GOING UNDERGROUND FUNGI COME TO THE FORE MEET THE NEW CEO WHAT'S ON FRIENDS FOR LIFE WALKING TOURS - The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
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AUTUMN 2021 Issue 128 $5.95 GOING UNDERGROUND FUNGI COME TO THE FORE MEET THE NEW CEO • WHAT'S ON • FRIENDS FOR LIFE • WALKING TOURS
Fortune’s keteleeria
Keteleeria fortunei
Introduced to Britain in 1844 by the
British plant hunter, Robert Fortune,
this great tree, related to the true firs,
Abies spp., did not thrive in Britain.
Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust
It was later sent to the Royal Botanic
Garden Sydney where it thrived and
remains today a 30m plus giant. The
massive trunk is clothed in heavy corky
bark while the crown is too high to
see well. It grows in the Palm Grove,
bed 23a north of the Cryptogram
House. A younger specimen grows
Bruyn
in the Oriental Garden’s western edge
© Royal
Photos: Alice
of bed 50 where the attractive foliage
can be appreciated.
Margaret Hanks
2 THE GARDENS AUTUMN 2021
CONTENTS
FEATURES
16 Profile Meet new CEO
Peter Thomas
16
18 Fungi x Botanica Two become
one unique exhibition
22 Fabulous fungi Nature’s good guys
26 Rekindling connections How the
Gardens are helping lift spirits
during the pandemic
GARDENS NEWS
4
Garden Art Month Four exhibitions
not to miss
8 Life Membership Two remarkable
volunteers get the recognition
they deserve
10 The Blue Mountains Botanic
Garden Mount Tomah Why is
autumn such a visual treat?
12 The Australian Botanic Garden
Mount Annan Some expert tips
on great native plants
15 The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
15 18
Victoria Lodge hosts a new bush
food experience?
IN EACH ISSUE
29 Plants A special cycad and some
plants to look out for this autumn
32 What’s on A guide to autumn
activities and events
38 Travel Walking in the Kimberley
and Wildflowers in WA
32
On t h e
co ve r
Aseroe rubra the Starfish Stinkhorn or
Anemone Fungus, was the first fungus
named and scientifically described for
Australia. It is notorious for its foul smell
of decaying flesh, which attracts flies
that spread its spores. The image was
captured by Sydney-based amateur
photographer Glenn Smith, who
specialises in nature and landscapes.
THE GARDENS AUTUMN 2021 3
NEWS
AUTUMN UPDATE
Hopeful Honeyeaters
by Pamela Pauline
GARDEN ART MONTH celebrate the natural world. And In DON'T MISS APRIL
Four enticing exhibitions – all free for Progress 3 (27 April–9 May in The Calyx) SCULPTURE WALK
entry – and a guided sculpture walk are will feature painters Lorraine Best and As part of this year’s Garden Art
set to make this year’s Garden Art Richard Sakurovs, who draw on their Month, horticulturist Paul Nicholson
Month a major drawcard for the Royal love of nature to explore new and will take visitors on a fascinating
Botanic Garden Sydney. familiar landscapes. tour of the Royal Botanic Garden’s
The marquee event, Fungi x One of the most intriguing elements sculptures, statues and memorials.
Botanica, runs from 24 April to 9 May at of this year’s Garden Art Month will be Nicholson, who has been a
Lion Gate Lodge. It combines the 21st Fragile Beauty Rich and Rare (6–26 April horticulturist with the Royal Botanic
exhibition of Botanica with an artistic in The Calyx). Award-winning portrait, Garden for more than 25 years,
foray into the fascinating world of fungi landscape and fine art photographer is also currently the manager of
(for more details head to page 18). Pamela Pauline spent 18 months the Garden's Volunteer Programs,
Garden Art Month will also feature capturing images of endangered flora, where he designs and leads
two new exhibitions. Natures Best (22 before compositing and layering them bespoke tours for visitors and
March–5 April in The Calyx) will focus to create the complex, contemporary, specialist groups. Photos: Carrie Alexander, © Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust
on the works of artist Cylene Whiteley, highly-detailed compositions that will “Each (of the Garden’s
who uses a wide variety of mediums to be on display. sculptures, statues and memorials)
has a story to tell,” he says,
“revealing the fascinating evolution
of values, aesthetics and artistic
taste of society.”
Tours will run every Wednesday
during April (10am–12noon), with
participants meeting at The Calyx.
The price is $20 for Foundation &
Friends members and $25 for the
general public.
For more information and
bookings visit rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/
Parrots in Peril, Poised Palms whatson/Wednesday-walks
and Yesterday by Pamela Pauline
4 THE GARDENS AUTUMN 2021
NEWS
FROM THE CHAIRMAN
NEW HERBARIUM MARKS
KEY MILESTONES
The new National Herbarium of New
South Wales at the Australian Botanic
Garden Mount Annan is continuing
to take shape, with installation of the
building's stylish fly-roof structure
A
due for completion by autumn. belated welcome to the New exhibitions and Alice Bruyn with events.
Construction of the Herbarium's Year and a quick update for A warm welcome to both!
rammed earth vaults is also now our members and supporters.
underway, while several fit-out EVENTS
issues are also being finalised, PEOPLE I am pleased to report that we have
including the design of the facility's Following the completion of an recommenced art classes and some
audio-visual systems. executive search program the Board Australian trip itineraries. In addition,
Meanwhile, a concerted push was pleased to appoint Peter Thomas we have established our Exhibition
over December and January has as our new Chief Executive Officer – and Events program, with our first
seen the number of discrete images I encourage you to turn to page 16 exhibition of the year – Fungi x
stored and available for viewing in to learn more about Peter’s experience, Botanica – opening at Lion Gate Lodge
the Herbarium's AWS cloud edging background and philosophy. on Friday 23 April.
towards 400,000. Meanwhile we welcomed back Karen I trust you will join us to celebrate
As part of the Herbarium's Vien, our former Chair of Finance, and enjoy our first-class events.
Digitisation Project, more than Audit & Risk Committee, who agreed In the meantime, thank you all
515,000 specimens have now been to fill the casual vacancy occasioned by for your continuing support in these
captured as high-resolution digital Peter as he now fills the CEO ex-officio challenging times.
images - a remarkable achievement position on the Board. Also joining us Ian Breedon
given the level of preparation, is Carla Armanet, Director, Experiences,
imaging, transcription, and data Partnerships & Engagement, as the
Chlorophyllum – Shaggy Parasol
management the process involves. Garden’s new representative director.
