Olinda’s National Rhododendron Gardens (formerly Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden) are an absolute paradise for blossom fans from September – October. Here you can explore beds of breathtaking tulips with hues that span from pastel pink to deepest red; while at Tesselaar Tulip Farm they also host live music events and market stalls!

1. Rhododendrons

Rhododendrons are an evergreen or deciduous shrub or small tree genus with spirally-arranged leaves, typically covering prostrate ground cover or few inches high species to the massive Rhododendron giganteum which stands over 100 feet tall! Their leaves may range in height from small ground covers or few inches high to 30 meters or over 100 feet high species such as Rhododendron giganteum; you’ll also find evergreen and deciduous varieties in between; especially spectacular are those found at Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden which includes cascading waterfalls, billabongs, giant Waratah sculptures plus decorative lakes with decorative lakes Cherry Walks full of Azleas Camellias and Daffodils among deep ferns and native plant life among deep ferns to name just some highlights of nature’s treasures!

The Australian Rhododendron Society established these gardens to demonstrate their blooms, bark textures, seed capsules and foliage shapes of rhododendrons in an Australian setting. Each year the gardens host thousands of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias cherries and daffodils which make for spectacular displays in these magnificent spaces.

Rhododendrons prefer dappled shade and excellent drainage from a tall tree or shrub’s high canopy, providing shelter from drying winds in winter and summer, as well as protection from hot afternoon sunlight. Oaks and pines make ideal companions for these delicate blooms.

Rhododendrons bloom spectacularly from March through May at former Rhodie Gardens and continue blooming into June and July; many varieties blooming all year. Not to be missed are their stunning displays in springtime – March through May are particularly stunning; with other varieties blooming during June and July too. Not to be forgotten are its rainforest gully, waterfalls, winding paths, Serenity viewpoint and stunning views of Yarra Valley and Great Dividing Range as you take time out here to sit, relax or spot Lyrebirds among bushes nearby!

2. Azaleas

Though azaleas lack the flamboyance of rhododendrons, they still make stunning additions to any garden. A single specimen in full bloom is breathtaking, while groups seen from faraway or in woodland settings is breathtaking. Their exquisite forms and hues – white, pink, red or yellow flowers with even one or more patches of different hues – create an extraordinary and magical landscape in any setting.

Plant azaleas in well-drained, organically rich soil with an ideal pH range between 4.5 and 6.0 for best results. Azaleas prefer cooler climates where hot temperatures and strong winds don’t damage them too severely; select deciduous varieties that thrive in colder regions or cultivars with extended blooming ability for extended blooming times.

Azaleas thrive when planted as borders or massed beds in perennial gardens, although they’re equally at home in rock gardens. Azaleas look beautiful when combined with perennial flowering perennials like black-eyed Susans or lily of the valley or ornamental grasses like maidenhair ferns as well as ornamental grasses like maidenhair ferns; additionally they make an impactful statement when placed as flowering hedges in mixed beds and borders.

Visit the National Rhododendron Gardens (formerly The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden) during spring to witness tens of thousands of blooming flowers at The National Rhododendron Gardens (formally known as The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden). Stroll through this expansive park filled with blooming azaleas, camellias and daffodils; enjoy strolling past rows upon rows of azaleas; camellias; camellias and daffodils; stop in at The Chelsea Australian Garden featuring waterfall and billabong as well as winding paths that open up to breathtaking vistas as well as Waratah sculpture.

3. Camellias

Camellias are winter blooming shrubs that add beauty and interest to a garden, flourishing as long as they’re planted in partial shade with protection from hot afternoon sun. Easy to care for and carefree to grow, camellias make great additions to southern gardens; light pruning in spring will promote new growth for maximum flowering; fertilize them after their flowers have faded before midsummer feedings to maintain healthiness – plus deer don’t bother them as often! Additionally these durable plants are disease resistant; even deer and slugs generally don’t bother these hardy perennial plants either!

