A VIBRANT new mural celebrating the wildlife and natural beauty of the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens (HRBG) has been officially unveiled, marking a colourful milestone in the Gardens’ 40th anniversary celebrations.
The large-scale artwork, inspired by the tropical orchid house, captures the rich ecosystem that thrives within the popular visitor destination.
Created by artists Trevor Weekes and Teresa Purnell, the mural draws directly from what can be found in and around the orchid house, blending bold colour with intricate detail.
Among the standout features is a python hidden within the background foliage, affectionately known as Monty by those familiar with the space.
The resident snake spends the cooler months in the temperature-controlled orchid house, occasionally leaving behind a shed skin among the orchids.
On the far right of the mural, visitors can spot an antechinus, a small native marsupial known to frequent the area. Surrounding it are the many insects, frogs and bird species that call the Gardens home, all rendered in a vivid palette drawn directly from nature.
Commissioned by the Gardens, the mural was designed to reflect reality rather than fantasy, with every creature and colour grounded in the environment it represents.
The orchid house served as both subject and setting, with the artists closely observing the flora and fauna during the creative process.
Despite the mural’s vibrant finish, the journey to completion was not without challenges.
Working through summer meant long days in heat and humidity, often accompanied by persistent mosquitoes that shortened painting sessions.
However, the artists said the highlights came from the steady stream of curious visitors and volunteers who stopped to watch the work unfold, with their interest and encouragement becoming a memorable part of the experience.
The finished mural contains 14 insects and a small mammal hidden throughout the design, with young visitors now able to take part in a creature-spotting activity using identification sheets created as part of the launch.
Garden representatives hope the artwork will deepen appreciation for the natural world already surrounding visitors.
By Jacie WHITFIELD
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