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The uniquely Australian Hakeas and Banksias can be found throughout Wittunga. There are over 140 species in the Hakea genus and around 170 in the Banksia genus, with both having characteristic flowers. Keep an eye out for the vibrant yellow and red Heath Banksia (Banksia ericfolia), Golden Stalk Banksia (Banksia media), and the pale Dyandra-leafed Banksia (Banksia dryandroides), which flower from June to October.
The family Myrtaceae is Australia’s largest plant family. Related genera grown at Wittunga include the grand Agonis, bright red Bottlebrush (Calothamnus), Tea tree (Leptospermum) and Paperbark (Melaleuca).
Originally developed by Keith Ashby, this is a collection of hardy South African and Australian shrubs, including the Garden’s principal collection of Proteaceae.
The only remaining old fruit trees in this area are two Japanese Persimmon (Diospyros kaki), a favourite food source for local wildlife, and a Cherry Plum Tree (Prunus cerasifera). The Terrace Beds are a riot of colour in spring, with flowering shrubs, Ericas, annuals and herbaceous perennials becoming show-stoppers.
Built in the early 1920s, Edwin Ashby developed the raised sandy garden beds to promote drainage and replicate growing conditions he’d seen in Western Australia. They were initially developed to support Australian natives, but other species such as succulents and cacti thrive here year-round.
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Have you ever driven past the beautiful heritage-listed Goodman Building when passing the Garden on Hackney Road? Did you know this building was formerly the base for the Municipal Tramways Trust but now serves as the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium administration building.
World Ocean Day is an annual celebration held on 8 June which unites and rallies the world to protect and restore our blue planet. In our latest blog, State Herbarium's Jem Barratt takes a deep dive into how its scientific work focusing on seagrasses and seaweed helps with the restoration and preservation of our ocean ecosystems.
