As part of a two-day visit to Canberra, the Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden accompanied by Mr Johan Forssell, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade were welcomed to the National Arboretum Canberra by Joy Burch MLA, Speaker of the ACT Legislative Assembly.
Starting at Dairy Farmers Hill, Their Royal Highnesses took in the sweeping views across Canberra where Scott Saddler AM, Executive Branch Manager National Arboretum Canberra and Stromlo Forest Park, gave an introduction to the National Arboretum and pointed out several of the highlights such as the iconic Nest III sculpture.
Their Royal Highnesses were then invited to plant a Scotch pine Pinus sylvestris ‘Argentea’ along the zig zag path in the Central Valley which will serve as a living reminder of the friendship between Sweden and Australia.
An easy walk from the Village Centre, the Scotch pine with its distinctive blue needles will form part of a shady walkway through the Central Valley that represents Australia’s strong international ties for all visitors to enjoy.