Victoria Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith

New Gardener And Free Entry To The Rhododendron Gardens

Victor P Taffa

Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Ryan Smith, today visited the National Rhododendron Gardens in Mt Dandenong to meet the new horticulturalist employed as part of the $200,000 Victorian Coalition Government election commitment.

Mr. Smith said the Coalition Government acknowledged the value of the gardens for the enjoyment of the local community and for visitors to the area, and the commitment of funding a specialised horticulturalist would ensure the gardens maintained its beauty-edge.

“The Coalition Government has committed $200,000 of funding to ensure the Rhododendron Gardens in Mt Dandenong are maintained at the exceptional standard of beauty and colour.”

“The new horticulturalist has specific skills and knowledge that will support the existing garden staff in the maintenance and high standard of gardening that everyone has come to expect at this beautiful 43 hectare property.” Mr. Smith said.

Visitation to the National Rhododendron Gardens has more than doubled since 2010.

“This year the Coalition Government has made entry to the gardens free and I am delighted to see so many people enjoying the spectacular display of spring colour which has become one of the most popular tourism attractions for the region.”

The National Rhododendron Gardens in Olinda is home to 15,000 rhododendrons, 12,000 azaleas, 3,000 camellias and 250,000 daffodils and features moorlands, rock gardens, fern gullies and cherry blossoms. The National Rhododendron Gardens were established in 1961 volunteers called the Australian Rhododendron Society. Parks Victoria has managed the Gardens since 1995.

“I would also like to acknowledge the great support the gardens receive from the Australian Rhododendron Society and the Friends of the National Rhododendron Gardens who work tirelessly to help Parks Victoria maintain these wonderful gardens.”

Many of the plant species in the National Rhododendron Gardens are listed on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature ‘Red List’ of threatened species and the cultivation of these plants ensures their future.

For information on parks contact 13 1963 or go to www.parks.vic.gov.au