Camellias can bloom from late fall through early spring, depending on their cultivar. Sasanqua camellias tend to flower earlier than japonicas; planting several cultivars with staggered flowering times will add color throughout fall and winter. Camellias thrive best in partial shade environments but will tolerate direct sunlight as they mature.

Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden boasts over 3,000 camellias, 12,000 azaleas, 250,000 daffodils and deep ferns – which feature throughout its grounds in decorative lakes, small gardens, ferneries and an award-winning Cherry Tree Grove Rhododendron Walk and Camellia Garden for viewing! Specimens can also be seen throughout its property featuring decorative lakes. Tours are available of these gardens.

The International Camellia Society has honored these gardens by designating them as National Camellia Gardens of Excellence. This distinction recognizes gardens that boast significant collections of camellias and provide visitors with information on how to grow this beautiful plant. Four out of six gardens that received this honor in the US can be found in the South: Massee Lane Gardens in Fort Valley, Georgia; Norfolk Botanical Garden in Norfolk Virginia; Kosaku Sawada Winter Garden at Mobile Botanical Garden Mobile Alabama and LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens located Baton Rouge Louisiana

4. Daffodils

Daffodils (Narcissus pseudonarcissus), often called Daffodil, are one of the undisputed stars of spring. With stunning varieties in form, color and length of bloom, daffodils make an impactful statement each springtime. Their exquisite beauty and long bloom times make them perennial favorites that add beauty and life into garden beds or containers while massed plantings bring life to meadows or apple orchards alike. Their beauty and resilience makes them perennial favorites that often increase year over year when planted into well-drained soil in full sun conditions.

There are countless classic varieties of daffodil, such as the popular Dutch Master variety with oversize trumpets and its white flowers with frilly orange accents. Additionally, other top choices for mid to late season bloom include King Alfred, Marieke and Kingscourt varieties; with Tete a Tete’s early blooming ability and adaptability in warmer climates being additional highlights.

No matter the season or reason to visit Melbourne’s Dandenong Ranges are sure to provide spectacular displays or pleasant strolls through gardens – making these regions a gardener’s delight. See beautiful displays of rhododendrons, camellias and daffodils at Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden while finding shade in forests at Cloudehill Gardens, RJ Hamer Arboretum or Alfred Nicholas Gardens. In Autumn the mountains transform into vibrant red and gold foliages while you can visit Melbourne’s most celebrated floral festival – Tesselaar Kabloom Festival hosted at Royal Botanic Gardens which features over 50 garden displays!

5. Tulips

Tulips are cheerful, easy-to-grow flowers that add a splash of color to any garden. These perennial bulbs can tolerate almost any soil type; however, well-drained conditions tend to produce the best results. Ideal for entryways, borders and cut flower gardens alike, tulips come in all sorts of colors and sizes including single, double and ruffled blooms that come in single petals (some varieties feature fringed or fringe-like petals while others simply have layers of petals like narcissus), with various kinds of blooms available from bulbs which can easily replanted annually once the foliage turns yellow for later planting purposes.

Spring marks the arrival of wisteria blooming throughout Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, producing magnificent plumes of purple and lavender flowers which provide a spectacular spectacle when fully in bloom. If possible, catch these sights early as this beautiful season typically only lasts for several weeks!

Visits to the National Rhododendron Garden are both tranquil and relaxing experiences. Nestled close to Olinda village, this lush oasis boasts vibrant blooms such as azaleas, camellias and daffodils among many others. Additionally, this spectacular garden boasts its own waterfall, billabong, winding trails leading to stunning vistas as well as its massive Waratah sculpture.

The National Rhododendron Garden covers 75 acres of Australian bushland and botanical gardens that boast some of the finest rhododendrons, tulips, daffodils and camellias in Australia. Renowned internationally for their beauty, these gardens draw thousands of visitors each year to their location on Mount Dandenong – about 40km east of Melbourne – where driving up Mount Dandenong Tourist Road offers incredible views over both Yarra Valley and Great Dividing Range.