What’s on Your guide to activities and events

WHAT’S ON

Here is just a taste of what is on offer during winter across our three Gardens. For more information about events, and to book, visit botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On. All activities have been planned with your safety in mind, including social distancing and hygiene measures. Events with the BF symbol are organised by Foundation & Friends and can be booked online or by calling (02) 9231 8182.

CELEBRATIONS

NEW YEAR’S EVE PICNIC Royal Botanic Garden, Mare & Foal Lawn, Sat 31 December, 5pm–12.15am Not sure how to welcome 2023? Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2022 with Foundation & Friends! Our exclusive picnic is perfect for groups of all ages, including families with children. This self-catered outdoor harbour-side picnic is one of the few New Year's Eve events where BYO alcohol is permitted. In this fully enclosed area you will be able to stretch out and relax while enjoying your favourite snacks and a stunning view over the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. On top of all the fun, all ticket purchases help us continue to support the vital work that takes place in your Botanic Gardens.

M $160 MG Member’s Guest $190 C Child $30 (6–15 yrs) F (0–5 yrs) botanicgardens.org.au/NYE-picnic ARTISANS 21ST ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Tattersalls Club, Hyde Park Sydney Wed 8 February, 6.30pm–10pm Join Foundation & Friends to celebrate 21 years of the Artisans in the Gardens exhibition. Enjoy a three course meal at the exclusive Tattersalls Hyde Park, one of our long term partners. Take the evening to reminisce on the rich history of this unique exhibition and reflect upon the exquisite work many artists have contributed. There will be pieces of Artisans in the Gardens’ history on display, and attendees will enjoy brief talks from key people discussing the important opportunities the exhibition has provided.

M $110 NM $120 i BF botanicgardens.org.au/21-Artisans

KEY: M Foundation & Friends’ member NM Non-member MC Member’s child NC Non-member’s child MP Materials provided MT Morning tea provided L Lunch provided R Refreshments provided B botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On F Free BF Book through Foundation & Friends New member gift voucher can be used i More information with booking

FLORAL BAUBLE WORKSHOP with Kris McKree Royal Botanic Garden, Maiden Theatre Thu 1 December, 1pm–4pm Join local Sydney florist Kris McKee for a floral bauble-making workshop just in time to decorate your tree for the festive season. You'll create four beautiful baubles using a variety of dried floral materials. Each bauble is unique, and you'll have an opportunity to let your creativity shine! Participants will enjoy a glass of sparkling wine while they create their floral baubles.

M $80 NM $95 MP R i BF botanicgardens.org.au/bauble BOTANICAL FOCUS: INTENSIVE WORKSHOP with Beverly Allen Royal Botanic Garden, Maiden Theatre Tue 7–Fri 10 February, 9.30am–4pm This four-day workshop will build your watercolour skills for botanical painting, with demonstrations of techniques – from initial washes, to dry brush detail and finishing. The emphasis will be on close observation, accurate drawing, the many subtleties of colour and the use of light to create a three dimensional painting. For intermediate to advanced students.

M $530 NM $570 MP i BF botanicgardens.org.au/botanicalfocus

BOTTLE & BRUSH with Outer Island Royal Botanic Garden, Rose Garden Pavilion, Thu 16 February, 5pm–7pm Celebrate the arrival of Sydney WorldPride with a wine glass in one hand and a paint brush in the other! Sip some wine, laugh with friends, and create your very own Pride-themed masterpiece in the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Join the young and enthusiastic artists behind Outer Island who will guide you step-by-step in creating a dazzling painting to take home at the end of the day. Perfect for an afternoon out with friends or the first step toward learning to paint in a fun, relaxed environment.

M $80 NM $90 MP R i BF botanicgardens.org.au/bottle-brush GARDENING SKILLS WORKSHOPS with Botanic Gardens’ experts Royal Botanic Garden Rathborne Lodge • Plant classification and nomenclature Sat 3 December, 9.30am–3.30pm How do we identify and name plants? Learn how botanists group plants into classification levels using common characteristics, relationships, ancestry and DNA to unravel evolutionary trees and accurately identify plants in their family group. We work with a scientist from the Australian Institute of Botanical Science to look at the standard descriptors of plant parts and patterns which are used to identify plants. • Pest and disease management Sat 14 January, 9.30am–3.30pm This session covers pest and disease problem identification and management using IPM (Integrated Pest Management) – where close observation and early treatment with manual removal, traps or organic sprays are the preferred methods. You’ll also cover prevention and control methods using garden design, rotation cropping and companion planting to maintain a balance of beneficial biodiversity in the garden. • Plant selection for Sydney gardens Sat 4 February, 9.30am–3.30pm Choosing the most suitable plants for your garden in the Sydney region varies according to location, aspect, altitude, microclimates, soil and rainfall patterns. In this session we learn about the importance of matching plants’ origins and cultural requirements to the conditions at your place. We discuss why garden design influences what plants will best suit and thrive, and how to buy the best possible stock from nurseries.

