Description
The Ornamental Lake is a stunning feature located within the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden. Built in 1969, it has become an important part of the garden's landscape. Situated at an elevation of almost 600 metres (2,000 ft) above sea level, the lake is surrounded by the beauty of the garden and receives an annual rainfall of around 1,200 millimetres (47 in).
The free-draining, mildly acidic volcanic soil provides ideal conditions for the plant life in the area.
The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, originally known as the National Rhododendron Garden, was established in 1960 by the Australian Rhododendron Society. Despite the initial plantings being destroyed in a bushfire in 1962, members of the society contributed to the early plantings using cuttings from their own collections and from other national and international collections. The Ornamental Lake, built in 1969, is surrounded by lush greenery and colorful flora. In 1995, the Cherry Tree Grove was opened, showcasing a spectacular display of blossoming cherry trees.
In 2017, it was announced that the former Olinda golf course would be converted into parkland and become part of the gardens, leading to a name change to Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden. Additionally, plans were published in 2013 for the construction of an Australian Garden adjacent to the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden. The garden is well-known for its wide variety of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, cherries, and daffodils, with over 50,000 plants in the collection, including rare and endangered species. Visitors
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