Celebrating Wattle Day, a nature journaling and sketching workshop at Melton Botanic Garden will combine science, creativity, and mindfulness to take a close look at the wattles of the garden’s Acacia Walk.
Hosted by Nothing Like Nature and the Friends of the Melton Botanic Garden on Sunday, August 31, the event welcomes those with or without nature journaling experience.
Nature journaling is where the participant slows down, observes something in nature, and then portrays it on a page through drawing, writing – or even numbers.
The organisers will take participants on a slow wander along the Botanic Garden’s Acacia Walk to spend time with different wattles and allow them time to capture their experiences on the page.
The event will begin with a guided nature-based mindfulness practice, then some warm up techniques, before participants turn to journal something of their choice.
Workshop facilitator and environmental psychology doctor Kathleen Bagot said everybody is welcome to attend and be guided to slow down and be present, awaken their senses, and engage their curiosity.
“Beginners [are] very welcome and pages can be … creative or ‘sciencey’ … or heartfelt. It’s up to each person as to how they want to approach the session,” Ms Bagot said.
“It’s our national emblem, so come and find out some fun facts about wattle and sink into the glorious colours on display,” she said.
As the session is outdoors, attendees are encouraged to wear clothing and footwear suitable for being outdoors and walking on gravel – and sometimes uneven paths.
If weather does not permit an outdoor session, an indoor workshop session will be provided.
The session will run from 10am–noon on Sunday, August 31.
Details: events.humanitix.com/nature-journaling-wattle-day/tickets
