Friends of the Australian National Botanic Gardens

Black Mountain Weeding Work Party
2025-12-06 08:30 - 11:30 (Australia/Sydney) | Lower level ANBG Carpark, Clunies Ross Street, Acton, ACT, 2601, Australia
Thank you very much to our work party for removing hundreds of woody weeds at our November work party. That work party was the 13th Anniversary of FoBM Weeding Work Parties, and some of the people at that work party were also at the first one!! Congratulations for this magnificent innings.
We look forward to seeing everyone at our next weeding work party, when we shall continue removal of WA Bluebell and other woody weeds
As the weather is warming up could we ask that you remember to wear a hat, please?
Details of the next weeding work party (including the booking link) are:
Date: Saturday, 6 December 2025, 8:30 to 11:30am
Meet: Bottom row of Southern Carpark, Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG). When you come through main gate to ANBG, turn left immediately and park in this bottom row. If you are not already a member of the Friends of ANBG, a temporary parking permit will be arranged for you.
Look for banners.
Bring: Water, and more of your friends if you wish, as everyone is welcome.
Wear: HAT, sunscreen, summer-weight long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves, stout shoes with closed toes.
We shall break for delicious morning tea at about 10:00am
Please book: if you are planning to come, please let us know by booking using this booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/CYPVP
This helps us to let you know if arrangements need to change at the last minute (for example, adverse weather conditions).
If you need further information, please contact me by email friendsofblackmountain@gmail.com .
Linda Beveridge
Convenor, Friends of Black Mountain

Cameras and Cafe Walk
2025-12-13 08:40 - 10:30, 2026-01-18 08:40 - 10:30 | ANBG Bus Stop, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra, Australia
Join members of the Photographic Group for a stimulating and friendly photo walk.
Meet at the bus stop at 8.40 am. We then disperse, either individually or in groups, to capture in images the beauty (and sometimes the beasties) that make the Gardens such a special place. We get back together for a chat and a snack at Pollen Cafe at around 10.30 am.
A member of the Friends of ANBG Photographic Group Committee is always present to help with introductions and be a source of expertise and advice. Any level of photographic knowledge and equipment is most welcome.

Black Mountain Weeding Work Party
2026-01-03 08:30 - 11:30 | Lower level ANBG Carpark, Clunies Ross Street, Acton, ACT, 2601, Australia
Details of our next weeding work party are:
Date: Saturday, 3 January 2025, 8:30 to 11:30am
Meet: in the bottom row of the Southern Carpark ANBG.
(When you come through the main gate to the ANBG, turn left immediately and park in the bottom row. If you are not already a member of the Friends of ANBG, a temporary parking permit will be arranged for you.)

Bring: water, and another friend as everyone is welcome.
Wear: hat, sunscreen, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves, stout shoes.
We shall break for delicious morning tea at about 10:00am
Please book: if you are planning to come, please let us know by using this booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/DIFKN
This helps us to let you know if arrangements need to change at the last minute (for example, adverse weather conditions).
If you need further information, please contact Linda by phone 0437 298 711.
We look forward to seeing you at our next weeding work party.
Linda Beveridge
Friends of Black Mountain

Postcards from Black Mountain - Morgyn Phillips
2026-01-14 09:30 - 2026-02-08 16:30 | Clock near the bridge, ANBG, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra, ACT, 2600, Australia
Come to the ANBG Visitor Centre Gallery to see an exhibition of postcard drawings in ink and coloured pencil by Morgyn Phillips. The exhibition will run from the 14th January until the 8th February.
Meet the Artist
Saturday afternoon in the Visitor Centre Gallery, Australian National Botanic Gardens
17th January 2026, 1.30 to 4pm

Butterfly walks
2026-01-18 10:30 - 12:00, 2026-01-18 13:30 - 15:00 | Visitor Centre, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra, Australia
In summer we see not only how colourful butterflies are when they fly but also how well “camouflaged” they are when resting on logs or rocks. Join us to hunt for Imperial Jezebels, Australian Painted Ladies, Common Brown butterflies and others. We all love sunlight, and we owe many glorious and sweet-scented flowers to the butterflies and moths that pollinate them. Join our local expert, Dr Suzi Bond to see and hear about butterflies and the plants they like in the ANBG.
Copies of the “Field Guide to the Butterflies of the Australian Capital Territory” by Suzi Bond with Steve Holliday and John Stein are for sale in the Botanical Bookshop.
Sunday 18 January 2026 (choose from two sessions: 10.30 am or 1.30 pm)
Bring binoculars for a closer look at the butterflies, and camera, if you wish.
Meet at the Visitor Centre
(Walks are for Friends members and family)
Cost: $10 (All proceeds go towards projects in the Gardens.)
Bookings can be made at https://www.trybooking.com/DGXFX.

