THE gardens of Government House are now home to the official Centenary of Canberra plant, the Correa Canberra Bells, following an official planting attended by Governor-General ms Quentin Bryce, the Chief Minister Katy Gallagher and the Centenary of Canberra creative director Robyn Archer.

The Government House gardens already feature various plants and trees placed there by visiting Australian and foreign dignitaries, including a tree planted by the Queen and Prince Philip in October.

The plant is being distributed to retailers throughout the Canberra region by Yarralumla Nursery, and will be available across Australia (with the exception of the NT and far North Queensland, where the humid climate is unsuitable).

“The gardens at Government House are diverse and beautiful, and our colourful but hardy little Australian plants will be right at home here in their native climate, where hopefully they will be enjoyed by generations of residents and visitors to come,” Ms Gallagher said.

“The Correa Canberra Bells themselves can grow to around one metre tall with a one metre spread and have a bell-shaped, red and cream-coloured flower.

“The Canberra Bells can already be found growing in other iconic locations, including the Australian National Botanic Gardens and the National Arboretum, as well as in many private gardens throughout the region.

“Canberrans who would like to see the Correas in their new home can attend the annual Open Day at Government House, which is taking place on Sunday, math 18 and also helps to raise money for The Smith Family”.

More information and a list of stockists at http://www.canberra100.com.au/ or call 1300 554114.