Yesterday was a big one in Centenary of Canberra news.
Firstly we had the happy news from the Chiefly Stanhope that a “Correa cultivar” has been chosen to be the “Centenary native plant”.
(This is slightly curious piece of naming as the term “cultivar” means: “A race or variety of a plant that has been created or selected intentionally and maintained through cultivation”. So not entirely “native” then?)
- “I am pleased to announce this brand new variety of Correa will be the official commemorative native plant for our 100th birthday. It is an attractive, easy to grow, hardy shrub which features a profusion of two-tone, yellow and red bell-like flowers and deep green foliage,” Mr Stanhope said.
“The Correa flowers throughout autumn and will add another splash of colour to Canberra gardens during our birthday celebrations in March 2013.
“March 2012 is the anticipated release date for the new plant so that it will be growing in gardens locally and nationally by 2013,” Mr Stanhope said. “Between now and 2012 the plant stocks will be increased and then be distributed to nurseries for sale in the ACT and interstate.”
Just so you can feel included they’re calling for entries for a naming competition. (Tip for new players, if you want to win naming competitions pick what the committee has already decided they want it to be named).
But that’s not all!
Perhaps realising that native plants and centenary shiraz won’t float the boat of the entire community Mr. Stanhope is also calling on the kids to send in their thoughts on how they want to celebrate the centenary.
Someone involved has a keen understanding of today’s youth, offering participants in the survey a ticket in the draw for a $300 gift voucher at JB HiFi.
A buffet of speed and cough syrup is probably out of the question but they might just be able to swing a Presets concert if you ask nicely.