Bruce Lindenmayer Memorial Lecture – David Lindenmayer ‘Re-imagining fire in the land of fire’
2026-02-05 18:00 - 19:00 | Theatre 2, Lowitja O’Donoghue Cultural Centre, Australian National University, Kingsley St, Acton, ACT, 2601, Australia
Distinguished Professor David Lindenmayer speaks on ‘Re-imagining fire in the land of fire’
Australia is the most fire-prone continent on earth. The relationship between fire, fire management, fire risks and biodiversity is complex, and often poorly understood by the majority of Australians. Many of the opinions on fire in the media and populist literature are ill-informed. Some actions like logging, thinning and even prescribed burning can actually make some Australian ecosystems more flammable. They can also alter fire regimes – or the sequence of fires in an area – with profound long-term negative impacts on biodiversity and the integrity of ecosystems.
This talk discusses new insights into the ecology and management of wildfire and other kinds of fire in Australian landscapes. It charts a new path towards better understanding fire and its management in the land of fire.
This special Memorial Lecture will be held on Thursday, 5 February 2026 at 6pm in Theatre 2, Lowitja O’Donoghue Cultural Centre, ANU. Bookings are free but essential, and are now open.
Bruce Lindenmayer OAM was a highly dedicated environmentalist, conservationist and ornithologist, and a member of the Friends of the ANBG for fourteen years. Read about his life and legacy.
Biography
Distinguished Professor David Lindenmayer, AO FAA, is a world-leading expert in forest and woodland ecology, resource management, conservation science, and biodiversity conservation. He has maintained some of the largest, long-term research programs in Australia, with some exceeding 42 years in duration. He is among the world’s most productive and most highly-cited scientists, particularly in forest ecology and conservation biology and has published more than 1550 scientific articles including 990 peer-reviewed papers in international scientific journals. He has also published 50 books, including many award-winning textbooks and other seminal books. David Lindenmayer held a prestigious Australian Research Council Laureate Fellowship from 2013-2018, where he worked on biodiversity indices, metrics and proxies. He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science (elected 2008), a Fellow of the Ecological Society of America (elected in 2019), Fellow of the Royal Zoological Society of NSW (elected 2022), and Fellow of the American Academy of Sciences (elected 2023). He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2014. His research has been recognised through numerous awards, including the Eureka Science Prize (three times), Whitley Award (10 times), the Serventy Medal for Ornithology, the Ellis Troughton Medal for contributions to Mammalogy, and the Australian Natural History Medallion. In 2018, he was awarded the prestigious Whittaker Medal from the Ecological Society of America. He was awarded the Macfarlane Burnett Medal for Life Sciences by the Australian Academy of Sciences in 2024.
Booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/DHLPY
Booking
This special Memorial Lecture will be held at 6pm in Theatre 2, Lowitja O’Donoghue Cultural Centre, Australian National University. Bookings open 15 December and close the night before the talk or when seating limits are reached. (Tickets are free but a donation on entry will be accepted.)
Car Park: Kingsley Street, Acton. Drive down ramp at the end of Kingsley Street. Fee $6.20 for arrivals after 5pm.
Please reserve a seat at this talk if you wish to attend. Bookings open 15 December and close the night before the talk, or when seating limits are reached. (Tickets are free but a donation on entry will be accepted.)

Black Mountain Weeding Work Party
2026-02-07 08:30 - 11:30 | Lower level ANBG Carpark, Clunies Ross Street, Acton, ACT, 2601, Australia
We thank our volunteers at our January work party who removed hundreds of woody weeds from the area near the Icon Water Reservoir and Black Mountain Drive.
We look forward to seeing you at our next weeding work party. Although we are likely to be working in dappled shade, could we ask that you remember to wear a hat, please?
Details of our next weeding work party and morning tea:
Date: Saturday, 7 February 2026, 8:30 to 11:30am
Meet: Bottom row of Southern Carpark, Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG). When your come through main gate to ANBG, turn left immediately and park in this bottom row. If you are not already a member of the Friends of ANBG, a temporary parking permit will be arranged for you.
Look for banners.
Wear: HAT, sunscreen, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves, stout shoes.
We shall break for delicious morning tea at about 10:00am
Please book: if you are planning to come please let us know by using this booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/DIFKQ
This helps us to let you know if arrangements need to change at the last minute (for example, adverse weather conditions).
If you need further information, please contact Linda by phone 0437 298 711.
We look forward to seeing you at our next weeding work party.

