AGM INVITATION Foundation & Friends’ AGM will take place on 22 November at 5.30pm in The Calyx. Questions should be submitted in writing to the Company Secretary by 16 November 2022. Please email foundation.friends@botanicgardens. nsw.gov.au or post to Cottage 6, Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney NSW 2000. Questions should relate to matters that are relevant to the AGM, such as financial reports, resolutions or general questions regarding performance.

Forging meaningful connections to Indigenous culture is a part of the new masterplan

THE BIG SIX A new lake, botanic domes and ecofriendly accommodation are just a few of the ideas now being considered as part of a masterplan for the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan.

As part of its community consultation process, the Gardens recently revealed “6 Big Ideas” underpinning the masterplan, which will guide how the Australian Botanic Garden evolves for decades to come.

A key element of the vision is the creation of a new world-leading science, horticulture and learning hub focused on conservation and sustainability. As well as incorporating existing assets such as the Australian PlantBank, National Herbarium of New South Wales and the living collections, the plan would see the creation of a variety of new facilities and areas. These include botanic domes showcasing native flora, and conservation areas providing safe spaces in which to rewild native animals such as the nocturnal Eastern Quoll.

One of the most eye-catching features of the plan is the creation of Coolamon Lake, a waterway designed in the shape of a coolamon (shallow carrying vessel). Sustainability is also highlighted through the addition of eco-friendly accommodation, while visitors would be presented with unique nature experiences, including walking loops and exploration trails around the lake.

The plan also proposes the forging of more meaningful connections to Indigenous culture through, for instance, the establishment of a First Nations Garden and new cultural awareness programs.

In addition, the plan suggests Australia’s largest botanic garden could become a major tourism destination and host events, including large-scale festivals.

Further information on the masterplan is available at australianbotanicgarden.com.au. SYDNEY WORLDPRIDE 2023 The Royal Botanic Garden and Domain will host three flagship events during Sydney WorldPride 2023 – in addition to a program of smaller events presented as part of Sydney WorldPride Amplified – running for 17 days from February 24.

WorldPride is a global LGBTQIA+ festival that has been staged since 2000.

Sydney WorldPride 2023 will incorporate the key Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras events, plus a broad festival offering across the arts, sport, First Nations programming and a human rights conference. The festival itself will open at the Domain with a Live and Proud: Sydney WorldPride Opening Concert (7–9pm).

Other major events include the Domain Dance Party on Sunday 26 February and the Rainbow Republic in The Domain music festival on Sunday 5 March.

Over the course of the festival, Gardens’ staff will run a complementary program including: • The Calyx plant exhibition Love your Nature botanicgardens.org.au/ what-s-on/love-your-nature • Queer Plants guided walks • An Evening with 500 Queer

Scientists (20 & 21 February 2023 – see the Diary, page 33, for details). For more information visit sydneyworldpride.com and prideamplified.au

Josh Dykgraaf's Kampos is made from discarded plastics found on Sydney streets

Southern Emu Wren by Joan McKay

NEW EXHIBITION FOR 2023 Dates are now out for On the Edge: Species at Risk – Foundation & Friends’ first exhibition in 2023. Running from 18 March–3 April 2023, Foundation & Friends’ new event will be the latest addition to a growing portfolio of scientifically themed exhibitions that so far have included Botanica, Fungi and Transformation.

Exhibition Project Manager Julia Sparkes says the aim of On the Edge is to highlight Australian flora, fauna and habitats that are under threat as a result of issues such as climate change, building developments and introduced species.

“Our three curators – Robbie Macintosh, Lucette Moore and Vanessa Snelling – are working hard to bring together a wide range of artists whose work will showcase endangered and vulnerable Australian species and ecological communities,” says Sparkes.

“As always there will be a wide range of artworks on display, including paintings, illustrations, photography, ceramics and textiles, but there will also be a strong focus on contemporary works, including digitally-created pieces.”

Some of the artists already locked in include EggPicnic, a Canberra-based design studio devoted to wildlife conservation, Josh Dykgraaf, who specialises in image manipulation using Photoshop, and Melbourne-based artist Garth Henderson, who uses 3D modelling and sculpting software to create intricate hyperreal floral studies that are presented in final form as limited-edition prints.

“Artists have really embraced the concept and the fact that we have not limited the scope to just threatened species but also at-risk environments.

“We are also looking at ways to show visitors to the exhibition how the artworks relate back to our Gardens, for instance by asking scientists to conduct talks and walks that illustrate the important work they are doing in protecting native flora, and to contribute information to accompany some of the pieces.”

ON THE EDGE: SPECIES AT RISK 18 March–3 April 2023 Lion Gate Lodge, Royal Botanic Garden 10am–4pm, Free entry

WIN TIM’S NEW BOOK The Botanic Gardens’ former Executive Director Tim Entwisle has written an entertaining new memoir on his life as a “Plant Punk”, and we have copies to give away.

Exploring nature, science and culture, Entwisle’s new book, Evergreen – The Botanical Life of a Plant Punk, showcases the key elements that have shaped not just his own life but the world’s great botanical gardens.

Along the way he explains why botanical gardens are not simply engaging and enriching landscapes that offer a balm to the human spirit, but sanctuaries playing a vital role in helping address the key threats of our time, including climate change and plant extinction.

Few people are better placed to advocate for the world’s great botanic spaces. In addition to heading up Sydney’s Botanic Garden, Entwisle occupied the role of Director of Conservation, Living Collections and Estates at Kew Gardens in London. He is currently Director of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, and President of the International Association of Botanic Gardens.

We have several copies of Evergreen – The Botanical Life of a Plant Punk to give away. If you would like to go in the draw to win, just email your name and current membership number to foundation.friends@botanicgardens. nsw.gov.au or write to Letters, Foundation & Friends, Cottage 6, Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000 by 10 December 2022.

Join our event in February to hear Tim speak about his new book (see the Diary, page 33, for details). GREETING CARDS Renowned botanical artist Beverly Allen and Indigenous artist Darren Charlwood have generously gifted the use of their artworks to create Foundation & Friends' 2022 greeting cards.

Allen's watercolour depicts a Camellia japonica ‘Tiffany’, a slow growing, long lived evergreen shrub that flowers in winter. Not only is the card beautiful, but it also references the fact that in 2023 the Gardens will commemorate 200 years since the planting of its first camellia.

Connections by Charlwood, a Wiradjuri man from the Yibaay Wagaan kin group, was created as part of the Botanic Gardens’ Reconciliation Action Plan and tells the story of the impact and influence of the Gardens throughout the community over the years.

The cards come in two styles, blank and ‘Season’s Greetings’, and are printed on a high-quality silk card with matching white envelopes.

They are available in packs of 10 from botanicgardensgallery.com.au or from Foundation & Friends’ reception.

Proceeds from the sale of the cards help Foundation & Friends support the horticulture, conservation, scientific research and education programs within the Botanic Gardens.

FESTIVE SEASON OFFICE HOURS The Foundation & Friends office will close at 3pm Thursday 22 December and reopen at 9am on Monday 9 January 2023. Growing Friends Plant Sales at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney will close at 2pm Wednesday 21 December and reopen at 11am Monday 9 January 2023.