CELEBRATING 200 YEARS OF CAMELLIAS

thousands of camellia cultivars were either introduced or developed locally.

To celebrate the camellia bicentenary, the Gardens has been working closely with Camellia Ark Australia and its co-founder Dr Stephen Utick to develop an exciting educational and promotional strategy.

Among the initiatives being pursued is an audio tour explaining the cultural and horticultural significance of selected camellias, and redevelopment of a garden bed at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney (adjacent to the Australian rainforest) dedicated to the Theaceae family.

Utick, who was in 2021 appointed the Gardens’ visiting Curator of Theaceae, is also hosting a symposium at the Maiden Theatre on 12 July, showcasing the history, appreciation and understanding of Australian camellias.

“We’ll have expert presenters covering themes such as the rise of tea in the 1700s, the Camden Park legacy of Sir William Macarthur, and the NSW colonial nurseries,” Utick says. “In addition, we’ll explore topics such as the post-World War II camellia revival, the contribution of Bob Cherry's Paradise Plants, and the unique discoveries and appreciation of Vietnamese camellias by Australian botanists.”

Symposium attendees will also enjoy an exhibition of blooms by Camellias R Us and a special display of Samuel Curtis’ revered A monograph of the Genus Camellia, published in London in 1819, the year Lady Brisbane left for NSW.

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the first recorded planting of a collection of camellias in New South Wales and the Gardens is celebrating the milestone with a variety of activities designed to raise the profile and appreciation of its enviable camellia collection.

The first recorded planting was undertaken in 1823 at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney by colonial botanist Charles Frazer, under patronage of Lady Brisbane, wife of then NSW Governor, Sir Thomas Brisbane. Tea plants (Camellia sinensis) were also sent to Sydney from the East India Company in China.

Tea was then – and still is – the world’s most popular beverage, however, at the time, the British lacked the knowledge required to dry, fire and ferment Camellia sinensis. Eventually, once the required skills were obtained (through some legendary industrial espionage), the British opted to pursue mass tea production in regions other than NSW, such as Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and Assam in India.

In the meantime, ornamental and home-grown camellia varieties began to appear in Australia, and over the course of the next 200 years, many

On the morning of the symposium, Foundation & Friends is running events to mark the 200th anniversary, including a special Japanese tea ceremony and a guided tour of the Royal Botanic Garden’s camellia living collection.

Maiden Theatre, Royal Botanic Garden

Wednesday 12 July, 2pm–4:30pm

Tickets from $30 per person

For more information visit this issue’s Diary (page 30)