In Conversation – Climate readiness to support our gardens to thrive!

Join Professor Michelle Waycott, Chief Botanist, and Dr Leonie Scriven, Deputy Director Living Collections, from the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium, for Adelaide Climate Action Week.

During this insightful conversation, Michelle and Leonie will explore how to ensure the plants in our urban and peri-urban landscapes can survive the variable climate conditions of the future.  

Don’t miss this special opportunity to learn from two leading experts and gain a better understanding of how to make your gardens, botanic gardens and bushlands more climate ready. 

This talk is ideal for avid gardeners, landscape professionals, students, and anyone interested in climate-resilient gardens.  

Bring your questions, as there will be designated time at the end of this talk. 

About Professor Michelle Waycott 

Michelle is the Chief Botanist at the State Herbarium of South Australia and has a joint position based at Adelaide University. Michelle has the responsibility to support and enhance our understanding of the flora of South Australia, with a particular emphasis on systematics and taxonomy. Michelle specialises in investigating plants that occupy extreme environments including estuarine, marine and coastal plant groups as well as desert species, which are systems that are unusually challenging and complex. 

About Dr. Leonie Scriven 

Leonie is the Deputy Director of Living Collections at the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium. Leonie has 25+ years’ experience in botanic garden management, public realm development, community engagement, visitor programming, master planning, and infrastructure delivery. Leonie holds a doctorate in taxonomy and palaeobotany, plus business administration and company Director qualifications. 

Date: Wednesday 29 July 2026

Times: 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Location: Goodman Building Lecture Theatre, Adelaide Botanic Garden (C6 on the map)

Tickets: Free registration, donations welcome

Your donation today helps the Gardens thrive in the future. All funds collected from this event are used to support conservation, education and horticulture at the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium.