This was published 8 years ago
Parliament House's glorious gardens upstage the politicians
During spring, the real excitement at Parliament House is found not in the gleaming halls of power but in the magnificent grounds around the building.
The gardens are opened to visitors at this time of year, with tours affording a rare peek into the private courtyards and secluded corners frequented by politicians and their staff.
Parliament House gardener Wayne Roach will lead tours of the gardens and courtyards.Credit: Elesa Kurtz
Abundant displays of weeping cherries, Mount Fuji blossoms, camellias and azaleas are among the trees and shrubs that delight the eye.
Parliament House landscape services gardener Wayne Roach was in his element, walking along the manicured paths while dispensing information and advice.
There's lots to see in Parliament's gardens.Credit: Elesa Kurtz
He said recurring design elements provided continuity between the 17 different courtyards.
Mr Roach explained how the Sweet Emily Kate camellias were clipped low to form a pale pink ground cover.
He described the scented blooms as more resilient than the azaleas but no less beautiful.
Mr Roach suggested using fragrant plants in a small courtyard as the perfumed varieties were "just so evocative".
Passing "a swath of daffodils" and a scattering of star flowers, he pointed to "a beautiful but underused shrub: Pieris japonica", with its hanging clusters of bell-like tassels.
He gave insight into the regular routines of the gardeners who keep the grounds tidy and well-stocked, outlining the importance of certain choices.
The bubbling water features, for instance, help to attract birdlife while creating white noise to muffle conversations and lessen the risk of them being overheard.
"It's like turning on the taps in spy movies," Mr Roach said.
Landscape staff still planted annuals, but only about 5000 of them rather than the 14,000 a year of earlier times, he said.
Elaborating on the characteristics of formal gardens, he cited the House of Representatives area that is open to the general public as an example of a parterre.
With its wisteria arbours and patterned beds, he said it was sometimes viewed as "a tribute to Eurocentric pretensions".
For a fascinating glimpse into the hidden gardens and their upkeep, choose from a variety of tours timed to coincide with Floriade.
Booking is essential, either at canberraticketing.com.au or by phoning 6275 2700. Tours begin on Sunday.