Succulents are the plants that just keep giving! Their fractal patterns are soothing for our mind and calm our nervous system.

With a little bit of tending they produce baby plants, create new plants from leaves that break off and are almost endlessly dividable.

This hands-on creative workshop is brought to you by 2 succulent loving friends. Bronwyn is The Nature OT and supports people to connect with nature for the wellbeing of themselves AND nature. Sandy the ‘Succulent Queen’ discovered the soothing power of succulents during months working at home in isolation and during a prolonged recovery from surgery. She creates incredibly beautiful and detailed planted arrangements of succulents.

Sandy and Bronwyn will guide you in the creation of your own growing succulent arrangement. A perfect gift, or for you to tend and nurture as it grows.

With a strong passion for regenerative and sustainable practices we encourage you to bring your own pot(s) or containers. Succulents can be grown in traditional pots, or in containers without a hole e.g.,a large cup or tea pot. We also have available some glass terrarium style containers for you to choose from with a ‘pay what you choose’ donation on the day.

You can order pots for us to supply with a separate ticket for a pot. Pots that work well are wide and fairly shallow – but with a minimum of about 10cm depth.

All plant and potting material will be supplied. We have an extensive collection of succulents to choose from and combine.

You are welcome to ‘drop in’ and plant a pot and leave, or to stay for a while and enjoy a guided walk along the Finniss River at the end of the session.

OPTIONAL LUNCH

You can also add-on a ticket for lunch and arrive at 12.45 pm. We'll have on offer a delicious spread of 'nature food' - salad ingredients with vegetables, carbs, proteins, healthy fats and tasty condiments. You can create your own combinations so all dietary needs are easily accommodated and you can enjoy the nature for an extended period.

BOOK FOR THE PARTNER EVENT IN THE MORNING as well - 'Painting with nature', with a 25% discount and make a day of it. You will receive this code in your confirmation e-mail for your booking for this event.

Please bring

- Gardening gloves
- Secateurs if you have them
- Any special stones or ornaments you would like to include in your arrangement
- Your own pot/container or purchase a ticket to have a pot supplied
- You are welcome to bring a picnic lunch or perhaps plan to lunch at nearby Mt Compass, Willunga or McLaren Vale

Supplied

- Succulent plants
- Succulent potting mixture
- Gravel pot topping
- Tea, coffee, water and nature based simple snacks (fruit & veg platter). If you or anyone in your group have any dietary restrictions or allergies please contact the organiser at bronwyn@natureot.com.au to advise prior to the event.

Where

This workshop is uniquely offered in our private National Park called The Sanctuary, Yundi. We are north of Mt Compass - less than an hour from Adelaide CBD (45 minutes from Glenelg).

This event is an opportunity to access this private, pristine and protected environment to experience an incredibly peaceful, restorative connection with nature.

The Sanctuary is 82 acres, with most of the bush protected by a Heritage Bush Agreement since 1993. The property is also a private National Park Sanctuary. We have the beginning of the Finnis River running through the property. There are rare species of plants, birds and animals. We see many many fairy (blue) wrens every time we are there, as well as wedge tail eagles, vulnerable yellow tail black cockatoos, beautiful little scarlet robins and bright yellow golden whistlers. There are kangaroos, koalas and echidnas. The river is unbelievably beautiful and a rare example of a very healthy ecosystem with reeds, fallen trees, lots of fish, yabbies and dragon flies. We have a large forest of blue gums as well as enormous stringy bark trees. The Sanctuary is a sensory delight and stepping out of the car after driving from the city is a beautiful experience to inhale the clean, scented air.

Who runs this?

Nature OT is the passion of Bronwyn Paynter. I am an occupational therapist with over 30 years experience, and a passion for supporting wellbeing. I am a certified Forest & Nature Therapy Guide with the Association of Forest & Nature Therapy Guides and Programs, and a permaculture designer. Nature connection started with gardening, camping (as a girl guide) and family holidays in nature. For the last few years I’ve been helping occupational therapists internationally in ways to work more closely with nature because there is so much evidence about how nature is the optimal environment for people to flourish.

We purchased The Sanctuary, Yundi in 2018 and, as its current non-indigenous custodians, are dedicated to sharing this heritage protected nature with as many people as we can.

FAQs

Where will we meet?

When you register you will receive a link to the visitor information for The Sanctuary, Yundi, with the full address and google map link. Access is very easy from the Southern Expressway, Victor Harbor Rd, and turn off before Mt Compass - with bitumen road all the way.

Is there a toilet?

There is a ‘long drop loo’ at The Sanctuary. There is only front on access, no access for side transfers. There are flushing (wheelchair accessible) public toilets in nearby (5min drive) Mt Compass.

Are their age restrictions? Is this suitable for children?

This event is suited to people of all ages. Children will be required to be under the care of a responsible adult to supervise their participation. Children bring a magical creative energy and sense of freedom, and they are very welcome.

Physical capacity required

The planting workshop will be held under shelter on gravel which is firmly packed. If you choose to go for a guided walk along the river you will require the ability to walk around 500m on sloping, uneven ground that is likely to include fallen wood, leaf and bark litter and natural obstacles. You will require a good level of mobility to feel comfortable on this walk. This is untamed nature.

Will I be safe?

I have current wilderness first aid training and will be carrying a first aid kit. There is mobile phone reception where we will be. Please advise any particular health concerns that may be relevant. Please feel free to contact Bronwyn to discuss any concerns on 0412404700.

Hand washing and sanitising facilities will be provided. Please do not attend if you are unwell.

What should I bring to the event?

This event will go ahead in all weather (unless it’s dangerous) so dress appropriately - it is usually a few degrees cooler than in Adelaide.

You don’t need any special clothing or equipment for the planting part of the workshop.

You will need decent shoes if you choose to go on the guided river walk. Boots are good if you have them. Bring a rain jacket in case of rain – although some people choose to get wet as part of the nature connection experience. Consider wearing/bringing an extra layer as well as beanie (hat), gloves and scarf if it's cold or windy and maybe even spare socks/shoes if you’re going walking as we may get a little wet pushing through beautiful abundant plant growth. If it’s sunny then suncream, long sleeves and a shady hat are recommended.

What's the cancellation policy?

The event will only be cancelled in the case of extreme weather or safety hazards e.g., thunderstorms. If the event is cancelled you will be notified by 8pm the evening prior - by the e-mail you used to register.

If you are unable to attend the event please cancel via the Humanitix process so any people on the waiting list can access tickets.

We really encourage you to prioritise this wellbeing practice for your self-care and make it important for you to attend once you have booked.

NOTE - you will be required to complete a registration/disclaimer form on arrival prior to the event commencing.

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

e-mail Bronwyn@natureot.com.au or phone Bronwyn on 0412404700