Diversity Garden
The Diversity Garden provides a snapshot of the incredible variability of Australian flora and landscapes through the framework of 83 bio-regions based on research by IBRA (Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia). This research was conducted by the then Department of Environment and Heritage, to help protect and understand our native flora and fauna in its natural habitat. Along a series of narrow gardens beds, the plants found within each of these sections capture the essence of the bio-region it represents.
When exploring the Diversity Garden, remember:
- Australia is rich in plant diversity with over 22,000 different species and this garden empahsises the impressive range of Australian landscapes and the plants found within.
- You will also find a diversity of mulch types utilised, both organic and inorganic, to help convey the geological character of that bio-region.
- This garden encourages the preservation of plants through cultivation by also displaying plants officially listed as rare or threatened in the wild.
Key Plants
White Cedar
Melia azedarach
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Qualup Bell
Pimelea physodes
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Twin-flower Knawel
Scleranthus biflorus
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Grevillea maccutcheonii
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Red Rod
Eremophila calorhabdos
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White Cedar
<em>Melia azedarach</em>
One of very few true deciduous trees in Australia. Its abundant lilac blossoms and clusters of yellow fruits on bare branches make it an appealing garden tree through all seasons.
Notes from the Curator
Mathieu Lascostes
This is a very horticulturally challenging garden as we attempt to display plants from every corner of Australia that would naturally be growing in extremely diverse conditions. And here we have them planted in a constrained environment offering very uniform conditions. It is also a brainteaser, design-wise, on how to display such a varied group of plants in a small space and succeed in creating a design that is pleasing to the eye. There is a degree of trial and error in this dynamic garden, where we seek out species that will grow successfully and show outstanding ornamental qualities, whilst ensuring to present the most emblematic plant for that bio-region.