Date posted: 22 September 2014

Discover the diversity and magnificence of rhododendrons at the Botanic Gardens of South Australia Introduction to Rhododendrons: Care, classification and conservation Master Class on Sunday, 19 October.

Presenter and Botanic Gardens of South Australia rhododendron expert, Rob Hatcher says the Master Class will cover the history, botanical classification and cultivation of this unique genus.

“Introduction to Rhododendrons is being held in Mount Lofty Botanic Garden and will utilise the internationally renowned collection in Rhododendron Gully,” Mr Hatcher said.

“I will take participants on a field study in the garden where they will learn about growing conditions, evergreen and deciduous varieties, and floral and foliage diversity.”

The Master Class will cover the history of rhododendrons globally, nationally and locally, rhododendron classification, conservation status, significance of the species and ideal growing conditions.

Introduction to Rhododendrons is part of The Australian Centre of Horticultural Excellence 2014 Master Class Series. For more information please visit tache.sa.edu.au or call 08 8222 9311 to book your place.

The Australian Centre of Horticultural Excellence is an initiative of the Botanic Gardens of South Australia in partnership with TAFE SA. The Centre delivers high quality horticulture training through the educational expertise of TAFE SA and the horticultural knowledge and world-class collections of the Botanic Gardens.

Ferns: Unfurling the inner beauty

Held in the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden Nursery the class will provide a unique hands on experience for participants, who will leave with the materials they generate on the day.

“This is a practical, hands on Master Class that will show participants how to propagate ferns compatible with the South Australian climate,” Director of the Botanic Gardens, Stephen Forbes said.

“The class will commence with a field study in Mount Lofty Botanic Garden’s internationally renowned Fern Gully and utilise the knowledge and experience of Botanic Gardens staff.”

Ferns: Unfurling the inner beauty will cover fern cultivation, morphology and reproductive strategies, fern propagation methods, and propagation mixes and tools.