There is plenty of colour at STEP this month! Take a look at these stunning photos and then go and see for yourself!

What a wonderful way to spend a weekend in spring at any of these garden festivals. 12-13 October - CANBERRA BONSAI SHOW - Canberra High School, Bindubi Street, Macquarie. Open 9am - 4pm. Features high quality Australian native and exotic bonsai including individual trees and groups, demonstrations and guided tours. ​17-20 October - BERRY GARDENS FESTIVAL - In and around Berry. 8 private gardens for $20. 26-27 October - BUNDANOON GARDEN RAMBLE - A wonderful opportunity to visit and enjoy eight delightful village gardens and browse around the plant and gift stalls at the garden market in the Hall. $20 for all 8 gardens. 26-27 October - BATHURST SPRING SPECTACULAR - Gardens, music, food and art. $25/$20 for 10 gardens.

The Australian Federation of Friends of Museums (AFFM) has just published its latest biannual Review. Articles in this issue include: * The World Federation of Friends of Museums (WFFM) meets in Australia in March 2020 (and, yes, they are coming to the Arboretum!) * Watercolour World - an important documentary method worth preserving * POSE in Sovereign Hill - the Gold Museum's photographic collection * The View from 1919 - Tamworth Regional Gallery celebrated its centenary * Brooke Museums - Kuching, Sarawak * From the President, Dr Jane Lomax-Smith AM * Latest AFFM news Read it here!

Friends of the National Arboretum Canberra are proud to support two upcoming Snake Awareness workshops. These workshops feature three local, licensed snake catchers, and will raise awareness about our local venomous snake species and their ecological contribution. Snake Awareness and Safety for Young People (ages 8-16) Wednesday 2 October from 10.00am - 12.00 noon. AND LEARN TO APPRECIATE SNAKES (ages 16+) Wednesday 23 October from 5.30pm - 7.30pm. Discounted tickets available for Friends. Bookings on Sticky Tickets - see below

This workshop will introduce you to one of the wonders of the natural world - plants that eat insects! The workshop will begin with an introduction to carnivorous plants, explaining what makes them carnivorous and how to take care of them. Australia has the most diverse range of carnivorous plants in the world with over 180 different species. There will be many plants on display and for purchase, including local and overseas species. This workshop is presented by the Australasian Carnivorous Plant Society Inc https://www.facebook.com/AUSCPS The society is a not-for-profit society that promotes the cultivation, conservation and education of carnivorous plants. Sunday, 13 October - 10.00am - 12.00 noon, Terrace Room, National Arboretum Canberra FREE - But Bookings via Sticky Tickets - see below

Come to the National Arboretum Canberra to create and decorate your own take-home kite. This is a great holiday activity for kids - not only do they get to fly their own self-made and decorated kite on the day, but they also take it home and fly it all school holidays! Saturday 5 October - 10.00 - 1.00pm Sunday 6 October - 10.00 - 1.00pm Monday 7 October - 10.00 - 1.00pm $15 per kite To book, see below.

The colourful scarves that brightened up the forests at the National Arboretum Canberra for Warm Trees this past July are being repurposed for several charities. Scarves have been donated to the Smith Family for people to enjoy. It is a real thrill for our volunteer knitters to see one of their scarves being worn around town! Scarves have also been donated to the RSPCA as Comfort Blankets for the animals. Each scarf will go with the animal - when it is adopted - to their new home. Jack the Cat is enjoying his new 'blanket'. The Friends are pleased to support the wonderful work of the RSPCA. Work by our volunteers continues to join scarves into larger blankets. These blankets will be donated to the Wrapped-With-Love charity which sends rugs to disaster and emergency areas in Australian and around the world.

Yes, it's published - the September issue of our Newsletter with plenty of news in and around the Arboretum! Find it here.

Yellow is the predominant colour on view this month in the STEP forest. Take a look at the photos here and then match them at STEP!

At the National Arboretum Canberra the new Friends sponsored garden in the Central Valley is planted with salt bushes (Rhagodia spinescens). Amalie Shawcross, operations manager at the Arboretum, says the plants were purchased from Yarralumla Nursery which propagates the majority of the saltbush it supplies as it is highly successful and is grown to Canberra conditions.