Terra-Nova Sadowski

Terra-Nova Sadowski is the Senior Horticulturist at The Calyx, located within the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.

Graduating Magna Cum Laude from Alaska Pacific University with a BSc in Environmental Studies, and an advocate for continuous learning, Terra-Nova finds joy in the endless opportunities for knowledge in her field.

At the Calyx, Terra-Nova is responsible for curating, managing, and maintaining both the indoor displays and the renowned vertical green wall. Her experience in vertical gardening comes from having managed a nursery for a large-scale green wall company before joining the team at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.

Her typical day is a blend of hands-on horticulture and strategic planning. Through her day Terra-Nova tends to the displays and surrounding areas of the Calyx, often detailing or spraying the vertical wall, maintaining the floor beds or watering and fertilising. She also spends time planning future exhibits, which can take up to two years, involving conceptualisation, design, and collaboration with various departments.

Terra-Nova’s rich background includes a tenure at The American Horticultural Society, where she edited ‘The American Gardener’ magazine. Her diverse plant knowledge was gained through her work at various botanical gardens, including the Alaska Botanical Garden and the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. She has also received accolades for her garden designs, but declares the most rewarding part of her career is teaching others about the importance of the natural world to foster a curiosity and appreciation for all its services.

Her favourite plants are bryophytes, particularly mosses. She describes them as “a miniature forest right under our feet,” highlighting their significance and the insights they offer into the evolution of terrestrial plants.

Through her work at The Calyx, Terra-Nova continues to blend her expertise with her passion, making a meaningful impact on the Garden and visitors alike.