Is there a blue Rhododendron? If the word “blue” means a definite blue, an authentic blue (free from any red contamination), then by definition there are no blue rhododendrons. Why is this so?

It all started with a trip to Japan in 2005 and a visit to the Kobe Friendship Garden and in the Chinese section Maurie spotted just the pavilion he was looking for. So, with a view to having something like that at Emu Valley, Maurie took numerous pictures, later shown to members on his return with the comment “This is our next project” much to the horror of our infrastructure committee at the time!

In 1976 Bob Malone started the rhododendron society and our next door neighbour invited us to the first meeting at the Forth Hotel. At the meetings we would talk about finding a spot where could display rhodos to the general public. Hilary said he had 30 acres. It was covered with silver wattles, manferns and blackberries. We decided it would be quite a nice spot to build a garden.

We joined the rhododendron society back about ’79 I think. In ’81 we walked down through the bush and onto the knoll where the big gazebo is and there was old Mr [Vincent] Pease, Maurie [Kupsch], Hilary [O’Rourke]. They said “we’re gonna build a garden here”. We said, “Oh, okay”. Didn’t dream it would ever come to what it is now.

For me, I’d say he was my hero. He was generally liked and respected. A gentleman. Astute and wise. Thoughtful caring and wise. A good judge of character. He soon worked out who was who and what was what.

His first hobby here on the farm after retiring was to grow Australian natives. As with the horses, it was the genealogy of the plants that interested him. Most of the eucalypts on this farm were planted by Dad in the 1980s. We have gum trees from all around Australia. Not long after that, he met Noel Sullivan and his interest moved to Rhododendrons and specifically the breeding and genealogy of the species.

Bob was instrumental in starting the Tasmanian branches of the Australian Rhododendron Society. He became National Council president at a mini-conference held in Burnie in late 1981. This was the same time that outgoing president Dr Chris Laurie (South Australia) planted “Golden Dream”, the very first rhododendron to be planted at Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden.

The decision of the NW branch to establish the Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden gladdened Noel’s heart. The Garden owes much to his vision, and the influence this had on others. As the original Curator, he created, with an endless stream of equally dedicated enthusiasts, a unique showcase in which to display a treasure trove of rhododendrons.

As part of its ongoing commitment to advocacy and accessibility for all people with disabilities, Multicap Tasmania is proud to announce its partnership with Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens. This collaboration has resulted in the creation of three accessible videos, offering a virtual tour of the garden’s breathtaking beauty across different seasons.

The newsletter for February 1986 told members about the annual picnic day – a very special one because it was being held at the site of the Rhododendron Garden, and gave extensive directions on how to get there.