Park Lake Botanic Gardens

Park Lake

Botanic Gardens

Creswick

The trees and shrubs of Park Lake have been planted for amenity rather than for botanical interest. Many of the original trees and shrubs that exist today probably came from the State Nursery in Sawpit Gully; although more exotic species sourced from other nurseries were planted, they have not survived. Trees grown in this nursery were chosen for their vigour, utility and toughness rather than botanical curiosity. This nursery was once part of the responsibility of George Perrin, the Conservator of Forests, who drew the first formal planting plan for Park Lake.

The exact age of the trees is not known, but many are about 100 years old, originating from plantings from about 1890 to 1930; however, none of the surviving trees are of State or national significance in themselves. The main area planted in a formal way was the western end of the reserve extending from the Oval (now tennis courts) westwards to the current CFA running track and basketball courts. Four species dominate this area: Radiata Pine (Pinus radiata), Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa), English Oak (Quercus robur), and English Elm (Ulmus procera). Of these, the Radiata Pine and Monterey Cypresses have grown to huge sizes and visually dominate the landscape. Beneath these trees, Irish Strawberry (Arbutus unedo) is widespread. Two rows of trees, shown on Perrin's map as flanking the oval, are relatively intact in sections. Various other tree species also occur and are discussed below separately under "Conifers", "Palms" and "Broad-leaved Trees".

For much of the second half of the 20th century, the trees in the reserve were not managed. The vigorous growth of the Radiata Pines and Monterey Cypresses has suppressed many other species which has eventually led to their death. A number of specimens have died in the late-1990’s and early 2000’s as a result of this competition exacerbated by the drought. Compacted soil around the trees has been caused by vehicles; this is being partially relieved by the planting of hedges by the Friends group. Every effort is being made to retain trees from the original planting, as well as to plant those on the Perrin plan that are now missing.

For a list of trees present at the site in 1988 and included on Perrin's original planting plan, click here.

There are a number of conifer species in the reserve. One of the most interesting is the Bishop Pine (Pinus muricata). Bishop Pines can be identified as the trees with masses of pine cones spread along the branches. Two good specimens are located either side of the exit gate on Bridge Street, but two other specimens remain, one near the barbecue nearest the exit and the other in the eastern extent of the formal garden area. A Giant Thuya (Thuja plicata), the source of western red cedar timber, grows near the southern fence of the tennis courts, hidden in a row of cypresses lining the once formal driveway into the reserve. Also hidden in this avenue, is a Mexican cypress (Cupressus lusitanica) on the south-eastern corner of the club house. Another specimen of the same species can be found between the Midland Highway and the running track at the western end of the reserve. A fine Maritime Pine (Pinus pinaster) grows in front of the old Magistrate's residence facing Bridge Street and a number of grand Deodars (Cedrus deodara) grow near this residence and near the rotunda. Several Douglas Fir trees (Pseudotsuga menziesii) have been planted in the reserve, and although some have attained a good size, all are in poor health. In the last 20 years, a number of interesting conifers, including Incense Cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) and Common Juniper (Juniperus communis) have either died or been cut down by clearing works.

Positions of notable conifers are shown on a recent map.

Only two palms remain in the reserve, these being Chusan Palm (Trachycarpus fortuenei) and Palm Lily (Cordyline australis). Both of these species were planted in association with the shade house that once cascaded down the slope from the flower garden area to the lake. Early photographs show that there were several palms along the base of the escarpment, perhaps planted as a row.

Broad-leaved Trees (Deciduous and Evergreen)

Palms
Chusan Palm		Only two palms remain in the reserve, these being Chusan Palm (Trachycarpus fortuenei) and Palm Lily (Cordyline australis). Both of these species were planted in association with the shade house that once cascaded down the slope from the flower garden area to the lake. Early photographs show that there were several palms along the base of the escarpment, perhaps planted as a row.		Palm Lily