Event 3, 2021 Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

 


Event Report by Rita Holt

It was perfect autumn weather on the Tuesday after Easter when sixteen of the U3A Gardening Interest Group travelled into Melbourne to join a private walking tour of the Royal Botanic Gardens.  We split into three groups so had ample opportunity to query our very knowledgeable guides.  First query - difference between 'botanic' and 'botanical' - it's all got to do with whether there's an herbarium within the gardens (it becomes a botanic garden if there is one).  Thanks guide David!

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne covers 38 hectares near the Shrine of Remembrance and houses a collection of some 8,500 plant species from around the world, including diverse plant collections such as camellias, rainforest flora, cacti and succulents, Californian species, the great perennial wall, cycads and a Rare and Threatened Species Collection. There are sweeping visas, an ornamental lake and towering forest giants - including the 150-year-old Queensland Koori and the majestic Cedar of Lebanon.  It also has indigenous plantings and a (very busy - it was school holidays!) Children's Garden.

The first part of our tour took us past the Herbarium which is apparently running out of room.  It was fascinating to hear of the plan to build an underground herbarium and an “indoor pleasure garden” with a tunnel to the original Herbarium. This will be contingent on funding, of course.

Our little tour group followed the path towards the sweeping vista of the Ornamental Lake where we learnt about a remarkable new project of floating treatment wetlands that are improving water quality by recirculating water through the lake system, thus enhancing the uptake in nutrients and improving water quality - all naturally.  This is all part of the Garden's strong focus on waterway health and management.

We also wandered through Fern Gully, a restful shady area of tall palms and tree ferns. The elevated pathway allows many visitors to enjoy the ferns without fear of destroying them.  It always surprises me how well ferns can grow in our Victorian climate with careful management.

Note from Coral
Our three guides Maggie, David and Chris were more than happy to share their amazing knowledge and information on all aspects of the gardens, including the Herbarium, the fallen Mountain Silver Gum that is now a treasure for seating and enjoying another space in the gardens, the rainforest, the arid garden and the volcano, as well as allowing us to wander through parts of the acreage that is a hugely valued possession to Melbourne.  We all strolled in our groups to view and learn of the many species of plants, trees and shrubs from around the world.  One of the interesting learnings on the day was the water wise use for all plants, learning that plants can and do survive on up to 65% of their normal water requirements as per the gardens watering program. 

Read some very interesting historical newspaper reports via the link after the photos

Photos by Andrew















Photos by Rick

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