The unique hills setting of loam soils and high rainfall has ensured successful plantings of exotic species, which started in the early Young Australia League (YAL) days with J. J. Simons bringing back plants from his overseas and interstate trips.
Many of these trees continue to flourish today, such as Liquidambar, Fraximus (Ash), Lophostemon (Brush Box), Thuja (Western Red Cedar), Rhododendrons, Eucalyptus viminalis (Manna Gums), Castanospermum (Queensland Black Bean), Laurus (Bay Tree), Eucalyptus sideroxylon rosea (Iron Bark), Ilex (Holly), Camellias and Wisteria.
Since 1990, the Araluen Botanic Park Foundation has cared for these trees, removed some of the invasive species such as Black and Silver Wattle, Watsonia and continue eradication control of Blackberry, Bridal and Australian Creeper as well as various other species that have spread into the native bush.
Araluen has continued the planting traditions by expanding the Camellia and Rhododendrons collection, adding to the Eucalyptus with Karri, Tuart and by bulking up Jarrah which had been heavily logged in the valley during the early 1900's.
Other interesting plants that flourish in the valley are Magnolias, Acers, Paeonias, Michelias, Daphnes, Lilacs and of course the millions of bulbs scattered through the gardens that come alive in glorious colour.
These gardens add to the pleasure of making Araluen Botanic Park - "Paradise Found".