By XAVIER SMERDON
THE State Rose Garden at Werribee Park was in full bloom last week as the Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith unveiled a new archway that will greet guests.
The archway, designed by Mervyn Hayman-Danker, is covered in flowers and gives a prime example of the plants that fill the 2.8 hectares of garden beyond it.
“Victoria State Rose Garden supporters contribute more than 8,000 hours to the maintenance and upkeep of the State Rose Garden each year,” Mr Smith said.
“The State Rose Garden is a magnificent drawcard to Werribee Park, with its world renowned collection of heritage and modern rose varieties.
“The new laser cut metal archway includes a plan of the State Rose Garden, providing a guide to visitors of the experience that awaits them as they tour the garden.”
Mr Smith also inspected the recently completed roof restoration of Werribee Mansion during his visit.
“Werribee Mansion is a significant tourist attraction and the new slate roof will help preserve the mansion’s interior and fine heritage collection for years to come,” he said.
While the roof has been restored with slate, which was the material originally used when the Mansion was built, a modern twist has been added with the introduction of solar panels. The panels will provide some of the energy requirements for lighting the mansion.
