Significant Trees Walk

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Ballarat Botanical Gardens retain an exceptional collection of exotic conifer and deciduous trees shown to advantage by the 19th century Gardenesque style of open lawn areas with mature specimen trees. These trees have now reached a considerable size and contribute much to the charm and character of the gardens.

Download Brochure pdf Significant Trees (front) here.

Download Brochure pdf Significant Trees (back) here.

A Eucalyptus globulus
BLUE GUM
A remnant of the original windbreak planted on the western edge of the gardens. The canopy is now stabilised with cable bracing.
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B Vitex lucens
PURIRI
Endemic to NZ. Provides highly valued hardwood. Its pinkish red flowers are produced in winter.
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C Taxodium distichum
SWAMP CYPRESS
These conifers are deciduous and when they turn colour in autumn provide a beautiful spectacle.
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D Sequoiadendron giganteum
SIERRA REDWOODS
From 1863 to 1874 28 of these Sierra Redwoods were planted in an avenue a mile long. They are the world's largest tree in terms of total volume. They have struggled with drought. The cathedral feel that these trees achieve on a foggy, misty morning is awesome.

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E Sequoia sempervirens
COAST or CALFORNIAN REDWOODS
In their natural environment they are the tallest growing tree in the world.
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F Quercus robur
ENGLISH OAK
Planted by the Druids to commemorate the founding of local Druid Lodges in 1870. Oaks were associated with the ancient traditions of the original Druids who met in groves of Oak trees.
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G Ulmus gladra 'Pendula'
WEEPING SCOTCH ELM
An ornamental lawn specimen. Its timber was much prized by Scottish craftsmen.
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H Ulmus 'Exoniensis'
EXETER ELM
This majestic specimen is reputed to be the finest example of this species in the world. This species is somewhat resistant to Dutch Elm disease.
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The National Trust is an independent, non-government body dedicated to the preservation of the unique heritage of Victoria and it has classified these trees in Ballarat's historic garden as significant. The tree's classification as significant by the Trust means that the tree is essential to Australia's heritage and accordingly should be preserved for future generations. The tree may be significant because it is rare or it is of outstanding size or an outstanding example of the species etc. They are ours to value, to learn from and to protect.

 

I Ulmus x Hollandica cv 'Wredei'
GOLDEN ELM
Striking golden foliage. Dutch Elm disease now seriously threatens all elms and work now focuses on finding crosses or clones that are immune to Dutch Elm Disease. 
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J Fraxinus excelsior 'Pendula'
WEEPING ASH
A resilient and rapid growing tree native to most of Europe producing wood for many uses. This tree is possibly descented from grafting from a tree at 'Gamlingay' Cambridgeshire in the mid 18th century.
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K Pinus ponderosa
YELLOW PINE
In the middle of the 19th century as part of the fashionable, scientific pursuit of the time the Pinus ponderosa was planted to see how it would acclimatise in the Ballarat Gardens. It is now the tallest conifer in the Gardens. Noted for its beautiful bark.
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L Picea sitchensis
SITKA SPRUCE
It is not clear why this tree was planted in the avenue of Sequoias. It is the largest species of spruce. In the Northern Hemisphere it is grown commercially for timber and paper production.
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M Araucaria bidwillii
BUNYA BUNYA PINE
From SE Queensland it produces a large cone, up to 10 kilograms in weight, which contains seeds much sought after for food. Local aboriginal peiple would have huge gatherings to harvest and feast on the seeds. It was a popular novelty choice of tree in many 19th century gardens.
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N Quercus cerris
TURKEY OAK
Its spreading canopy is the widest in Victoria. It has frilly acorn cups and leaves are deeply lobed and pointed and generally narrower than most other oak trees.
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O Juniperus Virginiana
RED CEDAR
It's aromatic wood is very light and durable and used for furniture. Juniper berries are a key ingredient in gin production.
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