'Frost and drought in a native garden' - CHANGE OF SPEAKER
2026-02-12 12:30 - 13:30 | ANBG Theatrette, Clunies Ross Street Acton ACT 2601, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
Dr Ben Walcott will speak in the place of the scheduled speaker, Dr Roger Farrow. His topic is ‘Frost and drought in a native garden’ – increasingly relevant to everyone with an interest in how our unstable weather patterns will affect us and our plantings.
Biography
The Walcotts moved from the USA to Canberra in 2003 and soon became friends of the ANBG. They have developed their own large native garden in Red Hill, drawing on garden experiences both locally and overseas.
Booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/DHLQC

Bushland Precinct Nature Walk
2026-02-14 09:30 - 11:30 | Visitor Centre, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra, Australia
Members of the Friends of the Australian National Botanic Gardens are invited to a special guided walk to explore the Gardens’ Bushland Precinct, across the Black Mountain road from the main part of the Gardens.
The Bushland Nature Walk meanders through the Bushland Precinct of the Australian National Botanic Gardens, which is one of the few botanic gardens that has a section of original natural flora. The walk takes you through open forest and features expansive views to Canberra City and Parliament House. Some of the plants are labelled and you will find interpretive signs about the biodiversity, fire ecology and soil of the area. The walk culminates at a viewing platform offering spectacular views across Lake Burley Griffin. Return is via the same path.
Easy to medium on uneven ground, a few stairs and short steep sections. There are some places to rest along the way. Distance: 3.2 km (1.6 km each way)
Meet: Friends only at Visitor Centre, ANBG. We leave at 9:30am so please arrive a few minutes earlier.
Cost: $10
BYO water, hat, sunblock and stout shoes
Please Book: Places are limited, so bookings will be required. Book at https://www.trybooking.com/DITZU.
Contacts for enquiries: email events@friendsanbg.org.au or contact Linda on 0437 298 711.

Plant Recognition Group – Can you tell a rush from a sedge?
2026-02-16 13:30 - 15:30 | Celia Rosser Room, Banksia Centre, Australian National Botanical Gardens, Canberra, Australia
World Wetlands Day is on 2 February 2026 and in recognition of this, the first PRG workshop of 2026 will be on these two key wetland families. It will enable participants to get to know the main features of rushes and sedges (Juncaceae and Cyperaceae) with the aim of being able to distinguish between these, using local species, by the end of the workshop.
The workshop will be led by Dr Jane Roberts, a retired vegetation ecologist, who was an ecological consultant in vegetation and water management, primarily on lowland rivers in the southern Murray-Darling Basin.
When: Monday 16 February 1.30 – 3.30pm including extra time to practice if you wish.
Where: Celia Rosser Room, 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.
Please advise at least a day in advance if you need to cancel your booking, so that a member on the waiting list can be offered the place.

Talk on threatened species records and wildlife camera data
2026-02-18 10:00 - 13:30 | ANBG Theatrette, Clunies Ross Street Acton ACT 2601, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
About the event
This professional environmental practice talk offers an opportunity for you to gain an insight into the Atlas of Living Australia’s (ALA) need for more threatened species records and for wildlife camera data. (The event is run by The Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ), Australasia’s peak body for environmental practitioners. They harness the expertise of their members to progress environmental practice and advocate for improved sustainability outcomes.)
The ALA is a collaborative, digital, open infrastructure that pulls together Australian biodiversity data from multiple sources, making it accessible to all environmental practitioners.
How do we get more threatened species records?
While some species have millions of observations recorded in the ALA, many lesser-known species have few or even no records. How can we do to rectify this?
How do we collect, processes, and share data from wildlife camera traps?
Verified images from wildlife camera traps are available in the ALA but there is a need for more. What is the standard that underpins this richer and more informative data capture?
Who should attend?
This event will be of vital importance to anyone working in land management or biodiversity conservation, especially park rangers, environmental advisors, ecological consultants, impact assessment specialists, species data analysts, threatened species researchers and taxonomists. This event will also be of interest to naturalists, bird observers, citizen scientists and environmental groups.
This event includes a networking lunch.
Meet the Speakers
Juliet Seers | Training and Outreach Coordinator
Juliet Seers is the Training and Outreach Coordinator at the ALA and leads the Australian Biodiversity Data Mobilisation Program which focuses on closing data gaps and increasing public access to biodiversity data for research and decision making.
Cam Slatyer | Program Manager, National Biodiversity Data Initiatives
Cam Slatyer manages the taxonomic backbone of the ALA. Cam is an experienced Branch Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the museums and government sectors. Extensive experience in leading teams through change, policy development, liaison, negotiating difficult outcomes and developing innovative solutions to issues by harnessing different sectors in collaborative partnerships.
Peggy Newman | Data Manager
Peggy Newman is the Data Manager at the ALA and controls a team of data engineers who transfer, ingest, process and index datasets from hundreds of data providers.

