Maranoa Gardens, located at the end of Parring Road, Balwyn, about 9 km from the Melbourne CBD, is a native display Botanic Garden, exhibiting plants in a range of habitat styles, to demonstrate the flora of Melbourne and other regions.
Maranoa Gardens has been influenced by many forces since its creation, andf is managed by the Booroondara Shire Council.
Mr J Watson created Maranoa Gardens in 1901 when he purchased 3.5 acres of land to develop a private garden, catering to his interest in Australian and New Zealand plants. An Australian garden was unusual in that era, when the main interest was in exotic plants and Victorian or Edwardian design.
Camberwell Council purchased the land in 1922 and the garden was officially opened to the public on 18 September 1926. The garden was expanded in 1962, taking approximately three acres of neighbouring Beckett Park to construct a rockery. In 1987, the rockery was extended and replanted to provide an environment for plants considered difficult to grow in Melbourne.
Over the years, specialists have been involved in the identification and naming of the plants in the collection to acquaint visitors with the value of Australian vegetation.
The garden is visited daily by locals, enjoying the meandering paths and by students and botanical enthusiasts in search of knowledge. Weekends are a popular time for wedding parties and photographic sessions.
The garden plays a significant role as one of the major botanical displays of Australian plants in Victoria. It provides visual and written information on Australian plants in varying habitats for students, botanists and enthusiasts alike.
The large Beckett Park adjoins the Gardens, and boasts one of the highest points in Metropolitan Melbourne. Formerly known as One Tree Hill, the imposing ancient round stone tower still commands views across Melbourne to distant Mt Macedon. The top of the tower is reached by a circular staircase and steel ladder.
Originally grassy woodland, Beckett Park has been lovingly restored to one of Council’s more important re-vegetation sites of indigenous species. Visitors walk through little patches of grassy woodlands similar to that which would have been there more than 100 years ago.
In the 1940s & 1950s Beckett Park was a traditional site for Empire Day bonfires. The last Bonfire was in 1988.
I visited the beautiful Garden and Park on Monday December 7, 2009, exploring the network of walking tracks, water features, waterfalls, rockeries, the displays, and the Round Tower.
See all of the Photos of mhy visit!
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