Fungi by Elaine Musgrave from
The total number of digitised Carla replaces Dr Brett Summerell, the Fungi x Botanica exhibition
specimens includes more than Director of Research & Chief Botanist,
86,000 packet specimens and almost who will continue to be an active
430,000 flat-sheet specimens. contributor to the Foundation &
A further 600,000-plus Friends program.
Herbarium specimens are now I am honoured to have been re-
stockpiled for digitisation, while elected by our Board as Chair, and I can
almost 70,000 transcriptions have also confirm Kate Horrobin’s re-election
now been completed. as Deputy Chair. I look forward to
In the last financial year, working with all Board members – along
Foundation & Friends members with management and volunteer teams
supported the Herbarium – to ensure our ongoing success.
Digitisation Project by providing In the Foundation & Friend office,
$750,000 in funding. two part-time staff members have
joined the team: Julia Sparkes with
THE GARDENS AUTUMN 2021 5
NEWS
WHAT THE FLORA?! What the Flora?! is presented by the
The Gardens has launched a smart and Gardens’ Science Communicator Vanessa
engaging new video series called What Fuchs, who is also responsible for the
the Flora!? The entertaining videos award-winning Branch Out podcast,
explore some of the cutting-edge which since its launch in 2018 has
research taking place at the new attracted more than 120,000 downloads.
Australian Institute of Botanical Science “We’ve done videos before, but FRESH FACES AT COTTAGE 6
to protect Australia's unique plant life. nothing like this quirky style, which Foundations & Friends recently
Topics will cover everything from is something you could imagine on welcomed two new staff members
hand-pollinating tiny, endangered Netflix as a miniseries,” says Fuchs. to its Sydney team.
orchids with toothpicks to battling “The aim was to produce something Julia Sparkes joins the organisation
plant diseases with DNA science. light, fresh and modern that engages as part-time Exhibition Project
The first episode – which went live people with the role plants play in our Manager. Sparkes, who recently
in January – explains how scientists are lives, and the work our scientists are completed her MBA, brings to the
using seed-banking to guard endangered doing to protect those plants. role extensive experience managing
native plant species against bushfires “The videos will also help raise the creative projects. Her most recent
(last summer, about seven billion trees profile of the new Australian Institute of positions included Studio Manager/
were impacted by the fires). New videos Botanical Science and show people the Art Director at Candle Bark
are set to appear each month until May. diversity of research being undertaken.” Creations, and Studio Manager/
Photos: Michelle Burke, Michelle Montgomery, Greg Bourke, © Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust
Operations Coordinator at content
creation agency Studio Mondo.
BLUE MOUNTAINS ROAD TRIP Outside of work Sparkes says
The addition of a new roadhouse she loves to travel, but with
diner has further enhanced the international borders shut for the
Blue Mountains Road Trip – a joint time being, her energies are being
initiative between the Blue Mountains directed to two little rescue dogs
Botanic Garden and some of the she adopted last October.
region's local businesses. New part-time Events and
An interactive map on the Marketing Assistant Alice Bruyn
SydneytoBlueMountains.com.au first joined Foundation & Friends
website showcases 18 experiences as a volunteer, then worked at the
that can be mixed and matched organisation as an intern. She is
to create a fun trip from Sydney now actively promoting events
to the Blue Mountains. and managing communication
The newest addition to the with volunteers and members.
collection of experiences, the High Born and raised in Tamworth,
Hopes Roadhouse in Bilpin Village, Bruyn moved to Sydney in early
is the brainchild of Sean Moran and 2020 and is currently studying Event
his partner Michael Robertson, who and Hospitality Management
also operate Panaroma restaurant at Kenvale College in Randwick.
in Bondi. The Roadhouse is open “Working at Foundation &
every day and offers country-style, Friends has really allowed me to
locally grown fare, along with some combine my love for nature and
Blue Mountains of Moran's best-known dishes. events,” she says.
Botanic Garden
6 THE GARDENS AUTUMN 2021
NEWS
FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
AIBS SET FOR
ONLINE LAUNCH
The Gardens is officially launching
the new Australian Institute of
Botanical Science (AIBS) next month
with an exciting online event on
Thursday 25 March.
AIBS consists of the physical
and virtual scientific collections,
research, facilities and staff at
the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney,
I
Australian Botanic Garden Mount t’s been an exciting start to the year, camaraderie as the Gardens faced one
Annan and the Blue Mountains and we are certainly getting back of its biggest natural threats in history.
Botanic Garden Mount Tomah. into the swing of things across the Works continue to move at a fast
It will be one of the nation’s Gardens with a busy schedule of pace at the New Herbarium in Mount
premier botanical research activity already taking place. Annan, which is on track for completion
organisations and will help I would like to congratulate Peter later this year. I am constantly
ensure the survival of plants and Thomas on his appointment as the impressed by the level of
build more resilient ecosystems ongoing CEO of Foundation & Friends. professionalism from the construction
for future generations. Carla Armanet, Director of Experiences, team, the architects and all staff.
Hosted by the Garden’s Chief Partnerships & Engagement at the Climate change is of course a global
Executive, Denise Ora, the launch Botanic Gardens Greater Sydney, was challenge and we have a responsibility
event will take place on 25 March also recently appointed to the to lead, encourage, and contribute to
and feature an impressive line up Foundation & Friends’ Board and she is research, particularly relating to plants
of speakers and guests. already working closely with Peter on and their habitats. With that in mind,
Stay tuned for more details on exciting fundraising opportunities for we are taking a bold step forward by
the Garden’s website and social our wonderful Gardens. launching the Australian Institute of
media channels, as well as the Through the Smoke, Through our Botanical Science on 25 March 2021 –
Foundation & Friends eNewsletter. Eyes is an exhibition launching in through its establishment we have
March 2021 showing firsthand accounts ambitious plans to expand and elevate
and experiences from the staff at our role in botanical science on a local,
THE GARDENS FAREWELLS Mount Tomah during the 2019 Gospers national and global scale. The virtual
FORMER EDITOR Mountain bushfire. I hope that you can launch is open to everybody and I
Gina Hetherington, Editor of The Gardens visit this exhibition to see the artworks would be thrilled by your attendance
magazine since 2017, was sadly forced created entirely by the staff, each one (see story this page).
to step down from the role late last year tells a different story of survival and Denise Ora
due to ill health. Foundation & Friends
CEO Peter Thomas paid tribute to
Hetherington’s dedication and creativity.