Event details
When: 18 February 2026
10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Where: Australian National Botanic Gardens Theatrette
Clunies Ross Street, Acton
Cost: $10 – EIANZ members, $100 non-members
Register at https://www.eianz.org/events/event/act-threatened-species-records-and-wildlife-camera-data
Contact: Event & registration enquiries: events@eianz.org or 03 8593 4142

Craig Moritz – Discovering diversity across Australia’s tropics
2026-02-19 12:30 - 13:30 | ANBG Theatrette, Clunies Ross Street Acton ACT 2601, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
Craig Moritz, from the ANU, will talk about the true species diversity of vertebrates in the monsoonal tropics, and how this matters for science, conservation, and ecological management.
You might think that we know all about Australia’s vertebrate species – what they are and where they occur. However, ongoing surveys and genetic analyses tell a different story – we have massively underestimated true species diversity across the vast monsoonal tropics. This matters for science, conservation, and informing ecological management, especially in areas owned and managed by our First Peoples.
Craig Moritz is an evolutionary biologist who likes nothing more than traveling to remote areas to survey animal diversity and interact with landholders. He is a Professor at ANU and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science.
It is a good idea to reserve a seat at the talks that you wish to attend; several talks are booked out very quickly. Bookings can be made about 30 days in advance until Wednesday night before the talk.

Cameras and Cafe Walk
2026-02-21 08:40 - 10:30 | ANBG Bus Stop, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra, Australia
Join members of the Photographic Group for a stimulating and friendly photo walk.
As usual, be at the bus stop at 8.40 am to take advantage of the cooler hours. Participants can choose to move around the Gardens as a group or head off with their camera individually. We reconvene for a snack and beverage at Pollen Cafe at around 10.30 am.
At least one person from the Friends of ANBG Photographic Group Committee will be there to get things started, orchestrate introductions and provide help if needed. All levels of photographic knowledge and equipment are welcome.

Australian Plants as Bonsai Exhibition
2026-02-21 09:30 - 2026-02-22 16:00 | Crosbie Morrison Building, ANBG, Clunies Ross Street, Acton, Australian Capital Territory, 2601, Australia
The Canberra Bonsai Society and the Australian National Botanic Gardens are pleased to present an exhibition of Australian Plants as Bonsai. The art of miniature trees in pots or trays started in China around 2000 years ago (penjing) and was taken up in Japan around 1200 years ago where it started to be called bonsai about 150 years ago.
The secret to looking old:
The exhibition will display over 40 bonsai and penjing and related items created by Canberra Bonsai Society members.
The tips for those beginning bonsai will be explained as part of the display and at the demonstrations. Bonsai can look old in just a few years by starting with mature stock or ‘growing on’ in the ground. Techniques to develop a wide trunk, dead branches or scars all give the tree the appearance of age. Many bonsai are passed from artist to artist over time as the trees may live for decades.
Bonsai can give enjoyment in caring for trees; be artistic in how the tree is styled and displayed; and social when sharing knowledge and expertise with members of the Canberra Bonsai Society.
We hope you enjoy the exhibition in 2026.
Exhibition Opening Hours
9:30am – 4:00pm
Location
Crosbie Morrison Building,
Australian National Botanic Gardens
Clunies Ross St, Acton, ACT
Follow the signs from the carpark, Visitor Centre or café.
Demonstration
11.00 am and 2:00pm daily
Admission
Adult $5.00
Concession $3.00
Accompanied children under 12 Free.
More information?
Email apab@cbs.org.au or phone Linda on 0408 286 252