M $162 NM $180 per workshop botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On

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.

M $27 NM $30 MC NC $20 (6–15 yrs)

F (0–6 yrs) botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On

3-HOUR NATURE THERAPY WALKS Royal Botanic Garden, Visitor Centre Sun 22 January & 19 February 10am–1pm The three-hour Nature Therapy walk has been introduced to enhance the well-being benefits of the immersive Japanese practice of Shinrin yoku. Soak up the sights, sounds, textures and smells of nature, with time for listening, reflection, healing and mindful presence. Included is a tea-sharing ceremony, inspired by the Japanese ‘way of tea’. Suitable for 13+

M $39.50 NM $45 botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On 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.

M $27 NM $30 MC NC $20 (6–15 yrs)

F (0–6 yrs) botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On NATURE THERAPY WALKS • Royal Botanic Garden

Visitor Centre

Sun 4 & 18 December, 8 January 5 February, 10am–12noon • Australian Botanic Garden

Visitor Centre

Sun 11 December, 15 January 12 February, 10am–12noon • Blue Mountains Botanic Garden

Visitor Centre

Sat 21 January, 11am–1pm Originating in Japan, Shinrin-yoku (forest therapy) is a preventative health practice that improves wellbeing by immersing one’s senses in nature to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation by lowering your pulse and blood pressure. Suitable for 13+

M $36 NM $40 botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On australianbotanicgarden.com.au/ What-s-On bluemountainsbotanicgarden.com. au/What-s-On

ORIENTAL GARDEN WALK Royal Botanic Garden, Maiden Theatre, Tue 31 January, 10am–12.30pm Our modern gardens owe much to intrepid plant hunters such as Thunberg, Fortune and Forrest, who made risky journeys to distant lands collecting countless plants new to science. Celebrate Chinese New Year by getting to know the fascinating stories behind the plants of the HSBC Oriental Garden in this talk and walk with our fantastic guides. Learn about the evolution of this quiet spot in the heart of our Garden, from Maiden’s Bamboo Grove to the important wild-sourced collection of Asian plants that it is today.

M $40 NM $50 MT i BF botanicgardens.org.au/garden-walk

EVERGREEN, THE BOTANICAL LIFE OF A PLANT PUNK Book talk with Tim Entwisle Royal Botanic Garden Rose Garden Pavilion Sun 12 February, 10.30am–12noon Join Tim Entwisle, respected botanist, well-known scientific communicator, and one of the world’s finest botanic garden directors for an engaging book talk. In his memoir, Tim discusses his belief that nature sanctuaries, such as botanic gardens, can cure the ills of the world and address the key threats of our lives.

M $30 NM $45 MT i BF botanicgardens.org.au/evergreen ASTRONOMY AT THE CALYX Royal Botanic Garden, The Calyx Tue 14 February, 7pm–9.30pm Celebrate Valentine's Day! Join us for a night of astronomy and stargazing in the heart of the Royal Botanic Garden. Over a glass of wine, discover what the night sky teaches you with First Nations astronomer Drew Roberts, then travel through space to visit mysterious planets far from Earth with renowned astronomer Dr Angel Lopez -Sanchez or Fred Watson. Suitable for 12+

M $37 NM $43 botanicgardens.org.au/astronomy

SUNSET SPOTLIGHT • Royal Botanic Garden, Woolloomooloo Gate

Last Wed of the month, timings vary according to sunset • Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan Drive Gate

Last Fri of the month, timings vary according to sunset Visit biodiversity 'hotspots' to look for nocturnal animals. Join an experienced guide as we try out spotlighting and other fieldwork techniques used by our scientists. Suitable for 8+ (children must be accompanied by a paying adult)

M $36 NM $42 MC $17 NC $20 botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On australianbotanicgarden.com.au/what-s-on SYDNEY WORLDPRIDE 2023 An evening with 500 queer scientists Royal Botanic Garden, The Calyx Mon 20 & Tue 21 February, 6pm–9pm Following the success of our sold-out events in 2019, 2020 and 2021, we are proud to return in 2023 as part of Sydney WorldPride 2023 with not one, but two evenings, featuring different panels of LGBTQIA+ scientists as speakers. The 500 Queer Scientists initiative was launched in 2018 to help provide increased visibility, support and role models for LGBTQIA+ scientists.

