Sale Botanic Gardens
There is plenty to see and do within the Gardens. Attractions include:
Significant Tree Walk
Trees throughout the Sale Botanic Gardens can tell the history of the precinct. The 13 significant trees which comprise the 'Significant Tree Walk' are scattered throughout the Gardens.
Trees 1/1a: Norfolk Island Pine
Norfolk Island Pine: Araucaria heterophylla, planted 1867
The Araucarias are an ancient group of evergreen trees found in South America, Australia and some pacific islands, and named after the Arauco Indians of central Chile. The Norfolk Island Pine is the most grown of the Araucaria family, widely used in the Mediterranean, South Africa and New Zealand.
This is an iconic tree in much of Australia, initially planted as shipping landmarks and widely planted in public parks during the 19th century. The trees in this garden tend to struggle due to winter frost and average rainfall which is half that of their native environment.
Tree 2: Bunya Pine
Bunya Pine: Araucaria bidwilli, planted 1867
The Bunya Pine is native to Queensland and grows to 45m tall in the wild, but much less in cultivation. It is an iconic species from Victorian times and one of the most striking trees in the gardens. These trees produce edible seeds in large cones, weighing up to 20kg.
This tree is 22m tall and has a classic dome shaped canopy with spoke-like branches. The twin trunks or codominate stems can be a structural issue and is common in the species, but are not known to cause any problems. Nevertheless, this tree has been fitted with two steel cables for extra support.
Tree 3: Eastern Red Cedar
Eastern Red Cedar: Pencil cedar-Juniperus virginiana, planted 1867
The Eastern Red Cedar is listed on the National Trust Significant Tree Register due to its size and rarity in Australia. Native to eastern North America, it is not a true cedar, but a juniper, a slow growing tree that rarely exceeds 20m in height. It is long lived, with some trees exceeding 700 years.
It has a waxy berry-like fruit which is actually a cone. The wood is light and durable and is used to line cupboards because the aromatic wood repels moths. It has been used to create bows and is one of a few species used for making pencils. The lean on this tree is of concern and is being monitored.
Trees 4/4a: Himalayan or Deodar Cedar
Himalayan or Deodar Cedar: Cedrus deodara, planted 1867
The Deodar Cedar is found throughout the western Himalayas, above 1700m. Deodar means wood of the gods and in some areas they are worshipped as a divine tree. They are now almost extinct over much of their original range due to timber harvesting.
Although common in parks throughout the world, growing up to 40m tall is too large for most gardens. Its timber is highly valued due to its durability and resistance to rot, often used to make temples. The inner wood is aromatic and used to make incense. The curative properties of Deodar are well recorded in Indian medicines. This tree suffers because it is a favourite roosting site for the gardens' visiting peacocks.
Tree 5: Hoop Pine
Hoop Pine: Araucaria cunninghamii, planted 1867
The Hoop Pine grows up to 60m tall and is a native of tropical and subtropical rainforests in Queensland, NSW & New Guinea. In historic times, it was an important source of timber for masts and spars of sailing ships.
The Australian plywood industry was largely founded on Hoop Pine and resin was used by Aboriginal people as glue or cement. This tree is an unusual shape for the species, being broad rather than tall.
Tree 6: The Elm Forest
The Elm Forest
This is a special place in the gardens and a unique feature that is a joy to visit at any time of the year. It's very much a mystical site, full of fairies! The Elm Forest is mostly composed of English Elms (Ulmus procera) produced from suckering from roots of the original tree.
Dutch elm disease killed most of these trees in the northern hemisphere and the most significant population of elms in the world can now be found in cooler parts of Australia.
There are three other species of elms in the gardens, Silky Oak (Grevillea robusta) near the path edge, which has grown larger in this protected micro climate and an ancient looking Gledistia (Gledistia tricanthos) from North America near the Woody Meadows. It has impressive thorns not seen on modern cultivars. If you look in the hollow trunk you can see roots growing in the decaying material - the tree is recycling nutrients!
The Jolly Swagman sculpture (made by well known chainsaw sculptor John Brady) was carved from the trunk of what was a large English Oak (Quercus robur).
Tree 7: Bhutan Cypress
Bhutan Cypress: Cupressa torulosa
The Bhutan Cypress is native to parts of China and Vietnam and endangered in the wild. It grows to 30m tall and the foliage is said to smell like mown grass when crushed.
An interesting aspect of this tree is the lightning scar running down one side of the trunk. Lightning tends to run down the bark of wet trees, impact to a dry tree usually results in significant damage. The exposed wood clearly shows that the branches and the trunk grow separately, with the trunk enveloping the branch each year and forming the knots seen in the timber. This tree is one of many cypress planted in the gardens, most dating from between 1867-72.