Chris Mobbs – Bragg Street Park, Hackett: Increasing biodiversity through water harvesting
2026-02-26 08:00 - 17:00 | ANBG Theatrette, Clunies Ross Street Acton ACT 2601, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
Chris Mobbs, Convenor Bragg Street Park Volunteers, describes solving a drainage problem and creating an urban oasis with a great increase in the diversity of native plants.
Residents near a neighbourhood park in Hackett came together to solve a drainage problem. They ended up creating an urban oasis. Their project was funded with a Nature in the City grant in 2021.
It is now 4 years since the swales were built, and they have been very successful in preventing minor flooding in gardens downhill from the park. There have also been great results in increasing the diversity of native plants in the park – many have been planted by the park volunteers, but many self-seeding eucalypts have grown up in the swales.
Our volunteer group was very pleased when the ACT Government used our park as a case study in the recently released Stormwater Management for Community Groups guidelines: https://www.act.gov.au/open/stormwater-management-for-community-groups.
I am pleased that the photo on the cover of these guidelines is one of the swales in our park, and there are more details on page 25. As well as the swales successfully capturing water and the great growth of native plants, we had 5 species of frogs move into the park in the spring of 2023 and 2024. And in spring 2023, a lovely bearded dragon moved into the park. And last spring, we counted 4 smaller ones – we think these may have been offspring from the first dragon.
Chris Mobbs has a Bachelor’s in Applied Science (1976) from the then Canberra College of Advanced Education (now Uni of Canberra). My first job was an interpretation ranger (1976-84) with the then Conservation and Agriculture department (later renamed the ACT Parks and Conservation Service). My activities included taking people on day and night-time walks through Canberra’s nature reserves like Tidbinbilla, Black Mt, Mt Taylor, Mt Ainslie, and Majura, and preparing brochures about Canberra’s wildlife. In 1983-84, I co-hosted, with Mike Braysher, the Wildlife Biologist, a 30-minute segment called Canberra Bush and Fauna once every 3 weeks on ABC local radio morning program (then known as ABC 2CN but today is ABC 666). From 1984-96, I worked in the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service Education Section and then helped manage programs including Save the Bush, One Billion Trees, and the Waterwatch program. From 2000-07, I worked in the Chemical management program of the Federal Environment department before moving to energy efficiency programs until I retired in early 2017.
It is a good idea to reserve a seat at the talks that you wish to attend; several talks are booked out very quickly. Bookings can be made about 30 days in advance until Wednesday night before the talk.

Friends of ANBG Photographic Group Monthly Meeting
2026-02-27 10:00 - 12:00 | ANBG Theatrette, Clunies Ross Street Acton ACT 2601, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
The first regular Photographic Group meeting of the new year takes place on Friday 27 February at 10.00am in the Theatrette.
The meeting will kick off 2026 with an expansive ‘show and tell’ session.
Bring up to 12 images on a thumb drive to share with fellow members. Your favourite images of nature and wildlife taken over the past year or so are encouraged. The subject does not have to be in the Gardens. It’s a chance to show off your development as a photographer.
The meeting will also be an opportunity to hear about forthcoming Photographic Group activities.

Bernadette Duncan ‘Indigenous plant names and tea tasting’
2026-03-05 12:30 - 13:30 | ANBG Theatrette, Clunies Ross Street Acton ACT 2601, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
Kamilaroi woman Bernadette Duncan works with her community bringing people to language and knowledge through local teas. Taste the teas as Bernadette leads a talk about using native plants for teas and bush medicine.
Biography
It is a good idea to reserve a seat at the talks that you wish to attend; several talks are booked out very quickly. Bookings can be made about 30 days in advance until Wednesday night before the talk.
Booking Link – https://www.trybooking.com/DHLQI

Black Mountain Weeding Work Party
2026-03-07 08:30 - 11:30 | Lower level ANBG Carpark, Clunies Ross Street, Acton, ACT, 2601, Australia
We look forward to seeing you at our next weeding work party and morning tea:
Date: Saturday, 7 March 2026, 8:30 to 11:30am
Meet: Bottom row of Southern Carpark, Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG). When your come through main gate to ANBG, turn left immediately and park in this bottom row. If you are not already a member of the Friends of ANBG, a temporary parking permit will be arranged for you.
Look for banners.
Wear: HAT, sunscreen, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves, stout shoes.
We shall break for delicious morning tea at about 10:00am
Please book: if you are planning to come, please let us know by using this booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/DIFKS
This helps us to let you know if arrangements need to change at the last minute (for example, adverse weather conditions).
If you need further information, please contact Linda by phone 0437 298 711.

