Discover Canberra's newest garden this Sunday 12 February

February 7, 2012

On Sunday 12 February, our capital city’s newest outdoor attraction will open to show the ACT community how a beautiful, sustainable garden can be achieved in any season.

The Canberra Discovery Garden, located at the National Arboretum Canberra, was created by ACTEW Corporation to provide an inspirational and educational demonstration of waterwise gardening to the public.

“We’re proud to launch this exciting new water conservation initiative – there’s something for gardeners of all abilities, experience and garden types,” said ACTEW Managing Director Mark Sullivan. “Bring your friends and family, bring a picnic blanket and make a day of it. Most of all, we hope that you’ll take home some practical ideas to help you save water and achieve great results in your own backyard.”

Sunday’s Grand Opening will feature talks by one of Australia’s most popular gardening gurus, Don Burke, an award-winning broadcaster and author who has a special interest in sustainable gardening. Other local gardening experts, including garden designer and writer Cedric Bryant, will be on hand to answer visitors’ questions throughout the day. Local three-piece band Dr Stovepipe will entertain the crowd with live music, while face painting, kids’ activities and a sausage sizzle provided by Rotary will make it a fun day out for the whole family.

Chief Minister Katy Gallagher will perform the official opening ceremony at 10.30am.

Set on a hill with superb views of our city the Canberra Discovery Garden’s spaces explore Canberra’s water cycle, unique climate and geology. Visitors will learn that it’s not just how you water your garden that keeps it healthy and waterwise – plant selection, soil health, composting, mulching and understanding our environment are key.

“This garden pays tribute to the hard work that many Canberra gardeners put into their gardens and lawns during the decade of drought. Which is why the Canberra Discovery Garden is not just about drought tolerant plants and minimal watering - it aims for sustainable gardening by using a ‘whole of garden’ approach, encompassing a broader understanding of the environmental and other factors that play a role in your gardens health and water efficiency.” said Mr Sullivan.

The Grand Opening on Sunday 12 February will run from 10am – 4pm. As the National Arboretum Canberra is still a construction site the opening of the Canberra Discovery Garden will be limited to once per month as construction conditions allow.

For more information phone the Water Conservation Office on 6248 3131.