We left Chambly at 9.05 and travelled along Canterbury Road, reaching our first destination, the National Rhododendron Gardens in Olinda, in time for morning tea supplied by Crown Coaches.
The National Rhododendron Gardens were initially established in 1960, after a petition to the State Government of the time, requesting the land for the development of a specialist garden by the Australian Rhododendron Society. The gardens suffered a severe setback in the early days, with a bushfire in 1962 destroying the early plantings. Undeterred, members of the society donated many plants from their own collections, seeds and other plant material to re-establish the beautiful gardens we now enjoy. Society members travelled overseas - to India, Nepal and New Guinea - to add to the collection.
Our visit included a very interesting and informative tour and commentary about the garden, ably escorted by Rhonda ('Rhondodendron') from Parks Victoria. Rhonda explained the history of the gardens, and pointed out its unique features, including spectacular Japanese cherry blossoms, which are viewed by the Japanese community at a significant time during spring.
The gardens feature such a variety of species and plants that a visit at any time of year would be rewarding - although some plants were n ot at their best during our visit, owing to the unusual climatic conditions and drought, there was still plenty to see. Some rhododendrons were in full flower, magnolia trees were magnificant, and the azalea beds were starting to display their beautiful tapestry of colours.
Many spring bulbs including grape hyacinths and daffodils were still blooming and we were fortunate to be in time for a very special event! A stunning daffodil show, featuring a huge variety of daffodils, was on display in the gardens for the month of September, so members could enjoy this fabulous spectacle. The flowers were absolutely beautiful, with amazing varieties of colours and shapes among the daffodils. The display was the handiwork of the Victorian Daffodil Society, and was much admired by our members. We were very fortunate to have visited the gardens in time to appreciate this show.
From the National Rhododendron Gardens, we headed to 'Grants on Sherbrooke' for lunch. This charming licensed cafe and souvenier shop is nestled in the mountains at the edge of Sherbrooke Forest. We enjoyed a delicious lunch, a choice of roast beef and vegetables or chicken schnitzel and salad, followed by apple crumble with fresh cream, in a cosy and welcoming atmosphere. The dining room is surrounded by a lovely timber deck, directly overlooking the Dandenong Ranges National Park. We had a delightful observer, being a cheeky kookaburra, who waited patiently and posed as members searched for their cameras.
After lunch, members gathered outside the cafe to watch the beautiful native birds that frequent the area - cockatoos, rosellas and galahs .he cameras were clicking again as the birds put on a great display.
Leaving the Dandenong Ranges National Park, we reboarded the bus, heading to Silvan and our next stop, Tesselaar's Tulip Farm on Monbulk Road.
It was the second week of the annual Tulip Festival and the garden beds were ablaze with colour from the beautiful tulips and other bulbs in all their spring glory. There was entertainment, with Dutch music, and plants, bulbs and Dutch souveniers available for sale. Many members sampled the delicious ice-creams available, and many also bought potted bulbs from the farm. There was an exhibition of sculptures from renowned Victorian sculptors set among the tulip beds, adding to the ambience.
Leaving Silvan, we headed back to Camberwell, arriving at Chambly around 5pm, all rather weary from our adventures.
The raffle prize was a pot of hyacinths from Tesselaar's. Members agreed it had been a most enjoyable day and thanked Pam and Karina for organising such an interesting and varied excursion.
