WA outback a feature of Japanese flora exhibition

10/03/00
The Western Australian outback has gone to Japan, to be a part of the Japan Flora 2000 International Gardening and Landscaping Exhibition to be held on Awaji Island, near Osaka from March 17 to September 14.
The exhibition is to celebrate the opening of the Awaji Island World Park, and the half way point of the multi billion dollar restoration of the prefecture of Hyogo following the devastating effects of the Hanshin-Awaji (Kobe) earthquake in 1995.
Over US $1 billion has been spent developing the tourist resort on Awaji Island, including a five star hotel, conference facilities, auditorium, 6,000m2 display glasshouse, and a golf course.
Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes said Western Australia had a sister State relationship with the prefecture of Hyogo, and was the only Australian state to participate in this prestigious event.
"The exhibition is expected to attract over five million Japanese visitors, providing significant exposure for Western Australia, and Kings Park and Botanic Garden," Mrs Edwardes said.
Kings Park and Botanic Garden is project managing the Western Australian display at Japan Flora 2000, on behalf of the State Government.
Twenty eight other countries/prefectures have been invited to display at the exhibition.
"Kings Park has developed a theme that promotes the outback, a sense of openness and space, unique plants, and strong colours," Mrs Edwardes said.
"The design represents a Western Australian outback Pilbara/Kimberley landscape."
"The dominant feature will be three Boab trees, rising from the landscape to give the display a sense of maturity and authenticity. Complementing this scene will be the Australian floral icon, the Eucalypt tree.

"In the lower layer a sea of spinifex will mat the sand dunes and cling to sedimentary rock. Seasonal clay pan pools with colourful wildflowers lining the banks complete the landscape setting."
The display will be enhanced by the incorporation of a number of uniquely Australian artefacts found throughout outback Western Australia, including water storage tanks, cattle drinking troughs and hand hewn timber post and rail fencing in Western Australian hardwoods.
Flora from the South-West of Western Australia will be planted in front of the display, and changed regularly to maintain colour. Local native plants, including everlastings, are being grown under contract in Japan, and will be planted by the Japanese contractor to maintain an attractive display over the next six months.
Information signage in Japanese and English has been incorporated into a post and rail fence in the front of the display, and on the water tank.
Mrs Edwardes said two Botanic Garden and Parks Authority staff were currently in Japan, working with the Japanese contractors to prepare the display for the March 17 opening.
Two Botanic Garden and Parks Authority staff would visit the site again in June for a major refurbishment of the display.
Gold Medals will be awarded to the outstanding displays at Japan Flora 2000. Other Gold Medals in various categories will be awarded throughout the six-month period.
Media contact:
Mark Webb,
Director Living Collections and Natural Heritage,
Botanic Gardens & Parks Authority.
Telephone: 9480 3602