Tree 8: African Olive
African Olive: Olea europaea subsp Africana, planted 1881
The African Olive is a small evergreen tree, growing to 12m tall. This is not the common fruiting olive as the fruit is much smaller and leaves longer. It is native from Africa to China, with the potential to become weedy in some environments.
Olive trees have been in cultivation for more than 5,000 years and can live for over 2,000 years! This tree has a form that hints at an ancient tree, but was probably planted in 1881 at Guilfoyle's suggestion. A tea can be made from the leaves and ink from the fruit, while the timber is hard and beautifully grained.
Tree 9: Lemon Scented Gum
Lemon Scented Gum: Corymbia citriodora, planted 1881
The Lemon Scented Gum is native to Queensland and grows up to 50m tall. This is one of the most popular trees in the gardens! The trunk changes colours as the sun sets over the lake, and you can smell the strong lemon scented leaves. It is also a favourite tree for local cockatoos and corellas.
This tree is believed to be part of the 1872 planting and is 25m high and 20m wide. Previously named Eucalyptus citriodora, the genus was changed to Corymbia after a botanical revision in 1995. Corymbia refers to the bud and the flower arrangement.
A similar tree can be found at the rear of Aqua Energy, which was the site of the curator's house. Mulch is used under many trees to improve the soil, reduce competition from grass and to keep mowers away from the trunk.
Tree 10: Gippsland Redgum
Gippsland Redgum: Eucalyptus tereticornus ssp Mediana
The oldest of the Gippsland Redgums predate European settlement. It is only found in this area of Gippsland and intergrades with the River Red Gums (E. camludulensis). The trees located along the lake walk are estimated to be more than 300 years old.
Many are hollow and provide breeding sites for local bird species with dead trees left for habitat. The two nearby Aboriginal scar trees are of this same species.
Tree 11: Norfolk Island Hibiscus
Norfolk Island Hibiscus: Lagunaria patersonia
The Norfolk Island Hibiscus is native to Norfolk and Lord Howe Island, and possibly parts of Queensland and NSW. It is an extremely hardy tree and widely planted overseas. It has small hibiscus-like flowers and grows to 15m tall.
The fibreglass-like hairs found within the seed capsules are an irritant. These 'monotypic' trees (the only species in its group) stand like sentries along the path and are associated with the Guilfoyle 1881 plantings.
Tree 12: New Zealand Kauri Pine
New Zealand Kauri Pine: Agathis australis
The New Zealand Kauri Pine is part of the ancient Gondwanaland plants and the name Agathis reflects the cones' resemblance to a ball of thread. It grows to 50m tall and is native to New Zealand, where its timber has been over exploited.
This tree is believed to have been planted around 1867 and supplied by the Melbourne Botanic Gardens. The crown damage that you can see is caused by cockatoos. The more common Queensland Kauri, Agathis robusta is identifiable by its larger leaves and cones. A young Queensland Kauri is planted nearby.
Tree 13: Pencil Pine
Pencil Pine: Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta' planted 1867
The Pencil Pine is a very upright cultivar of the Italian Cypress and is native to the eastern Mediterranean. Some trees are more than 1,000 years old with durable timber, used to build the doors of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
This tree was planted around 150 years ago, and new plantings of the same species create a living extension to the playground. In some Mediterranean areas it has been associated with death and was sacred to the rulers of the underworld, often planted by a grave.
Art in the Gardens
The Gardens are home to a growing number of public art pieces by renowned artists. Public art is located at various locations throughout Sale Botanic Gardens. The art has been chosen to enrich the time visitors spend in the Gardens.
This self-guided 30-minute walk provides a brief insight into the significant trees on the site. The walk is on formed paths generally suitable for people of all abilities. More information is provided below the map.
If you would prefer, you can also attend a free guided tour with the Friends of Sale Botanic Gardens on the second Thursday of each month, 10am - 11am. Tours commence from the main entrance on Guthridge Parade and bookings are not required.
Kurrajong Seed Pod by Viktor Cebergs (2003)
The sculpture, made from rusted steel in the shape of a large seed pod of the Kurrajong Tree (Brachychiton populneus). It sits atop of the amphitheatre over looking the Lakeside Entertainment and Arts Facility (LEAF)
Jolly Swagman by John Brady (2005)
Tucked away in the Elm Forest stands the Jolly Swagman. Carved by local Chainsaw Sculptor John Brady, the Jolly Swagman was carved from a dead Oak Tree and rather than remove it, the decision to retain it and re-use it has created an interest point in the Gardens.
