Acacia Botanica

Wattle Day is a day of celebration in Australia that marks the official start of Spring, known as Poorneet in Wurundjeri. It is a time when many Acacia species, commonly known as wattles, are in flower. As Australia's national floral emblem, wattle is an important symbol of the country's identity. Wattles in the Shire of Macedon Ranges have a bold and beautiful presence at this time of year.

Acacia Botanica was a feature of this Wattle Day 2023 event in Gisborne Botanic gardens,  which saw community participate in the making of an ephemeral land-artwork facilitated by Joanne.

In preparation for the day, Joanne held art workshops at St Brigit’s PS to introduce students to the importance of Acacias in the Macedon Ranges environment, National Wattle Day, and engage them in collaborative art practice.

 The artwork was be composed of an arrangement of various wattle types and parts. Pre-collected flowers, leaves, and stems were arranged in a fascinating decorative circular design approximately 12 meters in diameter.