“Gina’s hard work ensured The
Gardens was an entertaining,
informative and valuable source of
information,” he says. “Thank you on
behalf of all our members, and best
of luck as you focus on your recovery”.
Meanwhile, journalist and editor
David Carroll has stepped into the
role as Guest Editor. Carroll, who
has a background in science and New exhibition, Through
communications, brings more than the Smoke, Through our
25 years’ experience to the role. Eyes, open in March
THE GARDENS AUTUMN 2021 7
NEWS
LIFE REWARDS THE
TRULY COMMITTED
A
s volunteers, Juvie Ormonde Today, he remains a key member position of Company Secretary became
and Raoul de Ferranti have of the team that runs Growing Friends. available in 2008, the organisation’s
shared a number of milestones. “We now have separate teams in then Chief Executive asked if she’d take
In the mid-2000s, after retiring from Sydney for each day of the week who on the role. Thirteen years later she
their respective careers, both began propagate and sell, plus a team to sell continues to shoulder the responsibility.
volunteer work with Friends of the on Saturdays. And we have significantly For Juvie the most rewarding aspect
Botanic Gardens. In 2008 each stepped expanded the team at Mount Annan. of her involvement with Foundation
up to serve on key roles on the The total sales revenue we raise has & Friends has been the people
organisation’s committee. And 13 years gone up from around $30,000 a year encountered and the friendships
later, their outstanding contributions to more than $200,000. forged, particularly through her
have been recognised with Life “The most rewarding aspect for involvement with the organisation’s
Membership awards. Upon hearing me has been the improvements we’ve many fund-raising exhibitions.
of their awards, the two also shared made in the volume, range and quality “The variety of people I’ve met has
almost precisely the same response: of the products we create and the been one of the great benefits of an
“There are others more deserving”. reputation that we’ve developed. There amazing experience. And of course
Plenty, including the Foundation are always challenges in organising and its satisfying to know that funds raised
& Friends Board, would disagree. coordinating separate teams, but it’s through the exhibitions are helping
Raoul’s interest in supporting the also been immensely satisfying to work ensure the Gardens survive and
Gardens was piqued in 1998 when his with such a disparate group of people support their work in the study and
mother passed away and he and his who are so passionate and bring such conservation of plants.” So satisfying,
sisters made a donation towards the a range of skills to the organisation.” she says, that being awarded Life
construction of a small pavilion at the Juvie Ormonde’s initial involvement Membership elicited mixed emotions.
Blue Mountains Botanic Garden to with Friends of the Botanic Gardens had “There are so many others who have
memorialise their parents. A couple of more to do with timing than sentiment. been volunteering for longer, I felt a
years later, having retired from a long “I love plants and gardens so I little bit like ‘why should I be rewarded?’”
career in the mining sector – during joined the organisation in late 2005 she says. “Especially for something
which he nurtured a strong interest in and after I retired I started looking for from which I get so much benefit.”
the Australian bush – the Gardens were volunteer jobs in cultural institutions,” Raoul was equally surprised and
on his radar for volunteer activities. she says. “I applied for a couple and humbled: “If anything, it made me realise
“The problem was that I had to wait Friends were the ones who got in first.” how many others have been growing for
for a spot to become available on the Juvie’s career had seen her work even longer than me and are equally
Growing Friends team, which only as an auditor and regulator of major or more deserving of recognition.”
operated on Tuesdays and Thursdays,” financial institutions for the Auditor- Understandably both are keen
he says. “I was finally able to come General of New South Wales and advocates of volunteering and encourage
onboard in 2004 when a Wednesday the Australian Prudential Regulation members to get involved in projects that
team was created.” Authority. So, not surprisingly, when the genuinely interest them.
Raoul quickly became involved “It’s important to identify the skills
in developing the nursery space in you have that can make an organisation
Sydney and within a couple of years better,” says Juvie. “And then be
was helping coordinate the Growing prepared to bring a sense of adaptability,
Friends operation. By 2008 he was ‘It’s been immensely determination, and commitment, you
President of Friends, and following its can’t do a little bit and then drop off.
Photos: Alice Bruyn
merger in 2012 with the Foundation he satisfying to work You also need an appreciation for other
took on the role of Deputy Chairman with such a disparate people’s views, and of course you need
for another three years, only stepping a good sense of humour!”
down from the Board in late December. group of people’ David Carroll
8 THE GARDENS AUTUMN 2021
NEWS THE GARDENS AUTUMN 2021 9
IN FOCUS
10 THE GARDENS AUTUMN 2021
Photos: Jaimie Plaza, Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount TomahIN FOCUS
SHEDDING LIGHT ON
AUTUMN’S COLOURS
WITH SUMMER FADING, MORE SOMBRE SHADES WILL SOON TRANSFORM MOUNT TOMAH’S FOLIAGE.
SENIOR HORTICULTURIST MARION WHITEHEAD EXPLAINS THE FORCES THAT FASHION A VISUAL TREAT
A
s we approach autumn, Sydney’s Meanwhile, the reds we see in see some autumn colours, it’s also an
weather can often be a little spectacular autumn foliage are created opportunity to stand back and appreciate
confusing, leaving us in two by the reaction of the last of the sugars how little control we have over nature
minds as to whether we put away our created by the chlorophyll with proteins and how it can continue to surprise us.
summer clothes and reach for more in the cell sap, resulting in a purply-red The good news is that there is still
snug attire. We aren’t the only ones pigment called anthocyanin. The plenty of colour to see at the Blue
a little baffled by the weather: a quick production of this pigment requires Mountains Botanic Garden Mount
look around Mount Tomah suggests specific environmental conditions, Tomah: the proteas are putting on a
there are plenty of trees also at a loss including lots of sunlight, temperatures lovely display, there are beautiful pink
as to what they should wear. slightly above freezing and low rainfall. and white nerines, cyclamen and
Autumn colours, which are generally Unfortunately, due to unseasonably begonias in the Formal Garden and
at their most vibrant at Mount Tomah warm weather, we have in recent times there are dahlias blooming too. But
in late April, are in fact caused by well seen far less of these red and purple if its traditional autumn colours you
understood chemical changes in the pigments and just a glimpse of some yearn for, wander around the bottom
leaves of deciduous trees. yellows. While it’s easy to lament the of The Residence and near the North
As the temperatures fall and days fact that we might not occasionally American Woodland.
become shorter, less light is available
to the plants and, as a result, production
of chlorophyll (the green pigment in a
plant’s leaves) dwindles and eventually
breaks down. Once the chlorophyll has
deteriorated, pigments present in the
leaf are revealed, such as carotene –
the pigment which gives carrots their
orange hue and autumn leaves their
yellow appearance.