Eucalypt Sculpture by Annemieke Mein OAM & Jim Lawrence (2008)
In designing the main entrance to the Sale Botanic Gardens local artisan, Annemieke Mein O.A.M considered the most appropriate visual and complementary design to attract the attention of passerbys.
The Eucalypt design are in most cases over 1 metre long and constructed out of steel to show the imperfections often found in the gum leaves. The construction was completed by Moe local Jim Lawrence.
Reflective Walk by Ziggy & Lucy Pawlikowski (2013)
Consisting of 6 panels of stainless steel, the Reflective Walk is the work of Polish born artists Ziggy and Lucy Pawlikowski and commissioned as part of the construction of the Lakeside Entertainment and Arts Facility (LEAF) in 2013.
Seed Pod and Mosaic by Kathy Luxford Carr & Paul Gennings (2018)
Commissioned by the Friends of Sale Botanic Gardens, the Seed Pod and Mosaic that it sits upon are the works of local artists Kathy Luxford-Carr and Paul Gennings.
Situated in the Sensory Garden, it captures the attention of visitors and draws them further into the Gardens.
Wang-Ngara by Paul Gennings (2020)
Local artist, Paul Gennings, was commissioned to create artwork to compliment the earth wall constructed amenities block. The plasma cut stainless steel panels represent the River Peppermint (Eucalyptus elata) which is endemic to eastern Australia.
Shimmering Penny Tree by Andre Sardone (2022)
Dedicated to his mother, Penny, Sculptor Andre Sardonne created this piece of artwork for the Victoria Sculpture Prize which was held in Sale in 2022. Fittingly located in the Sensory Garden, the Shimmering Penny Tree attracts the visitors' attention with the sound of the breeze through the 'penny leaves'.
Maple Grove
The Maple Grove provides great vistas across the Gardens and over Lake Guthridge.
Bordered by the busy activity precinct around the Children's Playspace and adjacent to the tennis courts, the Maple Grove provides great vistas across the Gardens and over Lake Guthridge. The Grove is populated with Maple Autumn Blaze (Acer x freemanii) which provide a stunning vibrant red canopy in autumn.
Children's Playspace
The Children's Playspace allows young people to explore physical boundaries and provides opportunity for social interaction and cognitive development.
Elm Forest
The Elm Forest, which can be dated back to the original planting of Ulmus procera (English Elm) in 1881 has come about from years of being part of a fauna enclosure. The Elm Forest is located to the southern end of the Gardens.
Grazing by the kangaroos, and not being maintained by staff, resulted in elm suckers developing into trees and the area becoming a 'forest'.
Wildlife in the Gardens
The Gardens are home to more than just plants. Our diverse natural habitats attract a wide range of birds, mammals, insects and reptiles. Some are native, while some have been introduced. All are wild animals and can roam within and beyond the Gardens.
It's very important that none of the animals are fed, and left to forage in the wild. Feeding wild animals changes their behaviours, disrupts natural food chains and can make them sick if the food is not their natural diet.
Wildlife includes the Indian Peafowl, Grey-headed Flying Foxes, Black Swans, Microbats (Lesser Long-eared Bat and Little Forest Bat), Bees and Purple Swamphens.
Just Outside the Gardens...
Just outside the Sale Botanic Gardens are amazing opportunities for people to enjoy nature and be active.
Lake Guyatt Arboretum
Trees play an important role in the support of the health and wellbeing of the community. Trees are critical in enhancing local biodiversity, cool the environment, increase property values and mitigate stormwater runoff. They also build the character of the township.
Originally established in the 1920's to display a range of exotic and native tree species, the Lake Guyatt Arboretum was enhanced with the assistance of the Sale and District Field Naturalist Club in 1966.
Trees within the arboretum are:
Platanus X acerifolia - London Plane Tree
Schinus molle - Peppercorn Tree
Pinus pinea - Stone Pine
Exocarpus cupressiformis - Native Cherry
Eucalyptus viminalis - Manna Gum
Eucalyptus macranda - Long Flowered Marlock
Eucalyptus globulus - Blue Gum
Sale Common
Connected to the Lake Guthridge Parklands by a series of off-road gravel paths is the Sale Common.
Visitors to the Sale Common can stroll along the 15km's of boardwalks and gravel paths and be immersed into the environmentally significant site with its abundant birdlife and towering red gum forest.
Location
Guthridge Parade, Sale 3850 Map
Web Links
→ www.salebotanicgardens.com.au
→ Sale Botanic Gardens Self Guided Tree Walk
→ Seed Lakeside Community Garden
