‘Must See’ in September in the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney
as recommended by the volunteer Guides
Welcome to the Garden. We hope you enjoy this walk*, please follow the ‘Must See’ route using the map.
1) Spring Walk
The ‘Spring Walk’ has become a popular horticultural feature of the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney. A charming statue, ‘Spring’, appropriately marks the creek end. This Italian sculpture was donated to the Botanic Garden in 1957. Masses of salmon-pink rondeletia (Rondeletia amoena) flowers surround her.
These sweetly perfumed flowers attract birds and butterflies. Other beds have been planted with a variety of spring flowering trees, shrubs and perennials. Peach trees (Prunus persica ‘Versicolor’) along one border frame tulips and spring flowering annuals. In front of the Macquarie wall, plants chosen for colour and perfume include osmanthus (Osmanthus delavayi) and cherry-pie (Heliotropium arborescens ‘Lord Roberts’). The deep purple foliage of the ruby-leaved Chinese fringe flower (Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum) contrasts strikingly with the leaves of many plants including the golden-leaved cherry-pie (Heliotropium arborescens ‘Aureum’). |
2) Leucothoe fontanesiana (switch ivy)
Look for this unusual specimen growing near the ‘History of the Spring Walk’ sign. The fragrant, white flowers of this spring flowering shrub are partially hidden by the leaves. Long, spreading, arching stems give the shrub a fountain-like appearance. It is often found planted in drifts with rhododendrons. |
3) Plant of the Month - Spring Walk
Bartlettina sordida (blue mist flower)
Formerly known as Eupatorium and native to Mexico, this evergreen shrub is a feature of many Australian gardens. It prefers a part-shade position. Its lavender flowers appear in clusters in spring and they are slightly scented. The branches are reddish-purple and the very large leaves are green above with reddish veins. The leaves can also be purple on the underside. This plant reproduces from seed and cuttings. The seeds are dispersed by wind.
After leaving the Spring Walk by passing through an opening in the Macquarie Wall about half way along its length, walk across the expansive lawn area in the direction of the main pond. Two globally significant plant groups are represented near either side of the wooden-latticed Carrick Chambers bridge. |
4) Salix spp. (willow)
Willow bark contains salicin which when taken by humans in the form of salicylic acid has analgesic and anti-inflammatory qualities. Subsequent research led to the development of aspirin which has similar qualities without causing severe nausea.
Peking willow (Salix babylonica) is an important feature of Chinese gardens where it is planted beside ponds or waterways. Light, but shock-resistant wood from a cultivar of white willow (Salix alba) is used to make high-quality cricket bats. |
5) Bambusa spp. (bamboo)
Bamboo is economically and culturally significant to Asian countries where it is used as a source of food and building material as well as being a major theme in painting, calligraphy and poetry. Because of its durability and rapid growth, bamboo is a sustainable alternative to the limited global supply of timber. |
6) HSBC Oriental Garden
During spring, the Oriental Garden is a pleasant area to visit as many of its plants are coming into flower. Beginning with the temple dogs, enjoy strolling under the wisteria-covered pergola and into the various ‘rooms’. It is interesting to observe
that Wisteria sinensis from China climbs in an anti-clockwise direction and W. floribunda from Japan winds clock-wise. Following the traditions of Chinese and Japanese garden philosophy, a sense of peace and calm pervades this area.
Carefully placed sculptures promote this sense of order and simplicity of design. Natural elements are used to symbolise certain qualities; rocks represent permanency, aged trees signify strength, the loyalty of lovers is seen in the camellia. Bamboo symbolises personal qualities of honour and virtue as well as promoting a sense of harmony between nature and human beings. |
7) Focus Plant - HSBC Oriental Garden
Fagraea ceilanica (perfume flower tree)
This small evergreen tree has attractive features when in bud, flower and fruit. The fragrant flowers are creamy white and trumpet-shaped, last only for a day and are delicately scented. The fruits which follow are green turning to bright red. In China this plant occurs in dense forests, woodlands on limestone at 500-1800 metres altitude. In Sydney this plant can be grown in large pots in filtered sunlight. |
History Week Talk & Demonstration: The Cabbage Tree Hat - from convicts to colonials
When: Saturday 8 September 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm, and Tuesday 11 September 5.30 pm - 7 30 pm
Where: Maiden Theatre
Cost: $30.00, $15 students
Bookings: 02 9231 8304 |
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Click on 'Must See' route map to enlarge
Guided Walks
Learn about the plants of the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney, and the history of the site, by joining a free guided walk. The walks are offered at 10.30 am every day (1½ hours), and also 1pm Monday to Friday (1 hour) in the months March to November. Join these walks at the Information Booth by the Garden Shop.
There are no walks on Christmas day, Boxing Day and Good Friday.
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