A special gift: Celebrating 50 Years of the Australian Botanic Gardens

It’s no secret that at Jindii Eco Spa we’re inspired by the native flora found in the lush rainforest surrounds of the Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG). Our products, décor and wellness treatments are all inspired by our natural environment and sustainable living.

I’m truly blessed to arrive at work each day and be surrounded by the natural beauty of the gardens.

This year the ANBG is celebrating its 50th birthday. I wanted to do something special to acknowledge this milestone in the Gardens’ history, and to show my thanks for being able to operate my business from within the ANBG grounds.

Last year there was much discussion about what events would take place for the 50thanniversary, the focal point was the opening of a new Banksia Garden. COVID did not stop this opening; this gorgeous space is home to more than 80 species of Banksia from across Australia.

Did you know there are 173 Banksia species? All but one occurs naturally, only in Australia.

Knowing this, it made sense that the Banksia was the centrepiece of my plans.

Then, a thought bubble, which became a passion project, and now it’s reality…drum roll please…

Let me introduce you to the Banksia Kimono.

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Our gorgeous limited edition Banksia Kimono has been designed, printed and manufactured in Australia, engaging a fantastic team.

My heartfelt appreciation and thanks goes to:

• Canberra ethical designer and owner of label Pure Pod, Kelli Donovan. Kelli designed the Kimono and sourced the organic linen fabric used for the garments, this ensures they’re sustainable and will have a long life (and rot into our earth kindly at end-of-life).
• Braidwood graphic designer and printmaker, Abby French, of Bursaria Workshop, who designed the two stunning banksia floral prints on the fabric, which showcase the beauty and magnificence of the flower.
• Frankie & Swiss, based in Melbourne, who printed the design on the organic linen, and
• Maker and former Canberran, Marcel Pandher, owner of BelleMarc, who cut and sewed the Kimonos.

Importantly, one of these Kimonos will be donated to the ANBG as a special commemorative gift; and I ‘m absolutely thrilled the ANBG has advised it will display the Kimono in the visitor’s centre.

This makes me so extremely thankful and proud. The ANBG is a very special location to me. It truly inspires all I do within my business. It’s a place that brings us back to nature and highlights the beauty of our country’s unique and healing flora.

You may be asking, why a Kimono? There are a couple of reasons.

The Kimono design reflects Canberra’s strong connection to Japan through our sister city, Nara. In addition, there’s a tree within the Banksia Garden, which is burnt using a Japanese burning method—designed as a stark reminder of the ever-present threat of bushfire in Australia. And really, what’s not to love about a kimono; its definition speaks for itself—“the thing to wear”—and a kimono traditionally depicts images from nature.

I want to take a moment to also discuss another important message stemming from this project; that is the need to support local business and Australian manufacturing.

This project highlights the power of collaboration and the brilliant minds we have locally and nationally.

In a year that has crippled business it’s so vital to support and buy local. While sometimes the cost of buying local or Australian made may be a little higher (than cheaper imported products), you’re getting quality, while supporting jobs and the local economy.

Thank you again to all of my collaborators on this project.

I’m a little biased, but I believe the Banksia Kimono is the season’s “must have” clothing item, and it’s as versatile as it is beautiful.

It can be worn with a cute pair of jeans, over swimwear or a lightweight layer to make you look and feel amazing. It’s truly a special piece that will a lifetime and can passed down from generation to generation.

I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to turn a thought bubble into reality, and so proud that I, in some small way, have played a part in this very special 50^th year of the Australian National Botanic Gardens.

For more information about the Banksia Kimono, or to order your own Banksia Kimono, visit our presale web page.