Botanical Art Society of New Zealand

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‘Saving Bell’s Garden’ - Sandra Morris’ latest project

Leucadendron ‘Safari Sunset’, watercolour

Sandra Morris

Sandra has been visiting the heritage garden of the Stevens and Bell family at 115 Mt View Rd, Bastia Hill in Whanganui since October last year, where she has been drawing and painting both in the garden and from specimens collected to help preserve the legacy of this property.

To start with there was the pressure of possible imminent purchase by developers and all the plants being lost, but with Covid on her side she had many months to discover new plants each visit and she could relax and draw and paint with less pressure.

Over time more people became involved and now the team of six have won the tender for the purchase and are working hard to fund raise and find a possible  loan for 12-24 months, giving them time to fundraise to pay back the money borrowed.  There is a great story behind this garden and incredible potential for its future development for the wellbeing of the community of Whanganui.

Sandra will talk about the background to this garden, its legacy and her involvement and upcoming exhibition of works in Whanganui in late July 2022.

When - Monday, 25th July at 7pm

Where - your place, on Zoom

Zoom invite will be sent to members the week before the meeting.

More information about the project - here

Sandra’s artist profile - here

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