‘Once the chlorophyll
has deteriorated,
pigments present in
the leaf are revealed’
THE GARDENS AUTUMN 2021 11IN FOCUS
HOT TIPS
ON NATIVE PICKS
AUSTRALIA’S BEAUTIFUL, ADAPTABLE AND ROBUST INDIGENOUS PLANTS ARE THE
MOUNT ANNAN HORTICULTURE TEAM’S ‘SPECIALIST TOPIC’. SENIOR HORTICULTURIST
CHRIS COLE REVEALS JUST A FEW OF HIS TEAM’S FAVOURITES
Telopea speciosissima
(Waratah)
Photos: © Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust
12 THE GARDENS AUTUMN 2021IN FOCUS
Carpobrotus glaucescens
(Native Pigface)
Grevillea eriostachya
(Desert Grevillea) Dwarf acacia (Dwarf Wattle)
M
ount Annan’s horticulture team are found across Western Australia and that can tolerate extended dry periods
take care of an incredibly produce a tall golden yellow flower in or strong winds. The large, daisy-like
diverse range of native plants late winter and spring. They are drought- flowers bloom from October to January
spread across our woodlands, grasslands, and frost-resistant, making them a but also sporadically throughout the
rainforests and horticultural displays (as low maintenance ‘must-have’ for year. The fleshy fruit and leaves have
well as the new seedlings in the Nursery). most Australian gardens with full sun. been used by Aboriginal people as
When it comes to native plants, home Pimelea spectabilis (Rice Flower) bush food and bush medicine. The fruit
gardeners are also spoilt for choice, Another Western Australian beauty, is said to taste like salty apples and,
which can make it hard when deciding Pimelea spectabilis produces the when roasted, the leaves have been
which plants are best for your garden. largest flower clusters in the Pimelea used as a salt substitute. The juice of
The following list is by no means genus and blooms in winter and spring. the leaves can be used to relieve pain
comprehensive, but it does provide a This native plant does best in dry, from insect bites and early European
good place to start if you are thinking sunny gardens but can be featured in settlers were known to use them as
of making the switch to natives or want a pot with well-drained soil if you are an anti-scurvy treatment.
to introduce a few sustainable – and in an area with humid, wet summers.
special – plants to your garden. SUSTAINABLE AND STUNNING
GREAT WATER SAVERS Dwarf acacia (Dwarf Wattle)
UNIQUE AND BEAUTIFUL Doryanthes excelsa (Gymea Lily) Acacias (wattles) are the largest group
Telopea speciosissima (waratah) A stunning Sydney local, Doryanthes of plants in Australia and our Wattle
This is probably the most recognisable excelsa is found across the basin to Garden features many of the 950
Australian native plant due to its striking north-eastern New South Wales. They species, including Australia’s floral
colour and the fact that it holds the make an excellent container plant and emblem Acacia pycnantha. Dwarf
prestigious title of New South Wales' will provide a striking architectural effect species such as Crimson Blush,
floral emblem. These evergreen shrubs to your garden. Plants grown from seed Austraflora Winter Gold, Bower Beauty
are low maintenance and can be used will not flower until about eight years and Limelight are sustainable and
as a feature plant in a large pot or of age so we recommend sourcing low maintenance options that provide
garden bed. The flowers are mostly an established plant from a nursery. a vibrant sunshine-like colour in the
bird-pollinated and will attract eager Carpobrotus glaucescens darkest months of winter. They are
honeyeaters to your backyard. (Native Pigface) low spreading shrubs that require
Grevillea eriostachya (Desert Grevillea) Carpobrotus glaucescens is a native well-drained soil in a full sun or partly
We love grevilleas so much that we succulent that is perfect as a ground shaded position. If you have clay soil,
dedicated a garden to display their cover, binding sandy soil and preventing plant it in a raised bed or mound the
spectacular flowers. The Desert Grevillea wind erosion. They are a hardy plant soil to improve the drainage.
THE GARDENS AUTUMN 2021 13IN FOCUS
‘Make sure you Pimelea spectabilis
(Rice Flower)
stop by the Growing
Friends Plant Sales'
Austromyrtus dulcis (Midgen Berry)
Austromyrtus dulcis, known as Midgen
Berry, flowers in spring and summer
and has sweet-tasting fruit produced
in waves, from spring to autumn. The
fruit can be picked and eaten straight
from the plant (the berries are white
and covered in small blue spots, giving
them a unique appearance). Midgen
Berry is an easy plant to grow in
gardens, containers or pruned as a
small shrub perfect for small balconies
and courtyards. Doryanthes excelsa Austromyrtus dulcis
Bossiaea walkeri (Cactus Pea) (Gymea Lily) (Midgen Berry)
Belonging to the native pea-family
Fabaceae, Cactus Pea has flattened
stems which are a pale blue-green
colour that helps protect the plant by
reflecting heat, and the tiny leaves have
very few stomata which reduces water
loss. Like most native pea plants, the
Cactus Pea is low maintenance, very
easy to grow and great for beginners. Photos: Karen L Wilson, © Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust
The peas can be harvested eight to
10 weeks from sowing and are a great
source of Vitamin A, C and folate. The
brilliant red tear-drop flowers open in
spring and autumn making it a striking
feature plant in any garden.
