Warm Trees 2024 on display, bringing the colours of Chile to the Arboretum's frosty forests this year.
The popular annual Warm Trees yarn work installation has 'cast on' for 2024! This year's displays of knitting, crochet and craft work has been a collaboration in partnership with the Friends of the Arboretum, and the Embassy of Chile.
This year marks a milestone, with 10 years of Warm Trees displays being celebrated at the National Arboretum. Just like a knitting project, Warm Trees started off as a thread of ideas. It has now flourished into a project involving many volunteers and members of the community both locally and Australia wide.
The 3 July 2024 official launch of Warm Trees and the accompanying exhibition in the Village Centre started with a Welcome to Country by emerging Ngunnawal elder Richard Allan.
Stuart Jeffress, Executive Branch Manager (EBM), National Arboretum Canberra and University of Canberra Stromlo Forest Park welcomed Minister Chris Steel MLA, Special Minister of State to formally open Warm Trees 2024.
"Warm Trees is celebrated during NAIDOC week, and the ACT Government is pleased to help highlight Indigenous cultures from around the world" said Minister Steel.
Minister steel then launched Warm Trees 2024, stating "I encourage you to explore the National Arboretum site and enjoy the changing scenes that the cool but beautiful winter season brings".
Stuart Jeffress EBM extended thanks to Ambassador of Chile His Excellency Jaime Chomali for launching the Warm Trees Exhibition titled 'Chile: A Natural Laboratory', with Mr Jeffress stating "we are so pleased the Chilean Embassy is partnering with Warm Trees this year.". The exhibition features striking geometric prints depicting Chilean bird life made by the iconic Canberra-based designer duo, Eggpicnic.
Mr Jeffress also made a "special mention of Jan Morgan 2024 Warm Trees conveyor and her team of wonderful volunteers. To Mike Woolley, Chair of the Friends of the Arboretum, […] and the many other Warm Trees volunteers who have dedicated their time and skills this year. It wouldn’t be possible without you. Thank you."
Not only does the Warm trees initiative bring cheer and whimsy to winter, but brings people together to work towards a shared achievement. At the close of the installation, scarves are washed, made into warm rugs and donated to charities.
The National Arboretum would like to extend thanks to all involved for their continuing efforts not only this year, but for the past 10 years to make the Warm Trees event possible and one that is highly anticipated each year.
You can explore the 2024 Warm Trees displays in the following locations across the National Arboretum, Canberra daily during July:
- Around the Village Centre, Amphitheatre and Events Terrace
- Bonsai and Penjing Collection
- Forest 11 Himalayan cedar Cedrus deodara
- Forest 15 Grass tree Xanthorrhoea glauca
- Forest 20 Southern Tablelands Ecosystems Park (STEP)
- Forest 25 Events Terrace + Bonsai & Penjing Collection
- Forest 30 Camden white gum Eucalyptus benthamii
- Forest 44 Silver & Spanish birch Betula pendula
- Forest 60 Dairy Farmers Hill
Download the Warm Trees 2024 Map to plan your colour filled visit!
Warm Trees is brought to you by the Friends of the National Arboretum Canberra.