Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne
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The Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne are botanical gardens located near the centre of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, on the south bank of the Yarra River. They are comprised of 354,000 square metres (35 hectares or 87 acres) of beautifully landscaped gardens. They are widely regarded as the finest botanical gardens in Australia, and among the best in the world.
The Royal Botanic Gardens have a second division in the outer Melbourne suburb of Cranbourne, some 45km south-east of the city. The 363 hectare Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne have a focus solely on Australian native plants, and feature a newly opened and award winning special section called the Australian Garden.
Governance and history
The gardens are governed under the Royal Botanic Gardens Act of 1991 by the Board of the Royal Botanic Gardens, who are responsible to the Minister for Environment.In 1846 Charles La Trobe selected the site for the Royal Botanic Gardens from marshland and swamp.
In 1857 the first director was Ferdinand von Mueller, who created the National Herbarium of Victoria and brought in many plants.
In 1873 William Guilfoyle became Director and changed the style of the Gardens to something more like the picturesque gardens that were around at that time. He added tropical and temperate plants.
Major projects
A major project at the Botanic Gardens over the past three years has been the building of the 5,000 square metre Ian Potter Children's Garden for children of all ages and abilities. The Ian Potter Children's Garden is based in South Yarra, off the main site.Horticulture
Living collections at the Botanic Gardens include Australian Rainforest Walk, California Gardens, Cacti and Succulents, Camelias, Cycad Collection, Eucalypts, Fern Gully, Grey Garden, Herb Garden, Long Island, New Caledonia Collection, New Zealand Collection, Oaks, Perennial Border, Roses, Southern Chinese Collection, Tropical Display-Glasshouse, Viburnum Collection and Water Conservation Garden.These plant groups have been chosen for their value, rarity, diversity and interest.
Plant science
Since its earliest days, the Royal Botanic Gardens is involved in plant research and identification. This is done primarily through the Library, the Herbarium and the release of publications about specific plants as well as the journal Mulleria, which is a scientific representation of the work done in the Gardens in any one year.More recently, the Australian Research Centre for Urban Ecology has been established to look at plants which grow in urban environments specifically.
Education and visitor information
Opening hoursThe Gardens are open every day of the year at 7.30am and close at:
- 8.30pm November to March
- 6.00pm April, September and October
- 5.30pm May to August
- Weekdays 9.00am - 5.00pm
- Weekends 9.30am - 5.00pm
The Gardens are a 15 minute walk or 5 minute tram ride from Flinders Street Station to the Domain Road Interchange on tram routes 3, 5, 8, 16, 64, 67. Street parking is available for 2 to 4 hour periods.
The Tan
There is a 3.8 km running track parallel to the perimeter fence of the Botanic Gardens. Officially termed The Tan Track as it has a surface of tan bark, it is more commonly and affectionately known as The Tan.The Tan originally served as a horse track for Melbourne's well-heeled, and is now one of Melbourne's most frequented locations for joggers. Locals, visitors and famous alike now share the space as its international reputation has grown. The Tan is often used in training by professional athletes, such as AFL footballers, particularly during pre-season time-trials. Running greats such as Hitcham El Guerrouj, Steve Ovett, Cathy Freeman, and Sonia O'Sullivan have all rubbed shoulders with the general public on The Tan.
The quickest lap of the Tan has been held by such notable Australian runners as Robert de Castella and Steve Monaghetti (10:41, 2003). The current record is 10 minutes and 12 seconds, run by Craig Mottram in 2004.
The inaugral Go the Tan run was held in early February 2006, and provides the opporunity for participants to run, jog or walk around The Tan and receive an official time.
Problems at the Botanic Gardens
Important problems for the Botanic Gardens have included unwanted plant and animal life which interferes significantly with the management of the gardens. There are also problems with water conservation.Beginning in 2002, the Royal Botanic Gardens has had significant problems managing an increasing population of flying foxes. It culminated in damaged trees and habitat. The Royal Botanic Gardens managed this by moving the flying foxes to Horseshoe Bend in Ivanhoe, and by disturbing the flying foxes and providing a familiar environment.
In regard to weeds (always a problem with a botanic gardens of this size) the Botanic Gardens developed a strategic plan in 2004 to minimise weed infestations by educating the public and management, and to help conserve the indigenious and other species.
External links
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