GET GROWING
Hopefully we’ve sparked an interest
or provided you with a few ideas. If
so, make sure you stop by the Growing
Friends Plant Sales at the Visitors
Centre on your next visit to the
Australian Botanic Garden and take
a look at the selection of rare and Bossiaea walkeri
endangered native species. (Cactus Pea)
14 THE GARDENS AUTUMN 2021IN FOCUS
VICTORIA LODGE
BUSHTUCKER EXPERIENCE
HISTORIC VICTORIA LODGE, ON THE NORTH-EASTERN BOUNDARY OF THE ROYAL BOTANIC
GARDEN SYDNEY, IS NOW HOME TO A NEW ‘PLANTS TO PLATE’ BUSHTUCKER EXPERIENCE
T
he tour and tasting is led by The driving force behind the
Aboriginal guides from Shared bushtucker experience is Shared The Victoria Lodge Bush Food
Knowledge – a renowned Knowledge Managing Director experiences are on offer every
Aboriginal-owned company that Drew Roberts. Friday and Sunday:
specialises in creating authentic Drew is an Arakwal, Bundjalung man
ush Food Morning Tea
B
First Nation cultural experiences. from the Northern Rivers, making him
$49 per person, 10am–11.15am
As part of the Bush Food experience, a black sand, saltwater person. Born on
participants take a tour of the Garden Gadigal country, Drew is an experienced Bush Food Lunch
to learn how to identify seasonal bush teacher with a passion for sharing a $90 per person, 12noon–2pm
foods and gain a deeper understanding First Nation understanding of plants
ush Food Afternoon Tea
B
of Aboriginal heritage, culture and and the bush that has been passed
$49 per person, 2.30pm–3.45pm
connection to country. down from generation to generation.
The lunch features a three-course “Knowledge is not something that
meal showcasing seasonal bush foods you own in Aboriginal Nations, but For more information and bookings
incorporated with everyday ingredients, something you share," he says. "Our please visit rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/
while the morning and afternoon teas vision is to contribute to a thriving bushtuckerexperiences
offer an twist on the traditional high tea community with responsibility, respect (make sure to advise of special dietary
with a variety of sweet and savoury bites. and reciprocity.” requirements at the time of booking).
THE GARDENS AUTUMN 2021 15PROFILE
BUILDING A
FOUNDATION
FOR SUCCESS
NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PETER THOMAS BELIEVES FOUNDATION & FRIENDS
IS PERFECTLY POSITIONED FOR GROWTH. DAVID CARROLL REPORTS
C
areers often follow circuitous botanic gardens,” he says. “We explored for manufacturing in Australia. Eventually
paths to unforeseen destinations, not just the forests of Victoria but all I came to Sydney and fell into community
but a quick dig into Peter across south-east Australia and it and fundraising work, and after gaining
Thomas’ past suggests Foundation & made me look at the world differently.” experience with a couple of smaller
Friends’ new Chief Executive Officer is Thomas’ mother was also “a bit of an charities I joined Amnesty International,
precisely where fate intended him to be. activist”, taking part in protests against the world’s largest community-based
Growing up in an old weatherboard a freeway the Victorian government human rights organisation.
house in the northern Melbourne planned to build along the Merri, the “Amnesty had been struggling
suburb of Coburg, Thomas was family’s local suburban creek. to generate income for more than a
nurtured by academics with a passion “Not only did the protests stop the decade and pretty quickly after arriving
for science, education and the great project,” he says proudly, “they also I became the only fundraiser left. I
outdoors. His father lectured in helped change the way Melbourne's ended up working across a broad range
Geophysics at Melbourne University, entire river and creek environment of roles and management positions,
while his mother worked within was looked at.” eventually becoming Chief Operating
Victoria’s Education Department When it was time to start plotting Officer and Director of Fundraising.
and played a key role in founding his own course in life, Thomas decided “It was a stimulating environment and
Melbourne University's Australian to combine his creative flair and ultimately we had a lot of success: when
Mathematical Sciences Institute. mathematical talents and study I started we raised around $4 million
“My parents became involved in industrial design, which led him to work a year and by the time I left it was
orienteering in the 1970s, which meant for a variety of manufacturing companies well over $25 million. We really grew
we often went bush on weekends and in Melbourne in the early 1990s. individual giving through monthly
invariably on those trips we’d visit local “Unfortunately, it was not a good time donations, along with the major donor
and bequest programs.”
The aim now, he says, is to use
those skills and experiences gained
during almost 20 years with Amnesty,
to help evolve Foundation & Friends.
“Our organisation has great
foundation pillars. For a start we have
Photos: Alice Bruyn, Lindsay Thomas
‘I'd like to see us
play a key role in
Proud gardener Peter and
his mother in their family helping people engage
home in Coburg, Melbourne
with bigger issues’
16 THE GARDENS AUTUMN 2021PROFILE
a passionate, committed and engaged
volunteer base of more than 300
people, with more wanting to get
involved. We also have an excellent and
supportive relationship with the Botanic
Gardens, which wants us to succeed.
And the three Gardens are fantastic
assets, with so many dimensions that
people are unaware of, including the
critical research taking place.
“What we need to do now is identify
new and improved ways for people to
engage and contribute, so that we can
build an organisation that is stronger,
healthier and enjoys sustainable growth.
“There are certainly plenty of
opportunities. Each Garden for instance,
is surrounded by different audiences and
catchment areas, which gives us the
opportunity to engage with more diverse
groups and grow our supporter base.
“It also feels a bit at the moment
that – despite its three beautiful
spaces, remarkable history and cultural
connections – the Gardens are confined
as a poor cousin to some other cultural
and scientific organisations. Yet in
terms of our current public discourse
– whether its climate change, resilience
to bush fires, the importance of open
space to mental health, food supply
and biodiversity, etc. – there is a real
relevance right now to what the
Gardens do. I'd like to see us play
a key role in helping people engage
with those bigger issues.
“In addition, it’s vital that we use
our position as an independent body
to advocate on behalf of our members
and the public. And that means there will
be times – as there have been in the past
– when we need to speak out to protect
the Gardens from development and to
push for things we want to see happen.”
Finally, given the painful impact
COVID-19 has had on Foundation
& Friends’ finances, Thomas believes
it is vital the organisation develops
a more diverse funding base.
“I’ve travelled extensively with my
partner to gardens across the world,
and they are so often better supported
financially by their communities.
