The National Trust of Victoria is holding its fourth annual Botanica Festival this Mother’s Day, Sunday May 14th, at the iconic Rippon Lea Estate.
Round up your botanica-loving friends and family: the Botanica Festival, the National Trust of Victoria’s annual celebration of the natural environment, sustainability and gardening, is returning for its fourth year this Mother’s Day, on Sunday 14 May at the iconic Rippon Lea Estate.
Held in partnership with Glen Eira Council, Botanica will bring together locals, young families, and nature enthusiasts to one of Victoria’s most majestic heritage-listed sites for a day of enriching activities, artisan shopping, entertainment and delicious CWA scones.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
The perfect Mother’s Day out for the whole family, festival-goers can look forward to:
An open-air market
The creatively minded will love exploring the open-air market held in conjunction with Fitzroy’s famous Rose Street Market, featuring products from Melbourne’s best local artists, designers, makers and growers.
Gardening book sale
Those interested in learning more about the benefits of cultivating a green thumb can explore the gardening book sale, offering a variety of quality second-hand books, all priced under $5.
Huge plant sale and displays
Nature lovers can indulge in the beauty of Rippon Lea’s gardens while also appreciating various specialty plant displays. Browse for the perfect greenery to take home at the Huge Plant Sale, all of which have been specially propagated by the Estate’s talented gardeners.
The Bonsai Society of Victoria
The Bonsai Society of Victoria will showcase some of the very finest examples from their collection. Learn about traditional Japanese techniques of bonsai styling and maintaining different tree species from Victoria’s experts, held in the opulent interior of the Rippon Lea Estate’s historic ballroom.
CWA scones
The Country Women’s Association will be serving their famous freshly-baked scones with jam and cream on the sunny Western Veranda overlooking the heritage Victorian garden, so visitors can enjoy a delicious treat while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
View this post on Instagram
Food trucks and tastings
A variety of food trucks will be scattered throughout the grounds, providing an array of different cuisines to sample and enjoy, as well as tastings from premium alcohol-removed beverage company, Edenvale.
Roving entertainment
As always, young and old will be delighted by an array of roving entertainment including sky-high stilt walkers! This isn’t a day to leave the camera at home!
Botanica Festival will run from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on Sunday 14th May. The entry cost is one gold coin donation per person. Visit Rippon Lea House and Gardens at 192 Hotham Street, Elsternwick.
