I pass by my local botanic gardens quite regularly on walks and when visiting the local nearby park. Our botanic garden is looking pretty ordinary of late, it may have seen better days a long time ago. There are Tulip Trees, Oaks and Elms, sprawling lawn and a gravel path. Some scattered Native Australian plants like Bottle Brushes, though there could be a good case to include more, as it is in a lovely location teaming with native wild life and insects. There are also some Landcare restoration areas further up the river from here.
What have others done to rejuvenate their local botanic or memorial gardens?
The Bairnsdale Botanic Gardens is situated between to Mitchell River, Clifton Creek (The Backwater) and working farm paddocks. I can’t help but think this space could be rejuvenated. Every year they hold a children’s pantomime at the gardens, the markets are held on the other end of the foot bridge, there is bat colony nearby and a huge variety of native birds, insects, amphibians and mammals frequent the adjoining riverside walk.
This could be the perfect opportunity to create more habitat, restore biodiversity to this area, get the community more involved, and create a more enriching space for all.
What have others done to rejuvenate their local botanic or memorial gardens? Particularly in regional areas where these style of gardens are a legacy from a different era? How was this received by and how did your community and the local council get involved?