Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Shane Rattenbury, will join members of the Canberra community at the Community Fair at Weston Park to celebrate the 100th birthday of the Yarralumla Nursery this Sunday. The Minister will also unveil two new heritage trail signs for the Nursery and Hobday’s Cottage.
“The celebrations on Sunday are a great opportunity for people to learn more about the history of Yarralumla Nursery. There will be a wide range of activities including tours of the nursery site, miniature horse rides, displays of old machinery and vehicles, and activities for children,” said Mr Rattenbury. “Yarralumla Nursery is one of Canberra’s most important heritage sites and is recognised as the birthplace of the ‘garden city’. It is estimated that since its establishment in 1914, the Nursery has propagated over 50 million plants to help beautify Canberra’s landscape.”
Mr Rattenbury pointed out that Trees grown at the Nursery feature in our public parks, at the National Arboretum, along major avenues such as Queen Victoria Terrace and Canberra Avenue, as well as at sites like the Cotter dam catchment where they stabilise the embankment.
“The Nursery has also played a key role in horticultural research and determining what plants are suitable for Canberra’s harsh climate by recording the results of seeds, plantings and cuttings. It also has a heritage listed seed bank dating from 1948 which is still in operation today.’ Mr Rattenbury commented “The signage that will be unveiled acknowledges the fascinating story of the Nursery and nearby Hobday’s Cottage. Hobday’s Cottage was established in 1923, when it was deemed necessary that a nursery watchman live onsite to prevent the stealing of produce from the 17 varieties of fruit trees that were being so successfully grown.” Mr Rattenbury added.