“We need more people to know
that if they want to get involved with
the Gardens, Foundations & Friends
is a fantastic way of doing so, whether
through taking part in activities, making New Foundation & Friends
a donation or leaving a gift in their will.” CEO Peter Thomas
THE GARDENS AUTUMN 2021 17EXHIBITION
BOTANICA HAS LONG BEEN THE JEWEL IN THE GARDENS’ EXHIBITION CROWN, BUT EVENTS HAVE CONSPIRED
TO ENSURE THIS YEAR’S SHOW WILL BE SOMETHING SPECIAL. ROBBIE MACINTOSH AND SUE WANNAN REPORT
A
s a respected and renowned is the aptly named Amorphophallus Beverly Allen has done fungi on vellum,
celebration of world-standard titanum. That’s the plant that produces as has John Pastoriza-Piñol, whose
botanical art, Botanica is used a flower up to three metres tall that painting of Morchella elata (one of
to commanding centre stage, but this smells like rotting meat and is often the edible black morels) will make
year it is – for the first time – sharing called the corpse flower. Not only is the mushroom hunters salivate.
the limelight with a collection of equally flower astonishing, but so is the corm John once said that his work exists
striking portraits of the mysterious, that produces it – typically weighing “in a realm somewhere between the
complex, often-underground world about 50 kilograms (although the hyper-real and literal, and the surreal
of fungi. current world record holder is a plant and fantastical”, which pretty much
Fungi X Botanica (24 April–9 May) at Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh describes the amazing, and little-
combines the 21st Botanica, always that weighs 153.9kg). known, biosphere of fungi.
planned for this year, and Fungi, an Several of Botanica’s best-known The world of fungi and mycelium is
exposition originally scheduled for last artists have chosen to depict fungi this a scientific wonder; something we are
year but postponed in the uncertainty year, giving them a foot in both camps. only starting to understand. Mycelium
that marked 2020. is the earth’s underground natural
Botanica sets a high benchmark in internet, mushrooms in all their forms
Gymnopilus junonius
the botanical art world. Many of the being the resulting fruiting bodies of
by Beverly Allen
artists have international reputations – this nearly invisible world. Reach down
reputations that sometimes germinated and move a log and you will see a vast
in those early Botanica exhibitions. array of fuzzy cobweb-like cells – that’s
And Foundation & Friends has played mycelium, the network of fungal cells
a significant role in the recognition that permeates all landscapes. When
of excellence in this genre. you pick a mushroom (only about 10%
Favourites such as Beverly Allen, of fungi produce mushrooms) you stand
Angela Lober, Elaine Musgrave and on a vast network of fungal mycelium
Susannah Blaxill will again be part which is the foundation of life.
of this year’s exhibition. Among other things, mycelium is
One startling image, by Leonie the grand recycler. It processes organic
Norton, another Botanica favourite, decay, converting it to soil. Without this
18 THE GARDENS AUTUMN 2021EXHIBITION
Medicinal fungi by Anna Voytsekovich
THE GARDENS AUTUMN 2021 19EXHIBITION
Amorphophallus titanum Minka Gillian Fairy Glen
by Leonie Nortorn
metamorphic process, the plant world is focusing on mycelium for her Look also for Lynda McPherson’s
would choke in decaying matter. Fungi contribution to Fungi X Botanica. beautiful Faeryland watercolour,
are the building blocks of the ecosystem. Claire Stack, a Botanica exhibitor since of delicate pink and white fungi
Along with old growth forests, 2007, has done an exquisite graphite emerging through leaf litter, mixed
mycelium networks act as a significant on paper image of mushroom gills. with maidenhair fern.
biological sink for carbon storage. It is Anna Voytsekovich, another Botanica Fungi X Botanica encompasses
now being used in medicine, textiles, regular, has done a magnificent acrylic many genre, including photography,
building materials, regenerating soils on stretched canvas of medicinal graphite, watercolour and acrylic art
and to break down toxic material. mushrooms. Anna, who has a PhD in works, ceramics, glass, paper art and
All of which provides rich inspiration botany, is known in scientific publications sculpture, all focusing on the magic
Photos: Matthew Young
for an enquiring artist. for her extensive work on lichens. world of fungi. It will be held at Lion
Sculptor Minka Gillian, who works Ceramicist Jo Victoria has created Gate Lodge, which lends itself to a
with found materials and whose beautiful porcelain-ware after watching subtle separation of the two aspects
awesome Mind Garden exhibition a video on mycelium. “I’m interested in of this exhibition: BOTANICA
recently attracted much attention, giving voice to silent histories,” she says. downstairs and FUNGI upstairs.
20 THE GARDENS AUTUMN 2021EXHIBITION
Susannah Blaxill Morchella elata Book of Morels Mycelium #1
in the studio by John Pastoriza-Piñol by Jo Victoria
Ageing Cabbage
‘Videos of fungi by Elaine Musgrave
will run throughout
the exhibition’
MULTIMEDIA
Highlights of the exhibition are
not just on the walls. A range of
interesting events and surprises
are being planned, including:
The Good, the Bad and the Delicious
- a presentation by Edward Liew,
Manager Plant Pathology and Senior
Research Scientist at the Royal Botanic
Garden, about how and where fungi
get their food, which often dictates
whether we regard them as the good
guys or the bad. The presentation will
also discuss how we use some of these
fungi. Following the talk there’ll be a
stroll through the gardens, ending up
at Lion Gate Lodge for brunch, and a
chance to see the exhibition. Tickets
to this event cost $30 for members, 24 APRIL–9 MAY, 10AM – 4PM
$35 for non-members. Lion Gate Lodge, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Videos about fungi will run
throughout the exhibition, including OPENING NIGHT, FRIDAY 23 APRIL, 3PM–7PM
the award-winning Mycelium Made, Join the Fungi X Botanica curators for the official opening of this year’s
featuring Amanda Morglund’s exciting exhibition. Enjoy a drink and canapés in the beautiful Garden, and
innovative use of mushroom take the opportunity to view and purchase works before the exhibition opens.
technology in fashion design. Members $45, Non members $55 (tickets allow for one-hour of
Keep an eye on the Foundation exhibition access, with drinks and canapés). Bookings are essential.
& Friends eNewsletters for extra Tickets are available from rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/botanica.
activities during the exhibition.
THE GARDENS AUTUMN 2021 21FUNGI
SO MUCH
MORE THAN MEETS
THE EYE
FIGHTING DISEASE, FEEDING FAUNA, SUSTAINING FORESTS AND RECYCLING WASTE, FUNGI,
SAYS DR BRETT SUMMERELL, DESERVE TO BE CELEBRATED AS NATURE'S GOOD GUYS
H
aving in the past dwelled on – probably because they are perceived with on fruit and vegetables in the
some of the negative aspects as being more static than animals. That’s bottom of some of our fridges or
of fungi as plant pathogens, it’s why mycologists are usually employed growing on substrates like leather
now time – in the interests of fairness in schools of botany or, of course, in in very humid weather.
and because they are the well- botanic gardens. These fungi are biochemical
deserved focus of this year’s Botanica When people hear the term fungi, powerhouses with the capability to
exhibition – to accentuate the positive. they usually think of mushrooms. This breakdown everything from plant
For starters, it might come as a is a misnomer because the vast majority matter to aeronautical fuel. There
surprise to learn that the fungi are of fungal species are microscopic and is great interest into researching
possibly the second most diverse group broadly termed moulds, yeasts and the potential of fungi to sustainably
of organisms after the insects – and mildews; only becoming visible when breakdown plastics and solve one of
that diversity is simply spectacular. they form colonies that we are familiar the biggest scourges of modern society.
