Story Title: Preparing Araluen
Episode 1: WA's Great Gardens
Date: 16th May 2010
Presenter: Neville Passmore

'One of my favourite large gardens around Perth is to be found nestled between granite hills in Roleystone. This of course is Araluen Botanic Park. While it's most famous for its tulip festival from August to October every year winter is a brilliant time to visit,' says Neville Passmore.

Tips and Facts

The unique hills setting of loam soils and high rainfall has ensured successful plantings of exotic species including tulips.

• Araluen Botanic Park plants on average 50 thousand tulips a year.
• The traditional volunteer Tulip planting days are on the weekends of 29/30 May and 12/13 June.
• Several varieties new to Araluen include the Garden Tulip selections of 'Cheers', 'Pallida', 'Charmeur', 'World's Favourite', 'Falcon', 'Perestroika' and 'Hermitage' Monet 'Batavia'; and Bokassa 'Siagon.'
• While marvelling in the spectacular tulip display at Araluen be sure to also take in the magnificent splendour of world-class Camellias, Magnolias, Rhododendrons and the many other exotic and native spring blooms.

Top 5 Planting Tips (in pots and ground)

• Acquire new best quality bulbs every year (the fatter the better!)
• Chill the bulbs in the fridge crisper for at least 6 weeks for planting in late May.
• Ensure quality rich well-draining soil or top-of-the-range potting mix.
• Prepare soil by creating a hole 150mm deep and placing 3-month slow release fertiliser at the base.
• Ensure regular watering.

Contact
Araluen Botanic Park
362 Croyden Rd
Roleystone WA 6111
(08) 9496 1171
www.araluenbotanicpark.com.au