Women Botanists, Balancing the Scale Themed Walks
2026-03-08 11:00 - 2026-03-14 14:00 | Clock near the bridge, ANBG, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra, ACT, 2600, Australia
To mark International Women’s Day on March 8th, this walk celebrates women in botany – the pioneering female researchers, scientists, artists and writers who contributed to the study of plants. Walking through the Gardens we will look at species that reference woman’s contribution to our knowledge and understanding of plants.
These free one-hour guided walks commence at 11am and 2pm each day for the week Sunday 8 March to Saturday 14 March.
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.

Professor Eric Warrant 'The art of coming far with a tiny brain: The remarkable navigational abilities of the Australian Bogong moth'
2026-03-12 12:30 - 13:30 | ANBG Theatrette, Clunies Ross Street Acton ACT 2601, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
Some migratory insects can travel thousands of kilometres to a very specific place they have never been to before. But how do they know the direction to fly and how do they know when they have arrived?
In his talk, Eric will reveal how the nocturnal Bogong Moth, Agrotis infusa – uses the Earth’s magnetic field, the starry night sky and highly specific odours to fly 1000 kilometres to remote caves in the Australian Alps where they spend the summer.
Biography
Professor Eric Warrant is an Australian scientist who is Professor of Zoology at the University of Lund in Sweden. He is a Visiting Fellow at the Research School of Biology at the ANU, an Adjunct Professor at Adelaide University and is a Corresponding Member of the Australian Academy of Science. Eric studies vision and visual navigation in nocturnal and deep-sea animals, with his most recent work centred on the sensory basis of long- distance migration in the Bogong Moth.
Booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/DJKKG
Booking
Lunchtime talks are held at 12.30 pm every Thursday from February to November. Talks last for 1 hour. We welcome donations by gold coins, notes, or electronically. The Friends use donations received at each talk to support Gardens’ programs and development and we thank all those who have donated.
Unless otherwise indicated, talks are held in the ANBG Theatrette.
It is a good idea to reserve a seat at the talks that you wish to attend; talks may be booked out very quickly. Bookings can be made from about 30 days in advance until the night before the talk or until seating limits are reached.
Booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/DJKKG
The Friends of the ANBG thank the speakers who volunteer their time and talents to further the knowledge of all attending events in the Gardens. Many summaries or PowerPoint presentations of Thursday talks are available to Friends at the ANBG library. Please direct queries about the talks to the Thursday Talks Team: email talks@friendsanbg.org.au.

Growing Friends Autumn 2026 Native Plant Sale
2026-03-14 09:00 - 11:30 | Banksia Centre Car Park, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Save the date – it’s happening on Saturday, 14 March 2026 in the Banksia Centre car park. The sale runs from 9:00-11.30 am but typically sells out by 10.00 am. Don’t be late!
Plants are generally $6 or $10 per pot (unless otherwise indicated) and purchase is by card only.
With over 1000 plants for sale, and about a hundred native species and cultivars, there is a plant for every spot in your garden. We have old favourites like Correa ‘Dusky Bells’ and ‘Lemon Twist’, and the ever-popular yellow Straw Flower (Xerochrysum bracteatum).
Other popular plants include Brachyscomes, Banksias, Callistemons, Correas, Croweas, Grevilleas, Hakeas, Leptospermums, Pimeleas, Prostantheras, Telopeas, and Westringias. Those looking for ACT plants will be tempted by the Alpine Daisy Bush (Olearia algida) and the dainty Chamomile Sunray (Rhodanthe anthemoides).
These plants grow in Canberra’s challenging climate of low rainfall, hot summers and frosty winters. Growing these natives is one of the best ways to provide a better environment for local wildlife, especially for birds and insects. See the plant description list (PDF, 612 KB).
Plants are propagated by the Growing Friends from cuttings or seeds sourced within the ANBG with the support of ANBG staff. All proceeds from the sale go to the Friends to support the Gardens.
Prospective buyers are encouraged to bring their own carry bags and boxes.
Growers from the Australian Native Plants Society Canberra will be holding a separate sale on Saturday 21 March in the Southern car park.

