Spring is in the air at the National Rhododendron Garden

Wednesday 12 September, 2012

Parks Victoria is encouraging everyone to check in with their local parks ahead of 17 September – World Parks Day.

David Adeson, Manager of the Dandenong Ranges Gardens, said the National Rhododendron Garden is the perfect place to visit for a stunning display of spring flowers.

“The National Rhododendron Garden puts on a stupendous flower show at this time of year, with magnolias, camellias, azaleas, cherry blossom, daffodils and of course rhododendrons all blooming magnificently at this time of year.

“It’s a beautiful place to come for an amazing mass display of spring flowering plants. The magnolia cambellii are looking particularly magnificent at the moment – this species grows to about 15 metres and we have several trees about 10 metres tall simply covered in blooms, which will continue for the next few weeks.”

Mr Adeson said the Garden’s Hanami Day on September 23 was a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the flowering cherries, and also experience traditional Japanese activities such as a tea ceremony, Ikebana and bonsai displays, traditional drumming, calligraphy demonstrations and Origami and children’s games.

“I’d encourage people to celebrate World Parks Day by packing a picnic and coming to the Gardens for a walk that will truly stimulate the senses.”

Mr Adeson said it’s also possible to enjoy the gardens a Garden Explorer Bus, and the Garden’s seasonal Cafe Vireya has reopened for Spring.

Mr Adeson said World Parks Day was a great opportunity to remind people about the benefits of getting out and getting healthy in nature.

Parks Victoria Chief Executive Bill Jackson said: “The wonderful thing about Victoria’s landscapes is that within three hours of Melbourne you can be out into the sea, the alps, the desert or river country. There are so many amazing parks for people to explore in their own backyard.”