Speeches
Monday, 14 October 2024
Mediterranean Garden Society – SA Branch Reception to welcome an international delegation of the Mediterranean Garden Society
Rod and I are delighted to welcome you to Government House, the oldest Government House in Australia.
We extend a special welcome to those who have travelled from interstate and overseas to gather in Adelaide as members of the Mediterranean Garden Society.
The grounds of Government House are an important area of historical and cultural significance.
Rod and I count ourselves fortunate to live and work in such an oasis, close to the River Torrens and Botanic Gardens.
In many ways the gardens reflect their eclectic development since 1840, notably the sweeping lawns to host community functions, ceremonial plantings by dignitaries, many European plantings and a collection of hardy, drought tolerant species.
Our ambition is to see more of the garden reflect the complete story of the use of this land, including when First Nations people had a deeper connection with this area.
In liaison with Kaurna people, a small area on the north-western side of the garden is being “rewilded”, incorporating a number of indigenous species. It is in its very early stages, as you will see.
We hope the plantings will attract more native birds, bees, butterflies and other insects to this corner of Adelaide and add, in a small way, to protecting our biodiversity.
There are many other gems in the grounds:
As you know, our Mediterranean climate is particularly conducive to growing roses.
Just behind the house is a rose garden, curated by the Rose Society of SA, with a dedicated rose of each of the past 35 governors.
To the east of the front lawn, a wattle stand commemorates the Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla.
His Majesty was delighted to hear of its planting when I spoke to him on the eve of his coronation.
In the corner of the front lawns, backing the National War Memorial, the tall pine tree is a descendant of the Lone Pine at Gallipoli.
And a former swimming pool has been replanted with native grasses in a secret garden.
Rod and I have encouraged a greater discovery of the garden with our monthly Lunch on the Lawns free events and garden tours.
I am often asked on such occasions, what is my favourite place in the garden? And my answer is a secluded bench where I love to read but forgive me if I don’t tell you exactly where it is!
It’s a shady sanctuary and a place of contemplation and refreshment. And that’s the joy of a garden.
Friends.
I congratulate the South Australian branch of the Mediterranean Garden Society on organising this visit to South Australia.
It is of some pride that the South Australian branch has 160 local members; the largest branch outside Athens where the idea of creating the society began.
I note that you have already seen many examples of how South Australia’s gardens respond to our long, hot summers and our wet winters – although this season we would have liked more rain. This morning’s was not nearly enough!
Adding to our climate challenges, urban infill and the rapidly fading days of the quarter acre garden block present us with new heat imperatives.
I thank you for sharing widely your knowledge about plants and gardens in Mediterranean climate regions, because we all need the ability to adapt to an increasing hot and dry climate.
I know you do it from the heart.
Please enjoy the rest of your visit to South Australia.
Rod and I wish the Society, across all branches in 16 countries, best wishes for the future as you continue to champion “climate compatible gardening”.