One of Wollongong's most well-known gardens now features a Blue Plaque to recognise the acclaimed landscape designer who helped build it - Paul Sorensen.
On Friday 19 September, Wollongong City Council had the honour in unveiling Sorensen's Blue Plaque at Gleniffer Brae in the Wollongong Botanic Garden.
The ceremony was attended by Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Ryan Park, Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown, and Mr David Walters, grandson of Sidney and Madge Hoskins who built Gleniffer Brae and, in 1951, donated 46 acres of their estate to establish Wollongong Botanic Garden.
Sorensen is one of 16 Blue Plaque recipients in the recent round of the NSW Environment and Heritage program which celebrate the hidden history and heritage of New South Wales.
Nestled in various outdoor locations, these plaques tell the story of the significant people and events who have contributed greatly to the area its placed in.
The renowned nurseryman is being recognised for his extraordinary contribution to NSW's horticulture industry and his role in redefining the way gardens are perceived and built in open spaces.
Starting in the 1920s and continuing over seven decades, he designed more than 100 gardens across New South Wales, many of which remain vibrant and flourishing today. They are lovingly preserved as a testament to his unique contribution and ongoing influence across NSW.
Often described as 'outside rooms', Sorensen's gardens are best known for large trees, shrubs and native plants as well as his mastery of the dry-stone wall technique and paving to show dramatic level changes.
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said it's a great honour to have Paul Sorensen's work acknowledged at Wollongong Botanic Garden.
"The Botanic Garden is one of Wollongong's favourite and most popular green spaces, so to have it publicly celebrated that it's a part of Sorensen's story is wonderful," she said.
"Sorensen's landscaping is an intertwined and thriving feature of the Heritage listed building Gleniffer Brae and proves to be a common talking point amongst visitors.
"This garden is just an example of how his admirable care and detail for nature comes to life – it's inadvertently inspired a standard across our gardens.
"We're honoured to have the Blue Plaque here to showcase Sorensen's contribution and hope it inspires our next generation of horticulturalist."
Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast, Ryan Park:
"Gleniffer Brae is one of the finest examples of Sorensen's unique skill for blending beauty with nature, listed on the State Heritage Register in 1999 and attracting visitors from interstate and abroad.
"The best gardens in the world are a sensory smorgasbord, making people who step foot in them feel joy, calm and inspiration. No one did it better than Paul Sorensen.
"A blue plaque is a fitting recognition for one of state's most iconic landscape designers, whose vision and dedication to creating incredible spaces has had a lasting impact."
Wollongong Botanic Garden Curator Felicity Skoberne said:
"Paul Sorensen is a well-known landscape designer in NSW, and we're grateful to have his Blue Plaque at Wollongong Botanic Garden.
"Sorensen's passion for beautiful specimen trees and contrasting colour is showcased here at Gleniffer Brae, with the planting of a spectacular Illawarra Flame Tree in front of the house beside a Jacaranda. Crepe Myrtles, Pencil Pines and Brush Box also featured in this stunning array. His selection has created many years of serenity for our visitors.
"His thorough approach to garden design has ensured that many of the trees enjoy a long and prosperous life. Today, we're fortunate to care for some of the original trees and plants and help preserve a special part of history for Gleniffer Brae."
The Blue Plaque is located on the formal entry gates, at the car park Gleniffer Brae in Wollongong Botanic Garden, 48 Murphys Ave, Keiraville.
