Bob Carter dedicates hours each week to his beloved rhododendrons.
By Tania Martin
BOB Carter took up a challenge 17 years ago to help transform the National Rhododendron Gardens in Olinda and has ever since never looked back.
The seasoned volunteer joined a dedicated team of helpers in 1991.
Mr Carter, 81, of Canterbury had retired and was looking for something to fill in the time.
“We have always had a reasonable garden…my wife has 60 roses, it’s enough to keep her active but not me,” he said.
“I had a friend who knew I was interested in gardening stuff and he told me about the job.”
Eighteen years on, more than 100 volunteer hours later and Mr Carter’s still as passionate about rhododendrons as ever.
Despite turning 81 last Thursday (4 December) Bob vows to keep his passion alive as long as he can.
Mr Carter makes the 40 kilometer trek from his home in Canterbury to Olinda every Monday to spend five hours helping to maintain the gardens.
His work was highlighted last Friday as part of International Volunteers Day.
Parks Victoria showcased a number of contributions made by various groups working in the Dandenong Ranges National Park and local gardens.
Some 330 volunteers from 19 groups in the Dandenong Ranges maintain the region’s parks and gardens.
Ranger Walter Lobbezzo said Mr Carter had provided valuable assistance to rangers over the years.
“He has been doing a terrific job for a long time and has really made a difference to the appearance of the many garden beds,” he said.
Mr Carter said there had been plenty of changes over the years, but the most significant was the car park.
“The car park was a real disaster but it looks pretty smart now,” he said.
“I have tried to contribute something …it’s a very special place.”
