Sydney shines… fab events.

I LOVE the good work of the Foundation & Friends of the Botanic Gardens, Sydney.  So I’m always happy to help share the love on the fab events they run.  If you’re at a loose end this weekend, consider contacting them to book into either of  these two fantastic events. (Ph: 02-9231 8182) The first two people to do so, who mention Caro & Co when booking, will also receive a $25 voucher to buy plants of your choice propagated from the beautiful flora of the Gardens themselves.  The weather’s going to be ace this weekend and I couldn’t think of a lovelier way to spend a Saturday morning. In fact, I think my daughter and I might well go and learn how to make perfume…

PERFUME AND THE SCIENCE OF SCENT (Saturday 12 October 2013. Talk & Walk: 10am for 10.30-12.30pm. Workshop: 2pm-4.30pm)

For centuries perfume has enticed, seduced and mystified. Unlock the secrets of perfume and the science of scent in this talk, walk and workshop in the Botanic Gardens, Sydney. The staff and volunteers at the Gardens are again teaming up with perfume consultant Catherine du Peloux Menage from Scent of Choice as well as Candace Gabelish, perfumer of Pearl Perfumery.

The event will look at plants that produce the scented raw materials for perfumery.  Catherine will unravel the mysteries of perfume, focussing on the science of scent, the process of extracting scent from plants to produce perfume, the fragrance wheel and the role of synthetic scents in the creation of today’s perfumes. An afternoon perfume workshop will allow participants a hands-on opportunity to create a perfume.  Candace will offer practical details of how perfume is made and instruction on how to create your own handmade personalised fragrance. Prices include morning tea and lunch and the cost of equipment and oils for the workshop.

Talk and walk only: $35 (members); $40 (non-members)

Workshop only: $150 (members); $170 (non-members) ~ currently wait-listed

Talk, walk and workshop: $170 (members); $195 (non-members)

The second event (a topic close to my heart) on offer is:

IT’S ALL ABOUT FOOD (Saturday 12 October 2013, Wesley Conference Centre, 220 Pitt Street, Sydney ~ 2.00-4.30pm)

Today, in Australia a huge amount of the food we buy has travelled thousands of kilometres before it reaches our shopping trolley.  Yet so much of the food we want and need is already right on our doorstep.  Join Sydney master chef and farmer Martin Boetz for a fascinating and informative panel discussion on sustainable farming and sourcing local produce.  This event is part of Sydney’s “Good Food Month”, “Down to Earth” programme.

After 13 years as co-owner and executive chef of the renowned Longrain restaurants in both Sydney and Melbourne, Martin left the city behind to establish the Cooks Co-op; a sustainable farm and kitchen that aims to make more people aware of, and involved with, Australian produce and farming.

“We don’t realise how much beautiful produce is grown at our doorstep,” says Martin.  “We buy limp spinach at the supermarket and find that acceptable.”  He says sourcing local produce not only supports Australian industry but also ensures a higher standard of food quality for the consumer.

Martin will lead a panel of experts as they debate topics including organic vs. conventional farming methods, food security, the role of properly raised meat and vegetables in creating good health and the pitfalls of contemporary farming.  Panellists include agronomist Tally Mathews; Natural Health Consultant, Sarah Luck; vegetable farmer Joyce Wilkie; Melanda Park, free range pork producer, Matt Simmons; and organic food distributor, James Nathan.

$30 (members); $40 (non-members)

Bookings are essential for each event.  Call 02-9231 8182 or visit the Foundation & Friends of the Gardens website at www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/foundationandfriends

This is not a sponsored post.

Until next time…