The Australian National Botanic Gardens  certainly take summer seriously, and with good reason – it provides one of the most evocative seasonal experiences around town at this time of the year as the sights and smells of summer take over and permeate the surroundings.

Now the gardens are presenting an exhibition by five SA artists called “Inner Garden”, described by staff as “an experience in colour, texture and sound.”  The exhibition features fibre basketry by Joan Hogben, hand-dyed and painted clothing by Jenny Hogben, electronic sound by chalkwhitehands (Andrew Lord), contemporary jewellery by Lauren Simeoni, and soft sculpture designed by Austin Lord. All work is inspired by Australian native plants, birds, insects and mammals with a focus on the beautiful Botanic Gardens.

Pictured are a bat, soft-sculpture designed by Austin Lord, photographed by Andrew Lord; the Knobby Club Rush basket with native pittosporum seed capsules (by Joan Hogben) and  Kangaroo Paw and  hand-painted silk by Jenny Hogben, both photographed by Michal Kluvanek.

“Inner Garden,” at the Australian National Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre Gallery 9.30-4.30 daily until March 25.

ALSO at the gardens, the popular Summer Concert Series continues on Saturdays and Sundays on the Eucalypt Lawn 6pm-7.30pm, until January 29.

Continuing until January 29 in the Crosbie Morrison Building is “Snakes Alive”, live displays of snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs and crocodiles presented by the ACT Herpetological Association. Proceeds assist with research into herpetology. This display is suitable for families. 10am-4pm weekdays, 10am – 6pm Saturdays and Sundays, $2 child, $5 adult, $4 concession.

Looking ahead, the Gardens will have “Bush Magic: Water Hole Stories,” a summer story and craft around the water hole in the gardens, on the first Friday each month, so the next one is on February 3 from 10am-11am. Follow the signs from the cafe or check in at the visitor centre for details on the day. Bookings are not required.