Australian Botanic Garden
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Autumn in Your Gardens
Diary of Events
TALKS AND WALKS
Note: Program may be subject to change.
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Free Guided Walks throughout autumnExplore the heritage and plant diversity of the Royal Botanic Garden with a knowledgeable Volunteer Guide.
Aboriginal heritage toursJoin one of our Aboriginal Education Officers for a journey of discovery. Uncover the Royal Botanic Garden's rich Aboriginal heritage, by exploring plant uses, culture, artefacts, and taste some bush foods. Learn the richly diverse history and culture of the Aboriginal people of the Sydney region with an Aboriginal guide in the heart of the city. An important ceremonial site for many of the Sydney Aboriginal clans and home to the Cadigal clan. Wogganmagule (Farm Cove) and its surrounds offered an impressive and carefree existence. With a diverse array of bush foods, ample fresh water and a plentiful supply of seafood from the harbour, it was paradise for the local Aboriginal people for thousands of years. When: 10 am Fridays - 1.5 hours (bookings essential), no tour on Good Friday. Free Guided Walksat the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah A guided tour is available most days departing from the Visitor Centre at 11.30 am, led by a trained volunteer guide - contact us on 4567 2154 to ensure there will be a tour on the day of your visit. Morocco Tour TalkFind our more about Foundation and Friends’ latest trip to the exotic destination of Morocco. Hear from Carol Prior of travel company ‘Morocco by Prior Appointment” and escort Sandy Pratten as they detail some of the tour’s highlights. When: Monday 4 March 2013, 10.30-12 noon Garden Safari - an adventure in art and natureDiscover wild and wonderful art plants on a family adventure through the Garden. Fun activities at each safari stop explore the amazing colours, shapes and textures of plant life. For children 6-12 years old. When: Sunday 10 March - 31 May. Start time 9.30 am (collect map & safari kit from the Shop). Finish time 5.00 pm Specialist Horticultural Talks and StorytellingSpecialist horticultural talks Step into the Palm House and enjoy talks and demonstrations on South American plant families including bromeliads, begonias and orchids. Learn how best to propagate begonias from Gordon Chivers, member of the NSW Begonia Society. Dylan Morrissey, member of the Manly Warringah Orchid Society will inspire you with the remarkable world of orchids and the best way to take care of them. Paul Nicholson, will share his ‘mild obsession’ for the diversity, colour and form of the bromeliad group that never ceases to amaze from thread like epiphytes to dramatic and imposing architectural show stoppers like the alcantareas. Storytelling Be inspired by renowned storytellers Jo Henwood and Aunty Ali Golding. Hear fascinating Indigenous stories from Aunty Ali Golding and take a journey of myths, fairy tales, legends and ghost stories from plants growing all over the world with Jo Henwood. When: 10 March 2013 10.30 am: Orchids with Dylan Morrissey, 12.30 pm: Begonias with Gordon Chivers and 2.30 pm: Bromeliads with Paul Nicholson 11.30 am: Aunty Ali Golding and 1.30 pm: Jo Henwood Where: The Palm House Garden Stories - Intriguing, Bizarre and Sensational!On this hour long guided walk you will hear some of the more quirky stories that make up nearly 200 years of history of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Stories including famous discoveries, celebrities and crimes will be uncovered. When: 10 March 2013, 11 am, 12 noon, 1 pm, 2 pm. 1 hour duration Ikebana for GardensTeachers from the modern School of Sogetsu will lead a tour through their exhibition of stunning ikebana sculptures. They will talk about the philosophy of the ancient Japanese art form of ikebana, and how they created the beautiful works on display. When: Sunday 10 March, Start 11.30 am and 2.30 pm Huanduj: BrugmansiaJoin Dr Alistair Hay, retired senior research scientist and director at Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney, as he discusses his book Huanduj: Brugmansia, which covers all aspects of the plant. This is an excellent resource for anyone with an interest in this fascinating genus. When: Tues 26 March, 10.30 am-12 noon, morning tea provided at 10.30 am. |
Balinese Gardens Tour TalkHear about Foundation and Friends trip to Bali with Renaissance Tours and escorted by Sandy Pratten. The trip will discover the unique Balinese garden aesthetic and visit some stunning private gardens created by ex patriates. When: Wednesday 27 March 2013, 10.30 to 12 noon Australian Landscapes Before the Gum Trees - Guided WalkDr Glenn Johnson will recreate what the Australian landscape might have looked like before the domination of the vegetation with the more familiar gumtrees. He will explore the geological evolution of the Australian continent in relation to its neighbours and the implication this had for development of Australian flora. The talk will cover Gondwanan relicts such as ferns, conifers and early angiosperms while the walk accompanied by expert guides will visit relevant living examples in the Royal Botanic Garden. When: Wednesday 3 April 2013, 10 am-12.30 pm Garden After Dark - Guided TourDiscover what happens in the Garden after dark! Join us for a 1.5 hr guided tour with staff members and volunteer guides who will take you through the Garden observing curious movements of fauna, plants with unusual nocturnal habits and ghost stories! When: Thursday 11 April, 5.30 pm arrival for 6 pm start Margaret Flockton: the Hidden History - Family and Fine Art TalkJoin Louise Wilson, author of family histories and biographies, when she reveals the long hidden story of Margaret Flockton’s life. In a highly illustrated talk, Louise will tell of how Margaret came to be the first botanical illustrator at the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney and all she achieved before and during her 27 year employment starting in 1901. After the talk enjoy a guided walk through the Garden learning about plants that were illustrated by Margaret herself, many species having never been illustrated before. When: 15 Apr 2013, 10.30 - 12.30 Breakfast with the BirdsMeet some of the Garden’s feathered friends on an early morning guided walking tour followed by a scrumptious breakfast BBQ in the Garden. When: Saturday 4 May Grevilleas for Sydney GardensGrevilleas can claim to be the Australian plant most suited to cultivation. They are variable in height, flower colour, flowering time and length, most are strongly bird-attractive and some are delightfully perfumed. A range of beautiful species occur naturally around Australia. Then there are the hybrid grevilleas, bringing the potential total to more than 1000. What then are the best easiest and most reliable ones to grow in Sydney and how do I grow them and maintain them? Hear from grevillea authority Peter Olde on tips to make your garden an Australian show garden! When: Wed 15 May, 10.30 am -12 noon Autumn Highlights Tour and High TeaJoin an experienced guide and discover wonderful autumnal highlights of Australia’s largest botanic garden. After this walking tour, enjoy a stunning High Tea with all the trimmings! Gift vouchers are available. When: Sunday 19 May and Sunday 26 May 2013, 10.30 am -12.30 pm Nature's Grand Designs: Plant AdaptationsWhen: Thursday 23 May, 10 am-12.30 pm Nature's Grand Designs focuses on the botanical structures and functions of the cells, tissues and organs of some flowering plants. Experienced volunteer guides will present material on how these structures and functions have developed to lead to evolutionary success. Then the guides will make botany come alive as you stroll with them through the Garden looking at plants that illustrate the impressive adaptations that have enabled plants to change their 'design' in order to guarantee survival. When: Thursday 23 May, 10 am-12.30 pm |
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