DARLEY PARK NATIVE GARDEN

Cnr Grey & Fitzroy Streets.
Bacchus Marsh (MEL 217 J9 or 333 K2)
Location in Google Maps

Features:

• Rare Eremophilas and Grevilleas not commonly seen in gardens
• Many other attractive plants suitable for dryland gardens
• Spectacular Hakeas make a show in spring

In 1993 funding was obtained to commence the establishment of an Australian native plant garden in barley Park, Bacchus Marsh. The intention was to develop a unique collection of Australian native plants that would be able to survive in an area of low rainfall. At this stage the park was used for sporting facilities only.

The original concept was to establish gardens on all borders of the park, but funding was sufficient only to establish the north east area of the park. In 1995, the Darley Gardeners Group was formed to maintain the gardens. Since then, this small group of volunteers has continued to not only maintain the gardens but to expand them, with the aim of establishing gardens on all park borders. Considerable progress has been made towards this aim.

The overall concept of the Darley Park Gardens is to provide a unique collection of Australian native plants in a format completely open to the community. The established areas have pathways and seating for the public with free access. The diversity of plants has aroused the interest of local and other gardeners from outside Bacchus Marsh, and it is hoped that the extension of the native plantings will entice more locals and passers-by into the gardens. Recently the Rotary Club of Bacchus Marsh carried out an extensive planting of Australian native plants on the other side of the roundabout. This planting of almost a kilometre in length has enhanced the area as an example of Australian flora.

As the theme for plant selection is the ability to survive in a dry area the gardens are an example of plants available to the public that suit the needs of water conservation. as well as providing shelter and food for native fauna and displaying a variety of foliage/flower shape and colour. As a bonus the gardens hove become a source for the collection of seed and cuttings by the keener Australian native plant enthusiast.

The use of mulch (bark and stone) throughout the gardens and the lack of watering systems provide an example of good gardening practice to all visitors, hopefully encouraging home gardeners to establish gardens suitable for our environment. Planting has continued in recent years, to maintain the original planting area and to establish new planting areas. The focus has continued to be on plants suitable for dry areas.

For further information on the gardens or to offer help, contact Andy on 5367 2616, or Wendy on 5367 4170