An emphasis on native flora was a key element in a planting plan that led to a national award for the landscape supervisor at the Sydney Baha’i Temple, Shervin Ali.
Mr Ali, 29, was named young horticulturist of the year (2010) by the Horticulture Industry Association after submitting his plans for the Temple grounds.
The plan involves protecting the native bushland around the Temple and creating a beautiful Australian native garden representative of the Baha’i Faith by having harmony and unity in diversity as the main themes.
“The ongoing management of native bush land and the protection of endangered species within the site are of top priority,” said Mr Ali.
“We are endeavoring to enhance local landscape values in line with Pittwater Council policies and State and Federal environmental legislation.”
Mr Ali said his plan for the gardens emphasises the cultural and spiritual value of the plants.
Gardens in sacred places have a long tradition, he said.
“Beautiful gardens in conjunction with sacred areas can be found in nearly every culture,” he said.
“Traditionally, the garden has been associated with paradise – this idea finds its sources in the earliest beginning of human culture.
“This concept of paradise in which man transcends his frail human condition has persisted, even though many civilisations which adhered to the concept have disappeared.”
Mr Ali, who has worked at the Temple as landscape supervisor and grounds team leader since 2006, supervises international and local volunteers who work in the gardens.
Born in Tehran, Mr Ali grew up in a family with an agricultural background. His grandparents were farmers and orchardists.
After high school, he studied agriculture at the Baha’i Institute for Higher Education, which was founded in 1987 in response to the Iranian government’s barring of Iranian Baha’is from higher education.
In 2004, together with his family, Mr Ali emigrated to Australia where he has studied landscape and construction, as well as land management and conservation at Ryde TAFE College.