Gather your botanica-loving friends and family: the Botanica Festival, the National Trust of Australia (Victoria)’s annual celebration of the natural environment, sustainability and gardening, is returning on Sunday 18 May at the iconic Rippon Lea Estate.
Held in partnership with City of Glen Eira Council, Botanica brings together locals, young families, and nature enthusiasts to one of Victoria’s most majestic heritage-listed sites for a lush celebration of nature and gardening.
To help you enjoy your day, here are a few helpful reminders:
• Gates open from 10am via the Hotham Street entry.
• Dress warmly and be prepared for a chance of light rain
• Wear sturdy shoes – the gardens are lush after recent rain, and some paths may be slippery
• If you’re a National Trust Member or a resident of Glen Eira or Port Phillip, don’t forget to bring a gold coin donation for entry – all proceeds help care for our heritage sites
• Planning to shop at the plant sale? Bring along bags or boxes to carry your purchases
• Limited spots are still available for the Tussie-Mussie workshops – book at the Festival
• Don’t miss your chance to win in the Great Botanica Raffle – tickets available onsite!
We look forward to seeing you there!
What’s on at Botanica
• Guided tours of Rippon Lea’s heritage gardens and significant trees
• Thought-provoking panel discussion on climate change and heritage garden care, presented with the Heritage Council Victoria
• Bird tours showcasing the diverse species that call the estate home
• Practice mediation with Sound Bathing, with Sound Healing Melb
• A huge plant sale featuring plants propagated by National Trust gardeners
• Country Women’s Association scones, baked fresh and served with charm
• Orchid displays from the Southern Suburbs Orchid Society
• Locally crafted goods from Rose St. Market stalls
See Festival Highlights below or check out the full program here.
Plus there are optional Flower arranging workshops with Melbourne Flower School (full booked) or a Tussie-Mussie workshop with Amy of Heather May Grow (tickets available on the day) . These workshops are an additional cost and ticketed separately.
Proceeds go towards supporting the National Trust in conserving and protecting Victoria’s natural, cultural and built heritage.
Festival Highlights
| What’s On | When |
|---|---|
| Southern Suburbs Orchid Society: Display & Sales | 10.00am – 3.00pm |
| Cactus & Succulents Society Display & Sales | 10.00am – 3.00pm |
| Holy Grail Plants: Display & Sales | 10.00am – 3.00pm |
| Country Women’s Association scones | 10.00am until sold out |
| Create your own bonsai $15 | 10.00am until sold out |
| Rippon Lea Plant Sale | 10.00am – 3.00pm |
| Floral Display, presented by Melbourne Flower School | 10.00am – 3.00pm |
| Tussie-Mussie Workshops (Separate ticket) | 10.30am, 12noon & 1.30pm |
| Still Life Drawing | 10.30am – 3.00pm |
| Demonstration: How to Re-Pot Orchids | 10.30am – 11.00am |
| Bird Spotter Tour | 10.30am – 11.15am |
| Maypole Dancing Workshops | 11am & 1pm |
| Significant Trees Tour | 11.00am – 11.45am |
| Panel Discussion: Climate Change (Spaces Limited) |
11.00am – 12noon |
| Sound Bathing by the Lake | 11.00am – 11.30am |
| Mansion Open House | 11.00am – 3.15pm (Closed 1pm-1.30pm) |
| Bird Spotter Tour | 11.30am – 12.15pm |
| Heritage Garden Tour | 11.30am – 12.15pm |
| Flower Arranging Workshop (Separate ticket) | 12noon – 1.00pm |
| Sound Bathing by the Lake | 12noon – 12.30pm |
| Demonstration: Dividing & Propagating Orchids | 12.30pm – 1.00pm |
| Heritage Garden Tour | 12.30pm – 1.15pm |
| Heritage Garden Tour | 1.30pm – 2.15pm |
| Panel Discussion: Heritage Garden Panel (Spaces Limited) |
1.30pm – 2.30pm |
| Demonstration: Orchid Care and Flower Presentation | 2.30pm – 3.00pm |
| Heritage Garden Tour | 2.30pm – 3.15pm |
The Botanica Festival is supported by
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Rippon Lea House and Gardens