Saturday, May 9, 2015

National Rhododendron Gardens, Olinda

I had the National Rhododendron Gardens on my to-do-list, but thought that a visit in Spring would be the best time to go, when the flowers are in full bloom.
A Parks Ranger told us that right now in Autumn is just as good, and we shouldn't wait until September.
Thank you - Parks Ranger. So glad we listened to you.
National Rhododendron Garden A kaleidoscope of colours bombarded us as we walked along the trail. Red, yellow, orange, green, gold, crimson,white, pink, purple....it was like opening a box of Derwents.

The 4.5km of paved trails were easy to walk, with many information posts along the way that detailed the history of the gardens and explained more about the various flowers, shrubs and trees in the garden. National Rhododendron Garden 
Looking towards Silvan Dam, the Yarra Valley, the townships of Healesville and Warburton and all the way to Mt Baw Baw.      
National Rhododendron Garden 
Many flowers are still in bloom and the bright colours pop right out of the earthy palette of the Autumn hues. The gardens are home to over 270,00 varieties of flowers. Azalea, Protea, Chamellia, Magnolia, Cherry and Daffodil share the space with the Rhododendrons. 
National Rhododendron Garden
National Rhododendron Garden
National Rhododendron GardenDroplets of overnight rain looked like a layer of Swarovski crystals on the leaves...
National Rhododendron Garden
...and the leaves on the ground looked like Mother Nature's confetti.  
National Rhododendron Garden
A creek formed from a natural spring trickles under this stone bridge. The  bridge was built by a volunteer group of ladies in the 1960's. Apparently, the ladies took too long to finish the job and the menfolk took over. How rude.
National Rhododendron Garden
The lake  and the pond provide many photo opportunities to capture the beautiful reflections of the trees in the still waters.
National Rhododendron Garden
National Rhododendron Garden

















Deciduous trees like English Beech can be found in the gardens and giant Mountain Ash - the world's tallest flowering tree - border the site. 
National Rhododendron Garden
National Rhododendron Garden

National Rhododendron Garden
Pack a thermos of hot soup and some fresh bread and have a picnic at one of the many tables in the gardens. Remember to rug up - it's chilly in the hills!
National Rhododendron Garden
Where: The Georgian Rd, Olinda
When: Daily,  10am–5pm
Why: flowers, gardens, picnics, walks
How Much: FREE  (you might like to drop a donation in the box, to help Parks Vic continue their fab work of caring for our beautiful parks and gardens)

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