Join us on one of our regular walks, talks, or exhibitions.
Some of our members are experienced botanists, gardeners, and historians — so there’s lots to learn, and we’re always happy to answer your questions.
Artist in Residence
In 2023 we will welcome our first artist in residence, Hannah Schickedanz. An amazing fine artist, Hannah will be resident in the Treehouse Thursday through Saturday from 10 am – 3 pm, from 1 February until 1 April.
View her website here: https://hannah.schickeda.nz/
Hannah will run two classes in the Treehouse in March:
Event 1: Botanical Mandala illustration $150.00 limit 15 people. March 12 Botanic Garden Treehouse 12.00-2.30pm
Hannah takes inspiration from natural materials for her still life and figurative paintings. Learn Hannah’s process for creating a whimsical, nature-inspired monoline mandala. You will learn an illustrator’s tricks of the trade, from concepting and sketching, to refining your drawing, transferring to high-quality paper and then final inking. You will take home a finished piece of art ready to frame and hang. Sign up here: Mandala Workshop
Event 2: Foraged fibres: Coiled pine needle basket making $70.00 limit 20 people. March 26 Botanic Garden Treehouse 12.00-2.30pm
Join Hannah in preparing and stitching pine needles into baskets. Once you’ve mastered the skill, you’ll be able to take it off the beaten track and make coiled baskets from any number of fibres you find in nature. You will take home a small basket (or a work in progress), needle, thread, and a gauge to keep stitching at home. Sign up here: Pine Needle Basket
February Treehouse Exhibition
Botanical Insights: Human Health
Reg Harris has put together an extensive exhibition in the Treehouse which will run from 1 February to 30 April. To accompany this exhibition Reg will give two seminars at the Treehouse on Human Health: Harnessing plant and fungus medicinal powers. 12.15-1.00pm Monday 27th March. Admission free.
Guided walks for 2023
Please note that all walks are free for Friends of the Wellington Botanic Garden.
Sunday 19 February, 11 am Giants in the Garden
On this walk we focus on some of our largest trees in the Main Garden and nearby. Meet at the Founders’ Entrance, Glenmore Street for this 75-90- minute walk. Cost: $5 (cash only, please).
Guided Tour on Herbs. Sunday 26 February 11am
On this 75-90-minute walk we shall discuss the fragrant, medicinal, and culinary properties of the herbs in the Botanic Garden Herb Garden.. Meet at the Lookout at the end of the Herb Garden above the Rose Garden. Friends free; $5 cash for visitors.
Monday 27 February, 11 am Roses all the way
Take time to smell the roses in the Lady Norwood Rose Garden. Meet at the Rose Garden fountain for this 75-minute walk. Cost: $5 (cash only, please).
Sunday 5 March at 11am Music at the Begonia House – The Wellington Community Choir
In addition to the wonderful Wellington Community Choir https://www.wellingtoncommunitychoir.org.nz/ the friends will be selling the Down the Garden path olive oil. Great time for Friends to stock up. Bottles will be $17.00 each – cash only. Limited number so come early!
Sunday 5 March, 11 am Herbs and their hidden treasures
March is the Herb Federation of New Zealand’s Herb Awareness month. We shall discuss the fragrant, medicinal, and culinary properties of the herbs in our Herb Garden on this 75-90-minute walk. Meet in the Lookout at the end of the Herb Garden. Cost: $5 (cash only, please).
Friends of the Wellington Botanic Garden 