Campbell Rhododendron Gardens

20/06/2026

A fascinating and informative talk was given by Michael Dear at our meeting today. Michael has been undertaking a citizen science project studying the rare and endangered Carex klaphakei ( a sedge) which we are lucky enough to have growing in our swamp. He and other bushcare volunteers have been studying and weeding the area.

After setting up a trail camera he was able to reveal some exciting news: a very healthy looking wombat, and a spotted quoll have been found using the trails. Judging by the number of burrows it appears there are a number of wombats in the vicinity along Hat Hill Creek.

Such fantastic news for the Rhodo Gardens! Not only are we providing beautiful gardens for the public’s enjoyment, but also preserving and protecting precious flora and fauna habitat.

11/06/2026

At our next General Meeting our speaker will be Michael Dear, a member passionate about the Australian bush, who will explain his citizen science project on the extremely rare carex , Carex klaphakei, found in the swamp area of the Gardens.
Michael will also tell us what he’s found as he’s worked to remove weeds from the creek area.

Do join us for a great get-together in the warmth of the Lodge. Bring a small plate of food to share and enjoy the company of fellow garden lovers and supporters of our wonderful Rhodo Gardens.
The Lodge, Campbell Rhododendron Gardens, Bacchante St Blackheath

01/06/2026

Sadly we have lost a number of our Eucalyptus oreades, Blue Mountains Ash, over the last few years. The others had to be removed as they were dangerous to our visitors, however we decided this last one could stay if we gave it a major prune.

Our arborist Jamie climbed a very high 30m to do the trim, cutting down the branches to provide perches for birds and hollowing out some spaces for future bird homes.

You can see the amount of timber removed on the ground.

We have replanted oreades in the same area, the pic shows a very healthy young one on its way to the sky.

26/05/2026

Yesterday our president John Anning and committee member Julie Parker were given a guided tour of the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, formerly known as the National Rhododendron Gardens. John O’Hara, vice president of the Australian Rhododendron Society kindly showed them the rhododendron collection and propagation facilities as well as the general gardens still in stunning autumn colour.

Also of interest was Phillips Johnson’s award-winning Chelsea Australian Garden, rebuilt here.

It’s always a worthwhile experiencing seeing other rhodo gardens and swapping ideas. John and Julie walked away with two tray of very healthy rhodos, not only adding to our collection but future proofing species from catastrophes such as bushfires.

20/05/2026

17/05/2026

Take a walk beyond the valley and up the hill towards Ridgewell Rd. There’s so much native bush to discover. And it’s almost wattle time!

15/05/2026

Thank you, !

11/05/2026

Managed to snap a couple of autumn shots before the rain brought an abrupt halt to our planting and mulching jobs.
Acer ‘Pixie’ and Swamp Cypress.

27/04/2026

This is a different view of the gardens, taken from the Lookout Track which is where our gardening activities stop and nature takes over. It’s a lovely easy bushwalk on a nice day. Dogs on leads welcome.

22/04/2026

On these beautiful autumn days why not take a picnic into the valley and enjoy the tranquil setting.