M $30 NM $45 prideamplified.au

GHOSTLY GARDEN Royal Botanic Garden Woolloomooloo Gate Every second Friday, timings vary according to sunset Take a twilight adventure through the Royal Botanic Garden in this spinetingling storytelling event. Come within the Garden gates after hours and hear spooky stories of the Garden's past as bats flit above your head and night-creatures stare from the treetops. Suitable for 12+ (children must be accompanied by a paying adult)

M $37 NM $42 botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On

SANTA’S STUDIO • Australian Botanic Garden

Bowden Centre

Tue 20 December, 12noon–1.30pm • Royal Botanic Garden, Moore Room

Wed 21, Thu 22, Fri 23 December 12noon–1.30pm Join us at Santa’s Studio where your little elves will create Christmas crafts for family and friends using a range of materials. Dressing up is encouraged. Suitable for 4–10 yrs

MC $16 NC $18 botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On australianbotanicgarden.com.au/ what-s-on DREAMING OF A GREEN CHRISTMAS – OUTDOOR THEATRE • Australian Botanic Garden

Marquee Lawn

Tue 20 December, 10am–11am • Royal Botanic Garden, Araucaria Lawn

Wed 21, Thu 22 & Fri 23 December 10am–11am Kids will love this hilarious Christmas story featuring two elves who have been sent to Australia to prepare for Santa’s visit, but things don’t quite go to plan.

MC $16 NC $18 botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On australianbotanicgarden.com.au/ what-s-on

WATER WARRIORS • Royal Botanic Garden, Rathborne Lodge

Wed 11 & Thu 12 January, 10am–11.30am & 12.30pm–2pm • Australian Botanic Garden, Bowden Centre

Tue 17 & Wed 18 January, 10am–11.30am & 12.30pm–2pm • Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Waratah Education Centre

Thu 19 January, 10.30am–12noon & 1pm–2.30pm Keep cool as we go dip-netting by the pond to see freshwater ecosystems come to life and discover tiny critters. Learn how plants use their superpowers to save water in the heat and how to start a mini succulent and cacti nursery to take home. Suitable for 5+ (accompanied by adult) MC $16 NC $18 botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On australianbotanicgarden.com.au/what-s-on bluemountainsbotanicgarden.com.au/what-s-on GARDEN GRUBS • Royal Botanic Garden, Moore Room

Wed 11, Thu 12, Thu 19, Fri 20

Mon 23, Tue 24 January, 9am–3.30pm • Australian Botanic Garden, Bowden

Centre, Tue 17 & Wed 18 Jan 9am–3.30pm Kids will spend the day participating in a range of creative and action-based activities while connecting with nature. Suitable for 6–12 yrs MC $81 NC $90 (9am–3.30pm) MC $90 NC $105 (8.30am–4.30pm) botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On australianbotanicgarden.com.au/ what-s-on

KIDS’ BISCUITS & BUSH TEA • Royal Botanic Garden

Rathborne Lodge

Thu 12 Jan & Fri 13 Jan 10am–11.30am & 12.30pm–2pm • Australian Botanic Garden

Bowden Centre

Mon 23 Jan, 10am–11.30am & 12.30pm–2pm Take a bush-food adventure through the Garden and make your own tea! Suitable for 5+ (accompanied by adult)

MC $16 NC $18 botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On australianbotanicgarden.com.au/ what-s-on

QUEER PLANTS WALK Royal Botanic Garden, Maiden Theatre, Sun 19 February, 10.30am-12.30pm Plants are queerer than we can imagine! Celebrate WorldPride by joining our volunteer guides to learn how plants have been successfully embracing diversity for millions of years. We will reveal the sexy, scandalous and sweet secrets of our plants, and why striving to understand them matters to us all. The event will start with a morning tea and conclude at the Love Your Nature exhibition at The Calyx. For Foundation and Friends members and a guest. Tickets limited.

F NM $25 MT i BF botanicgardens.org.au/ffqueerplants

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. Members Only F i BF Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah, Education Centre Wed 7 December, Wed 1 February, 8.30am–12noon Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan, meet at the main car park Wed 14 December, Wed 8 February, 8.30am–12noon Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Foundation & Friends’ Terrace Thu 15 December, Thu 16 February, 8.45am–12noon botanicgardens.org.au/What-s-On

Foundation and Friends of the Botanic Gardens Ltd, Cottage 6, Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney 2000 Phone: (02) 9231 8182 Chief Executive Officer: Peter Thomas foundation.friends@botanicgardens.nsw.gov.au botanicgardens.org.au/foundationandfriends Office hours: Mon–Thu, 9am–3pm facebook.com/FoundationandFriends instagram.com/FoundationandFriends

EDITORIAL Editor: David Carroll Designer: Lauren Sutherland Coordinator: Helen Goodall Feature writers: Dr Brett Summerell (Botanical Science), John Siemon (Horticulture), Sue Wannan (Arts) and Miguel Garcia (History) Scientific adviser: Dr Russell Barrett Regular contributors: Raoul de Ferranti, Carol Griesser, Margaret Hanks, Jarryd Kelly, Greg Lamont, David Laughlin, Simon Reid and Marion Whitehead

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