The number of species of fungi is
estimated at somewhere between
1.5 and 5 million, yet only around
120,000 of them have been formally
described by mycologists. So, at best,
90 per cent of the fungi, and at worst
nearly 98%, are still to be discovered
and described. Given that, it is likely
that huge numbers will go extinct before
we even find and document them all.
Fungi are in a kingdom of their own
and are quite separate from the plant
and animal kingdoms. Of the two
however, DNA analysis has shown that
the fungi are much more closely related
Photos: © Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust
to animals than they are to plants.
The cell chemistry of fungi is also
much closer to that of animals as they
have a compound called ‘chitin’ in their
cell walls. This is the same carbohydrate
polymer that is found in the exoskeletons
of spiders and other insects. It’s what
gives the thin cell walls of fungi rigidity
and structural support.
That said, the study of fungi is
traditionally associated with the study Hexagonia tenuis, the Honeycomb
of plants as a subdiscipline of botany Polypore, at Limpinwood Nature reserve
22 THE GARDENS AUTUMN 2021FUNGI
MYCORRHIZAE
Hyacinth Orchid, Dipodium sp.
Some of the most important fungi
ecologically are those that form an
association with plant roots. In this
symbiotic relationship – called a
mycorrhiza – the fungi reside in or
on the plant roots and may grow out
into the soil to dramatically extend
the amount of the soil that can be
utilised. There are different types of
associations, with some mycorrhizal
fungi forming specialised structures
(arbuscules) within the cells of the plant
roots while others grow on the outside
of the roots (ectomycorrhiza). These
fungi help in extracting nutrients like
nitrogen, phosphorous and minerals
from the soil for the plant to use.
A lot has been written recently about
the network of roots and fungi and the
possibility that this provides a means for
individual plants to communicate with
one another (it’s a subject explored,
for example, in Peter Wohlleben’s The
Hidden Life of Trees). Certainly, there
is evidence of chemical signals relating
to defence mechanisms in plants being
transmitted between individual trees
through the fungal network. The how
and why of this are the subject of much
ongoing research and some researchers
have coined the term “wood wide web”
to describe this phenomenon.
Some plants have gone even further
and can be completely reliant on fungi.
In this type of symbiotic relationship
– defined as mycoheterotrophic – the
plant gets all or part of its food from
parasitism upon fungi rather than from
photosynthesis. A good example is
the hyacinth orchid, Dipodium – a
plant that is leafless, but produces
spectacular flower spikes in summer.
Relatively common in the bush around
Sydney, this orchid forms an association
with a species of Russula, a mushroom
(common name brittlegills), that provides
it with nutrition.
‘Fungi are more
closely related to
animals than they
Hericium clathroides, the Icicle Fungus,
Lamington National Park are to plants’
THE GARDENS AUTUMN 2021 23FUNGI
Photos: © Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust
Cymatoderma elegans, the Leathery
Goblet, at Tooloom National Park
24 THE GARDENS AUTUMN 2021FUNGI
‘Without fungi Trametes versicolor, the
Turkey Tail Fungus, at
the planet would Lamington National Park
be submerged in
dead plant and
animal matter’
There is also increasing recognition
of the importance of these fungal
associations when establishing urban
forests and other types of tree plantings
in built up areas. All too often the soils
in these situations are bereft of microbes
– especially fungi – and mycorrhizal
associations may not form. As a result,
the trees perform badly, have difficulty
establishing and mortality is higher. Tens of thousands of species of lichen Soy sauce also depends on the
It is possible to artificially inoculate the are found even in the most hostile fermentation of soybeans by a fungal
root system with some of these fungi and environments on Earth – from deserts mould, Aspergillus oryzae, while
to use some of the technology that has to Antarctica. Lichens will grow on pretty creamy camembert and blue cheeses
been developed by foresters to improve much anything that doesn’t move, and such as gorgonzola and roquefort are
establishment. For example, when the it’s not uncommon to even find them relient on the growth of various species
Wollemi pine was planted at the Royal growing on slow moving animals. of penicillium moulds to provide their
Botanic Garden Sydney, we included unique taste and texture.
soil and root material from around one FOOD AND MEDICINE
of the very closely related hoop pines Fungi are an important food resource ROTTING AWAY
from the Garden. Our research had for all sorts of animals, not just humans. Most of all the fungi are good guys
shown that the Wollemi pine had a Native truffle fungi, for instance, are an because they are nature’s great
couple of mycorrhizal fungal associations important food resource for wallabies, recyclers and decomposers.
with a structure similar to that observed potoroos and bandicoots, which in If it wasn’t for fungi, the planet would
in Araucaria species, so we presumed turn disperse the spores of these fungi be completely submerged in masses
that placing soil and roots from around across the landscape in their dung. of dead plant and animal matter. Fungi
these species might help the Wollemi And following the recent bushfires, contain a complex array of enzymes
pine establish. It is still alive so we can’t a number of pyrophilous fungi fruited that break down cellulose and lignin,
have hurt it! very rapidly, providing an important the key chemicals in plants and timber.
