Botanic Gardens of Sydney
The power of plants.
- Industries
- Government
- Professional Services
- Tourism + Travel
We pay respect to all Elders and Traditional Custodians of the lands the Botanic Gardens of Sydney stand on and acknowledge them as significant historical, ceremonial and traditional trade grounds.
This identity results from significant research and consultation to identify and position the Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust for the future. It represents an inclusive organisation that is well positioned to create a movement focused on the power of plants and contribute to a brighter future for generations to come.
The challenge was to harness the power of a simple, clear, and unifying identity that represents the scope of work done by the three Gardens, The Domain and the Australian Institute of Botanical Science. It is even more critical for a purpose-driven brand to resonate with all audiences to build support for The Garden’s work. Most important of all are the First Nations’ communities upon whose Country the Gardens and The Domain Sydney are located, the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the Darug people and Dharawal people.
The brief was to design a world-class, consumer facing brand that offers other advantages. It must position the gardens in the hearts and minds of its audiences: whether they are visitors seeking moments of solitude, social connection or wellness or the scientific community looking to the Institute for solutions to environmental challenges. The brand system has achieved these lofty goals and allowed the gardens to grow as one entity, rather than as the seperate bodies they were perceived as previously.
The identity system can be both disruptive and approachable and has intentionally steered clear of the ‘tree of life’ cliches. It can be buttoned up for a black tie event or relaxed for a weekly kids gardening education session. The values that underpin the brand strategy and identity, reflect the organisation they strive to be. One that is innovative and creative yet inspires curiosity and dedication. It is these values that will help to drive the organisation into the future and ensure they continue to be recognised globally for their contribution to understanding, protecting, and conserving plants. Plants need people and people need plants.
We are proud to highlight that this project won a 2024 Good Design Award for Excellence in Communication Design – Branding & Identity
Brand Strategy by DMS
The brand reinforces the Garden’s personality—which is critical to how they show up in the world—by bringing their values, purpose, and story to life.
Kaleidoscopes stem from the brandmark geometry—grafting Australian native flora water-colour paintings and Florilegium Society botanical illustrations into bespoke graphic devices.
- Angela Lober (Stenocarpus sinuatus)
- Annie Hughes (Banksia integrifolia)
- Margaret Pieroni (Banksia praemorsa)
- Leigh Ann Gale (Callistemon viminalis)
- Sue Wickison (Alloxylon flammeum)
- Florilegium Society collection Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Gardens Inktrap is a custom type family designed for Botanic Gardens of Sydney, to capture the unique spirit of visitors, staff, and volunteers. For visual continuity, it made perfect sense to extend this aesthetic to the entire suite of pictograms.
Jury Comments
“The Botanic Gardens of Sydney’s identity design is a masterful reflection of the power of plants and the organisation’s inclusive vision. By honouring the land’s Traditional Custodians, the design not only celebrates environmental conservation but also inspires curiosity and commitment through its thoughtful and innovative approach.”
Swell was commissioned to develop the Botanic Gardens of Sydney Living Collections Strategy. A key part of the brief was to design a vibrant kaleidoscope illustration specifically for this publication.
More than a new logo or visual update, the brand identity will guide how the Botanic Gardens of Sydney communicate and support key decisions on prioritising programs, activities, outreach, and the management of their sites.
