This February, for the first time, The Mint will be transformed into a native garden, showcasing local plants and flowers as they were on the Gadigal land. Expect to be taken on a journey with stories & legends relating to Australia’s native plants. At night, the garden will glow in the dark under the blacklight while classical music concerts will enchant the night owls, creating a spectacular and entirely free experience for all.
Starting at 6 pm on February 4th and for 24 hours, you are invited to walk through this unique pop-up Australian flora market to delight in native flowers and plants. The garden is an invitation to wander and meet Sydney’s most talented floral artists.
Did you know that flowers can be photo-luminescent? The Mint and its surroundings will be glowing in the dark. This enchanting night and day flower market will exhibit native blooms from NSW. Under the black light, flower sculptures and displays will unveil their mysteries and beauty.
FLORAL ART EXHIBITION – 3-metre-tall giant owl floral sculpture & human sized flower figures
Floral artist Cecile Keogh will create a giant owl using a mix of native flowers and plants. The impressive floral artwork will glow in the dark at night, while during the day, it will be The Mint’s guardian as it perches itself on the surrounding lawns.
Artist Tatiana Bovlova will be creating life-sized silhouettes made of flowers standing or sitting alone. The art intends to ponder the loneliness that we all feel sometimes, especially at night.
“It’s essential to understand the importance of self-love & remembering that nothing lasts forever. However, when the sun rises each morning, flowers will be nourished & bloom again and we, as humans, have the power to grow ourselves to become strong and beautiful individuals”, she says.
WORKSHOPS & DEMONSTRATIONS – Learn, discover, and get hands-on with Cecile Keogh and Bess Scott through a series of engaging floral talks and workshops at The Mint
Ready to unleash your creative side? The Mint’s native garden will offer exciting and ticketed workshops and demonstrations with floral artists and experts.
Meet Cecile Keogh
Create memories and take part in a fun and interactive floral demonstration with Cecile. The 2-hour demo will include tips on flower care, elements of design and how to develop a floral installation. You are invited to participate, get hands-on and ask questions.
Duration 2hrs | Price $150 | Max 25pp.
Bess Scott, a famous Paddington based Florist and expert in native flowers, will offer two hands-on workshops:
Fresh Native Flower Arranging workshop: Using seasonal Australian native flowers, participants can expect to play with a colourful and diverse range of unique elements to create their own native floral arrangement to take home.
Duration 1h| Price $150 | Max 25pp. (including the flower arrangement)
Dried Native Flower Arranging workshop: Allowing participants to engage with a truly special feature of Australian flora, dry flowers. Experience the longevity of their beauty, even after harvest.
Duration 1H| Price $150 | Max 25pp. (including the flower arrangement)
BUSH TO BOWL – First Nations culture, plants, food, and heritage. From bush medicine to bush food, visit The Mint’s native garden to learn all the secrets of native plants
Native Australian plants have long been used by First Nations people for a wide range of purposes. This Summer at The Sydney Mint, learn more about First Nations culture, food and heritage from the multiple workshops and talks organised by “Bush to Bowl”.
Bush to Bowl is an organisation that aims to create spaces where families and community members can engage with Australia’s native plants and traditional Aboriginal knowledge and culture.
Bushtucker introduction workshop
Participants will gain an introduction to traditional Aboriginal plant foods/bushtucker by learning about the vast amount of native edible foods including rhizomes, legumes, grains and spices.
Duration 45min| Price $35| Max 25pp.
Bushtucker cooking demonstration.
This experience (with tasting!) will focus on exploring a range of traditional Aboriginal plant foods/bushtucker whilst observing a demonstration of how they can be cooked in both savoury and sweet dishes. Are you ready to find out about traditional Australian cooking techniques?
Duration 45min| Price $35 | Max 25pp.
Even though entry to the Festival is free, some workshops and activities are ticketed and will have limited capacity. Don’t forget to book your spot at www.mopokesydney.com.au | Tickets will go on sale on the 18th of January. Time to set a reminder!
