Emu Valley Newsletter – May 2013

• Date: 10th February 2016

International Rhododendron Species Conservation Conference - Edinburgh Scotland

On the 20th and 21st April, the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, the Rhododendron Species Conservation Group and Botanic Gardens Conservation International, jointly hosted a two-day conference with key-note speakers from around the world. Rob Hatcher, National President of the Australian Rhododendron Society, attended this conference and presented on An Australian Perspective on Ex Situ Rhododendron Conservation which referred to growing  Rhododendron species in gardens in Australia, and included reference to EVRG. In a recent email to EVRG, Rob says: “At the conclusion of my presentation,  Kenneth Cox, who has an international reputation in the field of Rhododendron  species cultivation and discovery and is the current generation involved in the running of Glendoick Nursery and Garden Centre, made the observation without  prompting that in his opinion Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden was  "Potentially the Best Rhododendron Garden in the world". I found this a bit of a gob smacking comment, given the people in the room, gathered at Edinburgh, were without doubt, the world elite, as far as knowledge and experience in  rhododendron cultivation and science. Added to this was in the summary at the conclusion of the conference, given by Sir Peter Hutchinson, a renowned rhododendron hunter himself, a reference to the impressive 440 species grown at Emu valley. I am of the opinion these two comments go toward reinforcing the significance of the effort that has occurred at EVRG, and I am sure this will no doubt bring many people to Tasmania to visit the garden. It is indeed satisfying from my perspective as National President that the Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden has gained recognition at the highest level in the rhododendron growing and researching world. Please pass on to all the EVRG members my congratulations.”

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