RHS Chelsea “Best in Show” winner to be recreated in the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens

“Winning this best in show gold medal was an extraordinary achievement on the world stage. This will give everyone the opportunity to see the work of these highly talented and skilled individuals.” James Merlino, Member for Monbulk.

With the urgent need to connect more people with nature, Phillip Johnson Landscapes – designer of the first and only Australian garden to win the prestigious Best in Show at the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show –will replicate this award-winning, sustainable design in the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens. Our aim is to develop and promote beautiful Australian natives that will survive and thrive in a sustainable way, in varied and challenging conditions. As the centrepiece of the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden we will showcase to visitors from far and wide what’s possible with native gardening, science and sustainable practices, even in our increasingly urban environments. We want everyone to experience the amazing, unique variety of Australian natives, to be connected to Australian nature, no matter where they live. This incredible design is not only a stunning display of Australian native plants, including rare and endangered natives from Gondwana, it is an exemplar of sustainability with water-wise design and habitat creation. Working closely with Parks Victoria to maintain the garden for the first ten years of its life. The total cost of the project is anticipated to be $4 million. To kickstart the project, the Victorian government has released $1 million as part of its Growing Victoria’s Botanic Gardens grants program. “Winning this best in show gold medal was an extraordinary achievement on the world stage. This will give everyone the opportunity to see the work of these highly talented and skilled individuals.” James Merlino, Member for Monbulk. Phillip Johnson Landscapes are now in the processes of raising funds to bring this project to life and have partnered with People and Parks Foundation who are trustee’s of an Environment Trust and a Registered Environment Organisation, furthering environmental education and connecting people to nature is at the heart of what we do at People and Parks Foundation. “This history-making project will also be a living, evolving environmental education project. I encourage people to donate to ensure we can make this happen as soon as possible.” Alison Hill, Managing Director, People and Parks Foundation. To find out how you can get involved in this history making project please visit http://www.peopleandparks.org/project… all donations over $2 are tax deductible.