Don Fletcher 'Goannas in the Canberra region and what is needed to conserve and restore them'
2026-03-19 12:30 - 13:30 | ANBG Theatrette, Clunies Ross Street Acton ACT 2601, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
Don will provide an introduction to goannas, particularly the local species. He’ll look at what local research is underway and what we need to do to conserve goannas for the future.
Biography
Don Fletcher is a retired ecologist leading the ‘National Parks Association Goanna Project’ which is a citizen science investigation of local goanna species, mainly Rosenberg’s Goanna (Varanus rosenbergi), which is sometimes called the Heath Monitor.
Booking Link: https://www.trybooking.com/DJUMO
Booking
Lunchtime talks are held at 12.30 pm every Thursday from February to November. Talks last for 1 hour. We welcome donations by gold coins, notes, or electronically. The Friends use donations received at each talk to support Gardens’ programs and development and we thank all those who have donated.
Unless otherwise indicated, talks are held in the ANBG Theatrette.
It is a good idea to reserve a seat at the talks that you wish to attend; talks may be booked out very quickly. Bookings can be made from about 30 days in advance until the night before the talk or until seating limits are reached.
The Friends of the ANBG thank the speakers who volunteer their time and talents to further the knowledge of all attending events in the Gardens. Many summaries or PowerPoint presentations of Thursday talks are available to Friends at the ANBG library. Please direct queries about the talks to the Thursday Talks Team: email talks@friendsanbg.org.au.

Cameras and Cafe Walk
2026-03-22 08:40 - 22:30 | ANBG Bus Stop, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra, Australia
Join members of the Photographic Group for a stimulating and friendly photo walk.
As usual, be at the ANBG bus stop at 8.40am to take advantage of the cooler hours. Participants can choose to move around the Gardens as a group or head off with their camera individually.
We reconvene for a snack and beverage at Pollen Cafe at around 10.30 am.
At least one person from the Friends of ANBG Photographic Group Committee will be there to get things started, orchestrate introductions and provide help if needed. All levels of photographic knowledge and equipment are welcome.

Lori Gould ‘Movement and behaviour of Latham’s Snipe at Jerrabomberra Wetlands: the results are in’
2026-03-26 12:30 - 13:30 | ANBG Theatrette, Clunies Ross Street Acton ACT 2601, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
Lori, will present the findings of the tracking research she has carried out over the past 3 years at Jerrabomberra Wetlands as part of the Lathams Snipe Project. They provide an exciting insight into the behaviour of Snipe during their non-breeding season in Canberra.
Biography
Lori runs an environmental planning and restoration business–Environmental Restoration Design and Planning (ERDP)–which specialises in natural resource management, particularly landscape rehabilitation, assessment, planning, monitoring and community engagement. Lori is a riparian restoration specialist and over the past 25+ years has managed dozens of large-scale projects (both riparian and terrestrial). Prior to ERDP, Lori ran consulting company GrassRoots Environmental from which ERDP evolved. Lori also developed community programs at the Jerrabomberra Wetlands for 5 years, was a Senior Project Manager for 16 years with Greening Australia, specialising in riparian and catchment management programs to improve water quality and biodiversity in rural Australia and before this a Park Ranger with ACT Parks and Conservation Service for 6 years.
Lori is a PhD candidate studying migratory birds, holds a Master’s Degree in Integrated Water Management, a Post Graduate Certificate in River Restoration and Management, an Environmental Science Degree and Associate Diploma in Animal Science. Lori is also a Fellow of the Peter Cullen Trust.
Booking Link – https://www.trybooking.com/DHLQS
Booking
Lunchtime talks are held at 12.30 pm every Thursday from February to November. Talks last for 1 hour. We welcome donations by gold coins, notes, or electronically. The Friends use donations received at each talk to support Gardens’ programs and development and we thank all those who have donated.
Unless otherwise indicated, talks are held in the ANBG Theatrette.
It is a good idea to reserve a seat at the talks that you wish to attend; talks may be booked out very quickly. Bookings can be made from about 30 days in advance until the night before the talk or until seating limits are reached.
The Friends of the ANBG thank the speakers who volunteer their time and talents to further the knowledge of all attending events in the Gardens. Many summaries or PowerPoint presentations of Thursday talks are available to Friends at the ANBG library. Please direct queries about the talks to the Thursday Talks Team: email talks@friendsanbg.org.au.

