Before Jess Harwood became a cartoonist, she was a lawyer. On 25 July 2026, she will lead a free zine-making workshop at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney — and no drawing skills or legal expertise are needed.
The two-hour session is part of the Botanic Gardens of Sydney’s first Writers in Residence program, a $15,000 initiative that gives artists behind-the-scenes access to the gardens’ collections and science teams. Harwood’s workshop, which begins with a guided walk to gather plant inspiration, lands on the eve of National Tree Day — a deliberate nod to seeing the natural world through a creative lens.
Participants will return to the Maiden Theatre to craft their own nature-themed zines. All materials are supplied, and the workshop is open to adults and children aged 10 and older accompanied by an adult. Registration is free but essential through Humanitix, and places are strictly limited.
Harwood, who lives on Gadigal land, is known for using a light-hearted cartoon style to explore biodiversity loss, conservation and climate change. Her work has appeared in The Guardian and been featured by the BBC and Museum of Australian Democracy. She also runs women’s history tours and holds a Eucalyptaus Fellowship.
She is one of two inaugural writers in residence, alongside Cheryl Leavy, selected after a highly competitive expression of interest process. Over the three-month residency, which runs until July 2026, Harwood has created illustrations including waratah colouring sheets used in winter school holiday activities. The zine workshop extends that work, encouraging accessible self-publishing without any prior art experience.
The timing is no accident. National Tree Day falls on 26 July, and the Royal Botanic Garden is also hosting a celebration from 10am that day on the Foundation & Friends Terrace, inviting visitors to connect with ancient trees. Harwood’s workshop offers a creative prelude.
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Botanic Gardens of Sydney
Manages the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan and Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah. Focuses on plant science, conservation, education and public events.
Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Australia’s oldest botanic garden, established in 1816 on the shores of Sydney Harbour. Home to thousands of plant species, iconic trees and cultural events.
Getting there is straightforward by public transport. Train to Circular Quay station and it’s a 10- to 15-minute walk through the gardens along Macquarie Street. Buses also stop nearby. For those requiring step-free access to the Maiden Theatre, email the gardens in advance; the closest accessible bathrooms are at Farm Cove Eatery, about 250 metres away.
After the workshop, families can grab a bite at Farm Cove Eatery or wander through the Calyx. The following day, the National Tree Day Celebration offers another reason to stay.
Registrations are open now on Humanitix. With places limited, organisers suggest acting quickly — Harwood’s residency is the first of its kind, and her no-skills-required approach may just turn a garden walk into a comic strip.