Unfortunately we know so very little source of food for smaller organisms. They subsequently turn these into
about these fungi and their identity. From a human perspective the most simple chemicals that can be more
Many of the mushrooms we observe important fungi are the yeasts. These easily absorbed by plant roots so
are mycorrhizal, but it is difficult to differ from most other fungi in that that they can grow more effectively.
definitively link them to the tree species they are single-celled organisms and of Fungi are also essential for creating
with which they are symbiotic. And course are the fungi that are responsible hollows in trees, which are critical
there is a huge number that remain for fermentation. If it wasn’t for a yeast habitats for birds, mammals, reptiles
unidentified, but with DNA fingerprinting fungus called Saccharomyces, we and all sorts of creatures.
tools we are starting to define the wouldn’t have bread and we wouldn’t Ultimately, fungi are critical for
relationship between the host plant have beer, wine, whisky and vodka. healthy ecosystems and a healthy
and the fungus. Then of course there are a range of planet. And while a few species have
fungi that we eat such as the common given fungi a bad name, there is no
LICHENS button mushroom, oyster mushrooms, doubt that we, and all of the other
Talking of symbiosis there are also shitake, saffron milk caps, porcini, organisms on this planet, would not
a range of different fungi species that slippery jacks, and of course white be able to survive without them.
live in a close beneficial relationship and black truffles (reputedly the most Brett Summerell is Director Research
with an alga to create the combined expensive food in the world, selling & Chief Botanist at the Royal Botanic
“organism” known as a lichen. for around $6,000–$7,000 per kg!). Garden Sydney
THE GARDENS AUTUMN 2021 25HORTICULTURE
CRISIS HELPS REKINDLE
HORTICULTURAL
CONNECTIONS
IN THE MIDST OF A PANDEMIC, PEOPLE HAVE LOOKED FOR WAYS TO LIFT THEIR SPIRITS, AND FOR SOME
THAT’S MEANT RENEWING THEIR RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE NATURAL WORLD. JOHN SIEMON REPORTS
I
t’s hard to fathom the contrast of alcohol (including, hopefully, our outstrip supply and it has taken many
between the extreme droughts delicious new Botanic Gardens Grown months, under tough and restrictive
of 2019 and the bountiful rainfall Gin). But it has also resulted in some conditions, to rebuild stock levels.
of 2020, driven by a shift into La Niña astonishing outcomes for the After battling successive droughts
weather patterns. environment. While we all appreciate the and water restrictions, where many plant
With global events dominating our enhanced air quality and the reduced nursery’s failed to survive, the future for
lives recently, many might have missed traffic on our roads, as a horticultural horticulture looks much brighter and
just how green and verdant our three scientist it has been particularly heart- botanic gardens everywhere will play a
Botanic Gardens and the Domain have warming for me to see society’s shift pivotal role resetting human behaviour
been. In fact, one might imagine that back to nature and horticulture. and encouraging more people to
many Australians have been totally The pandemic lockdown resulted in continue to enjoy parks, gardens and
distracted from nature – interestingly shelves being stripped of plant seeds, nature experiences in the new ‘normal’.
that doesn’t seem to be the case. seedlings, indoor plants and potted Over the last year many agencies
The world’s fixation on the global specimens – a trend that the green life managing green spaces have recorded
pandemic has certainly exacerbated industry desperately needed, and I only a significant uplift in visitation across
some behaviours – one of them, not wish they could have foreseen. Even the nation. Our organisation is no
surprisingly, being the consumption our Growing Friends has had demand exception, with year-to-date visitor
numbers up 21 per cent at the Australian
Botanic Garden and 25 per cent at the
The revamped meadow at the
Blue Mountains Botanic Garden. An
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
anomaly to the trend is the Royal
Botanic Garden Sydney where visitation
Photos: © Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust
is down almost 50% – a combination
‘Shelves have been
stripped of plant
seeds, seedlings,
indoor plants and
potted specimens’
26 THE GARDENS AUTUMN 2021The horticulture team remains committed
JOHN
to creating awe-inspiring botanic displays,
such as The Calyx exhibition inBloom, the
topiary koala (below right) at the Royal
Botanic Garden Sydney and the spectacular
topiary bee (below left) at the Australian
Botanic Garden Mount Annan
THE GARDENS AUTUMN 2021 27HORTICULTURE
‘Our next Calyx
exhibition will
transport you to an
underwater paradise’
of missing interstate and international
tourism, cancelled events and office
workers working from home.
Regardless of global events, each
of our Gardens and the Domain remain
a hive of activity – more so since the
heavens opened, our turf has grown
non-stop and dormant weed seeds have The Australian Botanic Garden's new
returned with a vengeance. Extensive turf Nursery now boasts 7,000 square metres
renewal and renovations, combined with of new and dedicated production space
lower foot traffic, have resulted in some
of the most spectacular lawns ever seen,
Spring daffodils at the Blue
especially throughout the normally heavy-
Mountains Botanic Garden
trafficked Domain. Our gardens continue
to be carefully tendered by a remarkable
and passionate team of more than 120
horticulture staff, ably supported by
colleagues right across our organisation.
While our core mission remains
focused on plant conservation, we are as
committed as ever to creating engaging
and awe-inspiring botanic displays – let’s
face it, everyone has needed a boost
in current times! Reinforcing this role
is our latest Calyx exhibition, inBloom,
which burst onto the scene in August,
followed shortly thereafter by our
supercharged rain-boosted spring
displays, particularly the Spring Walk
Photos: Nick Wood, Alice Bruyn, © Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust
(Sydney), paper daisies (Mount Annan)
and daffodils (Mount Tomah). More
recently, the revamped meadow at rare and threatened flora. And it will be While we get on with the business
the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney an instrumental component in the future of saving plants, our teams continue
has literally burst into life buzzing with development of the Australian Botanic to finalise plans for our next spring
pollinators galore and blooms a plenty. Garden and the Australian Institute of and summer displays, a suite of garden
Those of you who ventured out to Botanical Science when it launches this renovation projects, our exciting new
the Australian Botanic Garden Mount year. A further upgrade of the Nursery Herbarium landscape at Mount Annan,
Annan last year would have also (Stage 2) is currently being documented the trial garden in Sydney and the
seen the rapid redevelopment of the to replace the Garden’s antiquated rebuilding of our collections at Mount
Garden’s Nursery. It now boasts 7,000 propagation greenhouses with state- Tomah, including an exciting Wollemi
square metres of new and dedicated of-the-art infrastructure to support our pine project.
production space (equivalent to almost Horticulture and Science operations. And stay tuned for our next exciting
six Olympic-size swimming pools), Capitalising on people’s growing Calyx exhibition, which will transport
with the Foundation & Friends connection with nature, we intend you to an underwater paradise.
generously donating one of the to increase our engagement with an John Siemon is Director
new production shade houses. ever-expanding audience, supporting the Horticulture, Australian Institute
This new infrastructure transforms broader green life industry and making of Botanical Science, Botanic
the organisation’s capacity for producing real inroads to threats to biodiversity. Gardens Greater Sydney
28 THE GARDENS AUTUMN 2021You can also read