Friends Photographic Group Monthly Meeting
2026-03-27 10:00 - 11:00 | ANBG Theatrette, Clunies Ross Street Acton ACT 2601, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
The next regular meeting takes place on Friday 27 March at 10am in the Theatrette.
The guest presenter will be Cormac Farrell. Cormac is an environmental scientist and beekeeper, best known as the Head Beekeeper for the Australian Parliament. He also manages several apiaries throughout Canberra, including training apiaries, organic orchards, and tall rooftop apiaries.
Cormac will talk about his experiences as the head beekeeper of the Australian Parliament, and how photographs, video and other media have played a critical role in outreach and communication.
He will also touch on how the increasing popularity of native bee photography has helped move the public’s understanding of bees to move beyond honey and towards the role of pollinators in food security and the wider environment.

Linda Swift ‘Australian plants as bonsai’
2026-04-02 12:30 - 13:30 | ANBG Theatrette, Clunies Ross Street Acton ACT 2601, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
Linda, of Canberra Bonsai Society, will give tips and techniques that bonsai artists use to create mature, aged-looking trees.
Abstract
The theme for the Australian Plants as Bonsai Exhibition at the Australian National Botanic Gardens in February 2026 is ‘The secret to looking old’. A bonsai tree grows slowly in a small pot. There are tips and techniques that bonsai artists use to create mature, aged looking tree. Linda Swift will share these tips, illustrated with images of bonsai trees from the exhibition.
Biography
Linda is the manager of Canberra Bonsai Society’s Australia Plants as Bonsai exhibition. She has led the team managing the bonsai exhibition for the Canberra Bonsai Society for the last four years. Linda joined the Canberra Bonsai Society in 2012. Her collection of bonsai has expanded since then, with the majority of trees being Australian plants.
Booking Link – https://www.trybooking.com/DHLQV
Booking
Lunchtime talks are held at 12.30 pm every Thursday from February to November. Talks last for 1 hour. We welcome donations by gold coins, notes, or electronically. The Friends use donations received at each talk to support Gardens’ programs and development and we thank all those who have donated.
Unless otherwise indicated, talks are held in the ANBG Theatrette.
It is a good idea to reserve a seat at the talks that you wish to attend; talks may be booked out very quickly. Bookings can be made from about 30 days in advance until the night before the talk or until seating limits are reached.
The Friends of the ANBG thank the speakers who volunteer their time and talents to further the knowledge of all attending events in the Gardens. Many summaries or PowerPoint presentations of Thursday talks are available to Friends at the ANBG library. Please direct queries about the talks to the Thursday Talks Team: email talks@friendsanbg.org.au.

Plant Recognition Group – Getting to know native grasses [FULLY BOOKED]
2026-04-02 13:30 - 15:30 | Solander Studio, Banksia Centre, ANBG, ANBG Clunies Ross St, Acton, Australian Capital Territory, 2601, Australia
The next Plant Recognition Group workshop will focus on local native grasses (family Poaceae) found in the ACT and the Southern Tablelands of NSW. Dr Michael Doherty will host a powerpoint presentation on grass identification and show selected samples. Binocular microscopes and aids for identification will be available for the workshop.
When: 1:30-3.30 pm on Thursday 2 April 2026, with extra time for personal practice if you wish. (Please note this is the PRG workshop scheduled for March that is now in early April to accommodate availability of the presenter and volunteers.)
Where: Solander Room, Banksia Centre, ANBG
Bookings ESSENTIAL: Please send your name and phone number to plantname@friendsanbg.org.au
This workshop is now fully booked.

Black Mountain Weeding Work Party
2026-04-04 08:30 - 11:30 | Lower level ANBG Carpark, Clunies Ross Street, Acton, ACT, 2601, Australia
We thank our volunteers at our March work party who removed almost 1,000 woody weeds from the area near the Black Mountain Drive.
We look forward to seeing you at our next weeding work party and morning tea:
Date: Saturday, 4 April 2026, 8:30 to 11:30am
Meet: Bottom row of Southern Carpark, Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG). When your come through main gate to ANBG, turn left immediately and park in this bottom row. If you are not already a member of the Friends of ANBG, a temporary parking permit will be arranged for you.
Look for banners.
Wear: HAT, sunscreen, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves, stout shoes.
We shall break for delicious morning tea at about 10:00am
Please book: if you are planning to come, please let us know by using this booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/DIFKT
This helps us to let you know if arrangements need to change at the last minute (for example, adverse weather conditions).
If you need further information, please contact me by email friendsofblackmountain@gmail.com or phone 0437 298711.
Linda Beveridge
Friends of Black Mountain
