This event is celebrating Botanic Gardens Week and is held in conjunction with the Friends of Melton Botanic Garden.

This 2-hour nature sketching / nature journaling workshop is suitable for complete beginners and those experienced. Come along and explore the amazing Eucalypt Arboretum at Melton Botanic Garden in a new way. You might be curious about our eucalypts, wanting to spend some time in nature or trying something creative. Workshop facilitator Kathleen is very friendly and helpful. The workshop will be held outdoors, and we will be focusing on the beautiful Australian eucalypts - their incredible blooms, gumnuts, leaves, bark, everything - in all their colours, shapes and textures! Some of the River Red Gums are over 200 years old!! All supplies provided, including light refreshments. Come along and enjoy all that nature is offering.

For those new to nature sketching / journaling – come along and learn some techniques in a friendly relaxed session, with all supplies provided. No experience is necessary. Even if you think you are not artistic or creative, this session is for you and you are very welcome.

For those experienced in nature sketching / journaling – come along and join other like-minded people (nature lovers, creatives, mindfulness advocates). There will be a variety of techniques offered. BYO your favourite journal and supplies, or use those provided.

Photos Credit: FMBG member Colin Rowan

What happens during the session?

Nature sketching or journaling is about observing something in nature, and capturing details on a page through drawing, writing and more. We will be focusing on the Australian eucalypts in Melton Botanic Garden. The session will use a combination of science, creativity and mindfulness to explore the eucalypts. It is designed for you to be present and mindful in nature, and your pages can be as creative or as science-based as you prefer.

We start with a guided nature-based mindfulness practice to awaken our senses
Warm up with some different techniques and template options
Hear about the theme-for-the-day - the magnificent eucalypt - and even a challenge for those interested
Come together to share thoughts and pages (share only if you wish)

We will spend most of the time wandering amongst the eucalypts, standing to sketch and journal. You can BYO a folding chair if you wish. There are some seats available in the area, including some large rocks to sit on (mats provided).

At the end of the session, you can expect to know more about our beautiful Australian eucalypts, feel more connected to nature and yourself, feel more creative and have explored different ways of capturing nature on your pages. You will take home the nature journal pages from the session, an introduction to nature journaling and a handout about eucalypts.

What do I need to know/bring?

Sessions are tailored to complete beginners and those experienced
Wear clothing suitable for being outdoors (including a sunhat and/or a waterproof layer)
All supplies are provided, but you can bring your favourite art supplies, if you like
Please contact me with any queries to make sure the session is enjoyable for you