Here you will find a calendar of Friends’ activities in the Gardens including lunchtime talks, social events, exhibitions and the ever-popular spring and autumn plant sales. In addition to events arranged by the Friends, we include some events arranged by the Gardens and by other organisations. A full list of events arranged by the Gardens is in their What's On webpage.
Calendar
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| Event title | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Botanic Art Groups exhibition 2025 | Saturday, 5 April 2025 - 12:00am to Sunday, 4 May 2025 - 11:55pm |
The Friends of the ANBG's Botanic Art Group will hold its 18th annual exhibition and sale at the Visitor Centre Gallery, with the theme 'Rainforest'. A proportion of the proceeds of sales will be donated to the Friends to support the Gardens. Several works will be chosen to be donated by the Friends to the Gardens' permanent collection. As in previous years, there will also be a work to be won by the lucky winner of a raffle. There will also be some unframed works and greeting cards by the members of the Group. |
| Dr Rod King - ‘Not too hot... not too cold’ | Thursday, 1 May 2025 - 12:30pm |
Rod, a retired CSIRO scientist and currently Treasurer of Friends ANBG, will talk about temperature and reproduction of plants, including Australian natives. Bookings open 4 April at https://www.trybooking.com/DAIQT |
| Ngunawal & National Capital stories of Black Mountain - fully booked | Friday, 2 May 2025 - 9:30am to 12:00pm, Friday, 2 May 2025 - 1:30pm to 4:00pm |
Black Mountain is an important element of the Aboriginal and national capital landscape from deep time to today. Let’s join Wally Bell, Ngunawal elder, and Mark Butz, history researcher and writer, as they unearth the lesser-known stories of Aboriginal, historic and natural heritage of Black Mountain. This walk is part of the Heritage Festival. Fully booked - all places taken. |
| Friends of ANBG Photographic Group Monthly Meeting | Friday, 2 May 2025 - 10:00am to 12:00pm |
This month’s meeting will feature a session in which members of the Photographic Group present up to three images for a constructive discussion and critique led by highly experienced and respected Group members, Graham Gall and Steven Playford. This is an opportunity to share photographic knowledge and skills throughout the Photographic Group. |
| Ngunawal & National Capital stories of Black Mountain - fully booked | Friday, 2 May 2025 - 9:30am to 12:00pm, Friday, 2 May 2025 - 1:30pm to 4:00pm |
Black Mountain is an important element of the Aboriginal and national capital landscape from deep time to today. Let’s join Wally Bell, Ngunawal elder, and Mark Butz, history researcher and writer, as they unearth the lesser-known stories of Aboriginal, historic and natural heritage of Black Mountain. This walk is part of the Heritage Festival. Fully booked - all places taken. |
| Black Mountain Weeding Work Party | Saturday, 3 May 2025 - 9:00am to 12:00pm |
We plan to remove lots more woody weeds. Meet: at the electricity sub-station, Frith Road, Acton. Bring: water. Wear: hat, sunscreen, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves, stout shoes. We shall break for delicious morning tea at about 10:30am. Please book: if you are planning to come, please let us know by booking using this link: https://www.trybooking.com/CYPVD |
| Guided Walks - Leaves - to drop or not to drop | Monday, 5 May 2025 - 11:00am to Sunday, 11 May 2025 - 2:00pm |
Most Australian trees are evergreen but there are a few that lose some or all of their leaves. Join a free one-hour guided walk to see examples and hear some of the factors that influence why a tree might drop its leaves. Walks leave from the clock near the ANBG bridge at 11am and 2pm each day. No booking required for individuals, but groups of more than six people should contact walks@friendsanbg.org.au a week before the planned walk. |
| Doug Laing - ‘Invasive species in Australia: history, culture and consequences’ | Thursday, 8 May 2025 - 12:30pm |
Are invasive species or climate change the most costly threat to biodiversity and our broader natural environment? Doug, a former diplomat and now active volunteer with the ANBG and Friends, will reflect on the origins, costs, consequences and future trajectory of past follies. Bookings open 11 April at https://www.trybooking.com/DAIRS |
| Plant Science Talk: Dr Alison Pouliot - 'Curry Punk & Jelly Brain: The Conservation and Aesthetics of Fungi' | Monday, 12 May 2025 - 10:30am to 11:30am |
In this talk Alison will explore how fungi are perceived across hemispheres in conservation contexts and which fungal flagships might best capture the public imagination. Alison will also tell some stories from the writing of her recent book, Funga Obscura – Photo Journeys Among Fungi. This talk is now fully booked. |
| Dr Kathy Eyles - 'International commitments towards conservation' | Thursday, 15 May 2025 - 12:30pm |
Kathy, of the Australian Seed Bank Partnership, will describe how, in this third decade of Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, the Partnership will continue to support conservation of Australia’s native flora and global efforts to reverse the impacts on plant species. Bookings open on 18 April at https://www.trybooking.com/DAJNL |
| Plant Recognition Group - Getting to know agaric fungi (mushrooms and toadstools) | Thursday, 15 May 2025 - 2:00pm to 4:30pm |
The next Plant Recognition Group workshop will focus on agaric fungi (mushrooms and toadstools). Heino Lepp from the mycology collection of the Australian National Herbarium will talk about the macroscopic features that help identify agarics and will have fresh specimens on hand. Binocular microscopes and other aids for identification will be available for the workshop. Booking ESSENTIAL: Please send your name and phone number to plantname@friendsanbg.org.au Seats are limited for this session, so booking ahead is mandatory. |
| Cameras and Cafe walk | Saturday, 17 May 2025 - 8:40am to 10:30am |
As usual we meet at the bus stop at 8.40 am. The group then sets out in search of interesting and beautiful images from around the Gardens. We regroup for a refreshment and friendly conversation at Pollen Cafe at around 10.30 am. |
