What's on, June 2009

National

Don’t forget to pick your nose this June for Red Nose Day on Friday, June 26! The Wiggles are supporting Red Nose Day by reminding people of this great excuse to be silly for a serious cause. SIDS and Kids is dedicated to saving the lives of babies and children during pregnancy, birth, infancy and childhood and to supporting bereaved families. Pick your nose this June at leading retailers or online at www.sidsandkids.org

NSW

All Weekdays in June Art Exhibition
Margaret Flockton Award Exhibition at the Red Box Gallery, Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney. From 10am until 4pm; phone (02) 9231 8111.

June 18-21 Orchid Show
The Orchid Society of NSW is holding their annual orchid show during shopping centre hours at St Ives Shopping Village; phone (02) 9649 2719

June 13-14, 27-28 and June 24, July 1 Roses
Hear Horticulturist David Cooper’s talks and demonstrations on how to best care for your roses at Swane’s Dural. David will cover all of the important information like mulching, compost, soil wetting agents, fertilising, growing and pruning. He’s on at 11am and 2.30pm on weekends and at 11am on June 24 and July 1 at Swane’s Dural, 490 Galston Road; phone (02) 9651 1322.

June 20 Camellias – Winter Beauties of the Garden
The Royal Botanic Gardens has almost 200 species and varieties of camellias, many of which will be at their peak during the Camellia Talk and Walk. Enjoy afternoon tea and a presentation on camellias followed by visits to the Oriental Garden, the new Camellia Garden and the extremely old specimens in Government House garden. From 2?4pm, at Maiden Theatre, Royal Botanic Gardens via Woolloomooloo Gate Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney. Cost is $15 per person, bookings essential; phone (02) 9231 8304.

June 25-28  Orchids
Come and see the stunning displays of blooms, arrangements and orchid gardens by the Sutherland Orchid Society members competing for Grand Champion. Learn how to grow these exotic and beautiful plants. Repotting and care demonstrations will be held, and hundreds of orchids will be available for sale at bargain prices. It’s at Swane’s Sylvania Annual Winter Orchid Show, 9am to 5pm on Thursday to Saturday, and 9am to 4pm on Sunday, at 80 Port Hacking Road, Sylvania; phone (02) 9522 7086.

Victoria

June 6-7 Kelpie Muster
Casterton will again come to life this long weekend in June with the Annual Kelpie Muster. Attractions include the Poets Breakfast, the Street Parade, the Kelpie High Jump, the Stockman’s Challenge and novelty competitions for visitors to enjoy in the main street on Saturday. The Kelpie Ball on the Saturday night is a real ‘country dance’. On Sunday the prestigious Working Dog Auction will attract participants from near and far. All the sale dogs are demonstrated in the morning. Those wishing to train themselves, or their dogs can participate in a Working Dog School on June 8-9; phone (03) 5579 1374.

June 14, 19, 28  Chocolate and spice
Experience the amazing plants within the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne that are used for food on this delectable walk discovering the essence of all things chocolate. Spice up your senses with stories and recipes of cinnamon, cardamom and the intoxicating vanilla bean.  This aromatic adventure ends with a delicious hot chocolate at The Terrace and sampling of Haigh’s delicious chocolates. It’s on from 10am to 12noon. Meet at the Visitor Centre, Observatory Gate.  Bookings required; phone (03) 9252 2429.

June 17, 18, 24 and 25 Pumpkin soup for kids
What happens when a cat, a squirrel and a duck make soup? Find out in the enchanting story of Pumpkin Soup. Follow the trail where Duck might have gone and then help plant a winter vegetable soup garden.  Finally, warm up with a delicious cup of hot pumpkin soup and a bread roll. Take home your own vegetable to grow in your garden at home.  This program is suitable for children aged 3 to 5 years. It’s on from 11am to 12.15pm in The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne. Adult participation is required.  Cost is $15 child, $5 adult. Bookings essential; phone (03) 9252 2429.

June 21 Craft
A wonderful opportunity to explore the Plant Craft Cottage (near H gate), the oldest building in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne.  This heritage-listed building is open to the public on June 21 and on display will be some of the hand-made items created by the volunteers at Plant Craft Cottage, with some craft goods available to purchase. From 10am to 3pm; phone (03) 9650 3235.

June 24 Gardens of paradise
Hear an illustrated talk by Warwick Forge on the gardens of two great South American landscape designers: Juan Grimm and Roberto Burle Marx. It’s in the Mueller Hall, National Herbarium at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne at 6pm. Bookings essential; phone (03) 9650 6398.

June 28-July 5  Fun4Kids Festival
This festival is held annually during the first week of the Victorian winter school holidays from 10am to 5pm at the corner Liebig and Timor St, Warrnambool. The vast 2.5 acre indoor village delivers a world of children's performances, hands-on fun, creativity and high energy activities. You pay one entry fee,  then all the fun is free! This multi award winning festival is a not-for-profit event held annually in Warrnambool, and is an easy three-hour drive or train ride from Melbourne; phone (03) 5562 4044 or visit www.fun4kids.com.au

Queensland

June 6-7 Maleny gardens
Maleny Garden Club’s ‘Gardening on the Edge’ will open six gardens in the area and have specialist growers of roses, camellias, natives, herbs, African violets, bromeliads, perennials and orchids selling quality and locally plants in the Maleny School Hall. Entry to hall is free. The open gardens and map tickets cost $10 per person and can be purchased on the day at Maleny High School. From 9am to 4pm; phone (07) 5494 4700.

South Australia

June 7 Guided walks
To go on a free guided walks of the Waite Arboretum, meet in front of Urrbrae House at 11am. The walk lasts 90 minutes, so wear sturdy shoes. It’s at the University of Adelaide Waite Campus, Urrbrae, enter from Fullarton Drive; phone (08) 8303 7405.

June 21-27 Orchids
At the Gawler and Districts Orchid Club Winter Show, orchids for sale on the plant stall and club members will be available to answer questions on cultivation and care. It’s at St Agnes Shopping Centre, 1244 North East Road, St. Agnes, during normal trading hours; phone (08) 8250 0689.

Open gardens

The following gardens are open with Australia’s Open Garden Scheme, visit www.opengarden.org.au

NSW
June 6-7 Wahroonga
Lavender Cottage, 18a Ada Ave, Wahroonga. Silver birches, maples and balls of box surround a sunken garden, pond and mossy paths; 10am-4.30pm, adult entry $5.

Queensland
June 6-8 Buderim
Dalziel Garden, 10 Ryhope St, Buderim. Nestled into the escarpment, this garden with a sunny northern aspect fuses sweeping lawns with superb trees and mass plantings; 10am-4.30pm, adult entry $5

Northern Territory
June 13-14 Palmerston
Gondwana, 12 Triller Crt, Bakewell, Palmerston. This waterwise garden showcases interesting Top End native plants, including many cycads, combined with tropical exotics; 10am-4.30pm, adult entry $6.

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