With the heart of spring well and truly on the horizon, the Adelaide Botanic Gardens and the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens are just about in full bloom, and that’s not just in terms of the flowering foliage. The month of October will see a line-up of splendid activities and events descend upon the gardens and we’ve created a list of all the happenings – take a look!
1. Flower Day
On Friday 28 and Sunday 29 October 2022, the Adelaide Botanic Gardens will be host to floral art which is set to beautify the North Terrace locale. The flowery festival first came about in 1938 and ran through until 1975. It took a bit of hiatus and then out of the bloom, it made a return in 2021 and is set to continue in making the city an even more colourful and vibrant place to be. Flower Day is a free event for all and you’ll be able to get up close and personal with the grandiose range of florals.
2. Nature Festival 2022
From Thursday 6 until Sunday 16 October, Nature Festival is making its way to Adelaide with events and activations going down near and far in order to celebrate the all things environment. Some of Nature Festival’s highlights at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens include: Piano in the Park where you can enjoy the garden’s serenity combined with goosebump-inducing piano compositions; The Sea Dragon’s Lair where kids can get their hands dirty and explore marine life in an artist-led print workshop; and Tea House where you’ll have the opportunity to reimagine everyday rituals through reflection on connection to nature and each other. There’s a whole heap of unique events in store for Nature Festival 2022 at the Adeliade Botanic Garden – check out the full program here.
3. Summer Sessions
From Saturday 1 October, the Schomburgk Pavilion in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens will be host to Summer Sessions on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 1pm until 6pm to reel in the warmer weather in style. The lush outdoor bar is an inner-city paradise offering botanical-inspired cocktails, boutique beers and wine, along with live music to add to the tranquility. Alfresco refreshments and entertainment – what’s not to love? Check out the event page here.
4. Bracegirdle’s Food Van at Mount Lofty Botanic Garden
Who knew, the iconic South Australian chocolatiers have a food van! And you can enjoy all their goodies at the serene Mount Lofty Botanic Garden each weekend during spring, summer and autumn. The gardens are a mere 15 minute drive up the freeway atop the Adelaide Hills – they really do feel otherworldly. They will be serving hot and cold drinks as well as sweet and savoury lunch items and snacks; just in case you forgot to pack a picnic or if you feel like something a lil’ different whilst gazing upon the many colours and textures of the gardens. You can find the Bracegirdles’ food van at the lower car park just off of Lampert Road from 9am until 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays between 24 September to 11 December, and 18 February – June 2023.
5. Tinkerbell’s musical adventure
From Wednesday 5 until Sunday 16 October, a school holiday treat is in store for the kiddos at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, where they will be able to join Tinkerbell and the fairies from A Midsummer Night’s Dream on an musical adventure. Expect to see the cheeky Mustardseed, fluttery Moth, daring Cobweb and sweet Peaseblossom during the quest to find Tinkerbell’s lost wings through the mystical gardens and Bubble Land. And to add to the fun, everyone is invited to dress up! Book your tickets here.
6. Celebrate spring with the 2021 Botanic Rosé
With Christmas just around the corner, the Adelaide Botanic Garden has released their fifth vintage of their limited edition wine. The 2021 Botanic Rosé is a taste of Adelaide through and through, with the product created with grapes harvested from the garden’s very own vineyard! There’s only 190 bottles of the rosé in existence at $30 for a singular bottle, or $180 for a half-dozen. Treat your palate, or get in early with your Christmas shopping. Order your 2021 Botanic Rosé by emailing ABGFoundation@sa.gov.au or calling 8222 9359.
Grounding one’s self in nature is crazy easy in Adelaide, with both of the botanic gardens right on our doorstep. So get out there, absorb the healing energy this October. Oh and wisteria and rhododendrons are in season!