Stairs winding from the Temple Of The Winds down to Northern Gate (formerly H Gate).
Find the collection on our Interactive Map
All year, but especially Winter.
Cymbopogan ambiguus (Native Lemon Grass). Be sure to rub the leaves between your hands, to release the beautiful lemon scent
Steep steps lead you to this collection, limiting mobility access.
Living Collections Plant Census
The Grey Garden is ornamental in theme, and yet also a marvellous demonstration of the creative adaptions plants have evolved in order to grow in harsh environments. Lining the steps down from the Temple of the Winds, the garden is on a particularly exposed and harsh site, with shallow rocky soil and some of the hottest temperatures in the Gardens. The waxes, hairs, scales and spines that colour these plants are what allow them to thrive in such conditions.
This collection:
Silver Princess
This native Australian tree draws a lot of attention due to its attractive appearance. Its beautiful... Read More
Emu Tree
This beautiful large shrub produces striking large racemes of red and pink, from winter through to s... Read More
Red Elephant Tree
An unusual and intriguing plant that grows from a pachycaul shrub into a small tree. True to its com... Read More
Formerly known as Stenomesson variegatum, this is an attractive plant that can be found sca... Read More
<em>Eucalyptus caesia</em>
This native Australian tree draws a lot of attention due to its attractive appearance. Its beautiful deep brown bark curls back to reveal a pale under surface. This type of bark is known as 'minni ritchi'.
The Grey Garden is an unique and exciting collection. Garden beds are located either side of a winding staircase, displaying a range of grey foliage plants with unique adaptations. Demonstrated by the array of plants climbing their way down the cliff face, this collection is located on one of the toughest and most exposed sites in the Gardens. An interesting feature of some grey foliage plants is their ability to act as a fire retardant. Many of the Acacias in this collection are known for having this ability, including Acacia acinacea, A. agrophylla and A. baileyana. This is one of the many reasons I love this collection. From the beautiful unique plants, the wonderful display of Eucalypts and Acacias, to the bonus workout I get as I make my way up and down the stairs. There is no better way to take in the beauty of the Grey Garden.
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