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 |
|---|---|---|
| 19th Annual Art Exhibition of the Friends' Botanic Art Group | Thursday, 9 April 2026 - 2:00pm to Sunday, 3 May 2026 - 4:30pm |
The 19th Annual Art Exhibition of the Friends' Botanic Art Group will be held in the Visitor Centre Gallery at the ANBG from 10 April to 3 May 2026. You are invited to the Members' Preview which will be held from 2pm to 4pm Thursday 9 April 2026 in the ANBG Visitor Centre. |
| The National Seed Bank 'Taking our science and practice to the global and regional stage' | Thursday, 16 April 2026 - 12:30pm to 1:30pm |
This talk will cover some of the projects at the National Seed Bank, including testing the viability of seed in storage, the exchange of plant knowledge with the Mala women rangers at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, and the germination of Leionema and Phebalium species. Bookings can be made from about 30 days in advance until the night before the talk or until seating limits are reached. (Tickets are Free but a donation on entry is appreciated.) This talk will be held in the ANBG Theatrette. Booking Link - https://www.trybooking.com/DHLRC |
| Plant Recognition Group – Would you like to know more about Myrtaceae? | Monday, 20 April 2026 - 1:30pm to 3:30pm |
Jane Cottee will be facilitating a plant recognition workshop on the Myrtaceae family, focussing on practical identification tips and useful botanical features and terminology. She will include some local species of Leptospermum, Kunzea and Callistemon and several other familiar genera. Where: Solander Studio, Banksia Centre, ANBG. Bookings ESSENTIAL: Please send your name and phone number to plantname@friendsanbg.org.au Seats are limited for this session, so booking ahead is mandatory. |
| Masterclass - Designing Resilient Gardens [Sustainable Gardening Australia] | Wednesday, 22 April 2026 - 7:00pm to 8:00pm |
Join horticulturist Alistair Kirkpatrick for a practical, inspiring session on creating a garden that can handle Australia’s changing climate. Learn how to use plant layering, diversity and smart design to build shade, improve soil, and reduce watering. If your garden struggles with heat, hail or poor yields, you’ll walk away with simple ideas to get it thriving again. This one-hour Zoom session costs $33. Book here: https://weteachme.com/classes/1046998 |
| Leo Joseph '12 Birds, 3 Books, 5 Cities, and 3 Continents: An Ornithological Life Not Yet Finished’ | Thursday, 23 April 2026 - 12:30pm to 1:30pm |
Leo, recently retired from CSIRO, appreciates how pivotal it was for him to see certain species of bird in the wild in Australia and South America and the happy pursuit of a career studying evolution of birds, especially in these countries. Bookings can be made from about 30 days in advance until the night before the talk or until seating limits are reached. (Tickets are Free but a donation on entry is appreciated.) This talk will be held in the ANBG Theatrette. Booking Link - https://www.trybooking.com/DHLRE |
| Associate Professor Brad Tucker ‘The past, present and future of Mt Stromlo: Celebrating Mt Stromlo’s 100th anniversary’ | Thursday, 30 April 2026 - 12:30pm to 1:30pm |
In its 100 years Mt Stromlo has been at the forefront of astronomical discoveries, but much of its history has remained hidden. Brad, from ANU, will talk about its past and how it is shaping the future of astronomy and Canberra, and how it is helping to combat light pollution. Bookings can be made from about 30 days in advance until the night before the talk or until seating limits are reached. (Tickets are Free but a donation on entry is appreciated.) This talk will be held in the ANBG Theatrette. Booking Link - https://www.trybooking.com/DHLRH |
| Way out West (Flora of WA) Themed Walks | Monday, 4 May 2026 - 11:00am to Sunday, 10 May 2026 - 2:00pm |
The South-West of Western Australia is a Biodiversity Hotspot, one of two in Australia, with only 35 recognised globally. These free one-hour guided walks commence at 11am and 2pm each day. Meet at the clock near the café bridge. No booking required for individuals, but groups of more than six people should contact walks@friendsanbg.org.au a week before the planned walk. |
| Kristy Gould ‘Conserving Canberra: Healing country through restoration’ | Thursday, 7 May 2026 - 12:30pm to 1:30pm |
Kristy, from the ACT Office of Nature Conservation, describes a project to improve restoration through development of spatial planning tools, on-ground work at three key sites, and engaging the Ngunnawal community in Healing Country. Bookings can be made from about 30 days in advance until the night before the talk or until seating limits are reached. (Tickets are Free but a donation on entry is appreciated.) This talk will be held in the ANBG Theatrette. Booking Link - https://www.trybooking.com/DHLQN |
| Kim Pullen ‘More treasures–insects in fens and bogs’ | Thursday, 14 May 2026 - 12:30pm to 1:30pm |
Kim will discuss bogs and fens as an insect habitat, the variety of ecological niches that insects occupy and some threats to the fauna. She will give some local examples of the fauna of this habitat. Bookings can be made from about 30 days in advance until the night before the talk or until seating limits are reached. (Tickets are Free but a donation on entry is appreciated.) This talk will be held in the ANBG Theatrette Booking Link - https://www.trybooking.com/DHLQK |
| Masterclass - Creating a Wildlife Haven: The Must-Know Essentials | Wednesday, 20 May 2026 - 7:00pm to 8:00pm |
Want more birds, bees and butterflies in your garden? Join Claire Bickle to learn easy, practical ways to support local wildlife. Discover how to choose the right plants, create shelter and water, and make your garden a safe haven—starting this winter. Perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to make a real difference. Book your online Zoom session here: https://weteachme.com/classes/1047138 |
| Andrea Wild ‘Awe and wonder in CSIRO’s collections’ | Thursday, 21 May 2026 - 12:30pm to 1:30pm |
Andrea, from CSIRO, will share stories from the new science book Wild Collections. Learn about sharks living in sponges, orchids flowering underground, Spotted Handfish guarding their eggs, quirky tales of worm bums, Darkling beetles undertaking a decathlon, and much more. Bookings can be made from about 30 days in advance until the night before the talk or until seating limits are reached. (Tickets are Free but a donation on entry is appreciated.) This talk will be held in the ANBG Theatrette. Booking Link - https://www.trybooking.com/DKZFY |
| Dr Roger Farrow ‘Back from the brink or a resilient survivor: The case of Key’s Matchstick Grasshopper, Keyacris scurra’ | Thursday, 28 May 2026 - 12:30pm to 1:30pm |
Roger, formerly of CSIRO, will tell a tale of mystery and suspense involving two geneticists, some cemeteries, a taxonomist, a survey, sheep, habitat loss, citizen scientists and a sceptic. Bookings can be made from about 30 days in advance until the night before the talk or until seating limits are reached. (Tickets are Free but a donation on entry is appreciated.) This talk will be held in the ANBG Theatrette. Booking Link - https://www.trybooking.com/DKZFZ |
