Greek goddess centrepiece for annual Spring Picnic

On the 36th event of its kind, event coordinator Lara Rose Bos has created a magnificent centrepiece in the form of Persephone. 

She is hoping the Greek goddess of spring will bring the sun out this weekend.

Lara worked on the piece with friend Madeleine Mitchell, taking them the best part of two days to construct.

Persephone is made of a vintage pre-loved manikin with chicken wire, natural vegetation, cactus, and silk flowers.

Lara’s parents are co-founders of the 34-hectare park.

All of the Wearable Garden Art Exhibition – as part of the Blooming Wild Festival – will come to the Spring Picnic at the Golden Valley Tree Park on October 15 and 16.

“There's going to be a big tent stage and massive bonfire,” Lara said.

Music entertainment will be on show all day with headlining international act Randa and the Soul Kingdom with a six piece soul-funk outfit for the evening, plus other musicians including Late Horse of Donnybrook.

The celebration of spring in Balingup this weekend aims to capture the magic of the Blackwood Valley region this season.

“[It] showcases our treasured arboretum in its peak of beauty, the event goers are surrounded by lush green hills and trees in their spring flush with beautiful flowers. That is why it is the most picturesque South West event of them all,” Lara said.

The day will involve traditional maypole dancing, bonfire ceremony, art exhibition, interactive led light sculptures, and a guided tree walk.

Entertainment for children will be available with traditional games such as egg and spoon and sack races, Nicky's yoga for kids, and art workshops.

“We are showcasing the arboretum to a new, wider market that is hungry for the old fashioned charm of this beautiful community experience, whilst providing opportunities for upcoming WA performance artists.”

The Oak Tree Cafe will set up at the Spring Picnic, which is a not-for-profit fundraiser with all proceeds to the Golden Valley Tree Park.

Admission is $10 for adults and a good coin donation for children on October 15 from noon to midnight.