After the resounding success of her first installation at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne in 2024, artist Fleur Harris has returned for a second enchanting collaboration—this time with a giant Waratah and a trio of buzzy little legends in tow.

Unveiled at the Gardens shop, Fleur’s latest sculptural work Don’t Waratah, Bee Happy! brings together two iconic native Australian wonders—the brilliant Blue Banded Bee and the bold Waratah flower. Perched atop the oversized crimson bloom are three delightful bees: Gatsbee, Phoebee and Miss Honey Penny, charmingly named by Fleur’s Instagram community. These vibrant characters are more than just cute—they’re a celebration of the teamwork that quietly happens all around us in the natural world.

When describing her intention behind the artwork, Fleur says “It offers a whimsical opportunity to imagine what it would be like to shrink down to the size of a garden insect and join these beautiful bees as they chat about news from the bush, and which flowers need visiting next. It’s a tribute to the magical harmony that exists in nature.”

Native to Australia, Blue Banded Bees are the unsung heroes of pollination. With their signature buzz pollination technique and striking blue stripes, these solitary bees don’t live in hives—but they do play a big role in keeping gardens thriving. The Waratah, equally magnificent, is the floral emblem of New South Wales. Its spectacular bloom not only captivates the eye, but also provides food for birds, butterflies and of course—bees.

By bringing these two native species together in a joyful and larger-than-life sculpture that incorporates lighting and mechanical movement, Fleur invites us all to pause and marvel at the often-overlooked magic of nature. The installation is both a tribute to the intricate beauty of Australian flora and fauna, and a reminder that even the smallest among us have something powerful to contribute.

Visit Don’t Waratah, Bee Happy! now at the Gardens Shop at Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens and let your imagination bloom. It’s proof that in nature, there’s always a little more wonder waiting to be discovered.

With love, The Fleur Harris Team xx