Europe and South Africa are two of the five Mediterranean Climatic Regions that have been developed at the Botanic Garden. We are now interested in developing the next phase, Australia. With the rebuilding of the stone wall along Hollybush Lane in 2008 the building work to develop this display has been completed. The display will focus on plants from the seasonally dry parts of Australia, particularly the west coast and the seasonally dry forest of South East Australia. The display will be narrow and will be able to be viewed from the path. It will contain many woody species including shrubby Acacia, Eucalyptus, Grevillea, Banksia, Hakia, & Lomatia. Many of these are already in the collections and we are keen to plant them in their final home. The planting will be augmented at one end with a seasonal display of annuals. This will complement the display of Namaqualand annuals in the adjoining South African display and will tie this part of the garden improving visitor experience and walk along the west side of the garden.
The horse chestnut, which is currently dying of Phytopthora needs to be removed. New soil needs to be installed made up of compost and an acidic sandy loam. Some plants need to be purchased along with seed to augment the existing plant collection. Provision for staking needs to be considered and initial interpretation will be installed.
Total projected project cost: £3500
The Friends accepted the challenge to raise £3,000 to replace plants lost in the severe winter of 2009, purchase new species of ferns for the Evolutionary Dell and provide plants for the Angiosperm Phylogeny Display. The target was reached by the end of 2010. We are most appreciative of the sum of £3720 raised.
This appeal raised £5,500 for the semi-circular seat overlooking the pond, and backing onto the Pollination area. The wood is entirely recycled Burmese teak, which had originally formed the floorboards of a warehouse in Delhi. The inscription on the top rails include the ‘Abominable Mystery’ Seat and finishes with thanks to the Friends of the Botanic Garden