The Australian Drylands Precinct at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne will soon host a stunning outdoor exhibition. In this living gallery, visitors are invited to see how natural systems can shape creative practice, material experimentation and ecological thinking. Along with the exhibition, guests can also take part in walks, talks and workshops in order to delve deeper into the themes of the artwork. Design X Nature will take over the gardens from September 25 to October 18.
Design X Nature at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Presented as part of Melbourne Fringe, this exhibition features new works by Courtney Coombs, Cara Johnson, Bethany Kiss and Soft Meadow Collective. These commissions were developed through a 2025 research lab residence at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, exploring nature-led design in collaboration between artists, designers and scientific experts. The works were based on observation, research and environmental knowledge. The exhibition is free to attend, and you don’t need to make a booking.
More things to do
There will be a Brunswick Aces Gin Pop-Up on selected dates. Try The Arborist, an exclusive botanical gin collaboration with the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria and Brunswick Aces. The pop-up will open from 12pm to 7:30pm, and run on October 9, 10, 16 and 17.
Meet artist-in-residence Cara Johnson, as she works on her sculptural installation, Pastures. Throughout the exhibition, Johnson will gradually transform a hay farm cradle into a comforting place, filled with hand-sewn pillows stuffed with grass clippings. Watch her work, ask questions and see the piece evolve over time. See her work on October 2, 9 and 16.
Go on a guided walk with urban ecologist Dr Jacinta Humphrey in Home is where the nest is. Stroll through the gardens, and learn about the lives of native birds in the city. Find out more about their habitat, food and nests, the pressures they face in urban environments and how design can support local birds. This walk will take place on Saturday October 10 at 10am, and Friday October 16 at 12:30pm. This experience takes 90 minutes, and costs $30 for adults. Bookings are essential.
Take part in the workshop, Nature Journaling in the Drylands. Led by Soft Meadow Collective, you’re invited to draw, write and observe the surrounding landscape, such as the seasonal flowers, the tree canopies and the birds. This workshop is 2 hours long, and will start at 11am on Saturday, October 3. Adult tickets are $40.
Listen to the Queer Ecologies panel discussion, where Courtney Coombs and guests will consider and question the line between what we call natural and unnatural. This talk is free to attend, and will start at 3pm on Saturday, October 17.
Learn more about the exhibition here.
