National Rhododendron Gardens
The National Rhododendron Gardens have become famous and renowned because of the unique plantings that have occurred over the years and apart from being a true hills icon, have been recognised and aptly named as the National Rhododendron Gardens.
The surrounding hills with views to the Yarra Valley make a spectacular backdrop to the gardens that have magnificent changes each season. It is a sight to behold to see all the rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias in full bloom, but at other times you can see wondrous foliage shapes and last but not least, the grand lake.
History
In 1960 the State Government offered a lease of land adjacent to Olinda to the Australian Rhododendron Society.
A large bushfire in 1962 destroyed much of the early garden, but also had the benefit of clearing much of the land which was then turned into gardens.
Many of the early plants were propagated from material derived from international and national rhododendron societies as well as private collections from members of the society.
Quite a number of specimens in today's gardens were collected by members who even traveled as far as Nepal and India to collect them.
A special treat at the gardens at any season are the spectacular Mountain Ash (which have grown since the devastating bushfires of 1962) in various sections of the gardens towering out of the ground and disappearing into the foggy or clear sky.
Mountain ash are believed to be the tallest flowering plant in the world next to the Californian Redwoods of USA.
The size of the gardens is about 40 hectares, and is essentially long and linear in shape.
Usually the area attracts about 56 inches of average rainfall and has temperatures that are on average 5 degrees cooler than areas below the mountain.
Spring
Daffodils abound in early spring and seem to stretch for miles, and is also the season when many of the camellias and magnolias begin to flower.
The Cherry blossoms arrive about mid spring and dazzle every one with their brilliance.
Not far behind, you will see the azaleas and rhododendrons start their flower show with a variety of sprays of unbelievable colour and hue.
Summer
Because of the cool rainforest atmosphere, in summer you can picnic in the cool shade of the Cherry garden lawn and stroll around the garden areas that have a large number of different varieties of conifers.
Hydrangeas with their blues and whites can be seen in full flower grouped in large banks of Hydrangea beds located around the gardens.
Autumn
Wow, is simply the only word you can use, you will see a blaze of colour from the vast array of deciduous trees and shrubs that turn every shade of yellow, red and orange.
The lake displays a spectacular view of the surrounding hydrangea as they begin to turn into their rustic colours which are beautifully reflected in the cool serene waters of the lake.
Winter
The gardens really contrast at this time of year, fog and mists shroud the majestic Mountain Ash and envelop the gardens in a mysterious and romantic mantle.
Fresh and cool air is very noticeable, as are the beautiful and haunting bare tree trunks and branches as they reflect in the waters of the mountain lake.
As late winter approaches, the hellebore and cyclamen flowers throw a carpet over the lawns and gardens.
Vireya flowers can be seen at all times throughout the year, the collection of different varieties is something quite special.
The National Rhododendron Garden can be located a very short distance from the township of Olinda.
