HISTORY THE ROSE GARDEN From as early as 1859, two assistance of the Apex Club. The Rose Garden was first varieties are displayed on years before Benalla was Many more roses were established in 1959 and is a the island using a red theme proclaimed a town, land was planted in 1966 when significant feature of the for maximum visual impact. set aside for public recreation Benalla’s first Rose Festival Benalla Botanical Gardens, Between the island bed and where the Gardens now was held. which gained national status the rose border is a sunken GARDENS GUIDE stand. A major change occurred in in the 1960s. Construction grassed area that highlights Early residents cleared a 1972 with the damming of of Benalla’s innovative, new the shape of the main bed, small area among the flood- the Broken River to create Rose Garden began in 2004. suggesting an island in the prone, red gum forest for a Lake Benalla, an important The rose collection has been river. cricket pitch. The picturesque landscape feature that retained in the rose border The original 1886 curved cricket ground in this area provides the setting for the along Bridge Street. Part of paths have been reinstated BENALLA has been the site of a number Benalla Art Gallery this border now folds back to link the rose island with of international matches. constructed in 1975. into the Gardens to define the rose borders and the rest Mr Alfred Sangwell, a In 1995 the Benalla Gardens the central feature – a large of the Benalla Botanical Melbourne landscape was listed on the Register of island of roses. A number of Gardens. Botanical Gardens gardener, was appointed in the National Estate in 1886 to design and create the recognition of its heritage A COMMUNITY GARDEN Gardens. His use of values. gracefully curved walking Many of the improvements Since its beginnings, the and to foster their paths sweeping through recommended in the ‘Benalla community has strongly conservation and plantings of trees and shrubs Botanical Gardens supported the development of development. is typical of 19th century Conservation Plan, 2001’ are the Benalla Botanical public gardens. You can become involved in now in place for all to enjoy, Gardens. Community groups this very special area by The Rotunda, built in 1911, including; the boardwalk and and service clubs have often joining the ‘Friends’. For was the focal point of picnic lawn by the lake been central to the planning, more information contact: entertainment in these early foreshore, the restored 1886 fundraising and actual work days. path layout, the New involved in developing our Friends of Benalla The Rose Garden was first Zealand Collection and the beautiful Gardens, the Art Botanical Gardens & established in 1959 with the new Rose Garden. Gallery and the Lake Benalla Riverine Parkland and Broken River environs. PO Box 589 Benalla VIC 3671 The Friends of Benalla [email protected] Botanical Gardens & Riverine Parkland is an active Benalla Rural City Council community group working to Fawckner Drive, Benalla stimulate interest in the Phone 03 5760 2600 Botanical Gardens and or visit surrounding riverine area, www.benalla.vic.gov.au October 2004 Map and photos by Stephographics HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GARDENS Benalla Botanical Gardens is (Yellow Gum). Conifers and historically significant palms are dominant features because it retains so much of that contrast with the many its original layout. The deciduous varieties of oak, 1886 design is unusual in elm and plane trees. that it combines an The Rose Garden is a ornamental garden with a highlight of the Gardens. large recreation oval. The avenue of trees that A special attraction of the surround the oval is a rare Benalla Botanical Gardens is landscape feature, originally the presence of a diverse designed as a circular range of sporting, carriage drive. The avenue is recreational, social and planted with Dutch Elms cultural features, such as (Ulmus x hollandica), Benalla Art Gallery, Purple-leaved Dutch Elms noted for its (Ulmus x hollandica outstanding art ‘Purpurascens’), and London collection and visiting Plane (Platanus x acerifolia) exhibitions (open trees. 10am-5pm daily, free Elliptical and triangular beds entry). It has an bordered by wide serpentine excellent café paths are a feature of the The renowned Sir design. Specific collections Edward ‘Weary’ are displayed in some of Dunlop Memorial these beds including a New Zealand collection, The ‘Rocket’ Asteraceae collection (Daisy playground, barbeque Family) and Mediterranean and other visitor planting. facilities The Gardens contain rare The beautiful Rotunda, and mature plant specimens. which hosts a variety Three Ulmus ‘Viminalis’, the of concerts annually only known elm trees of this species in Australia, are The 4.2 km Lake listed on the National Benalla walking track Trust’s Register of which encircles the Significant Trees along with lake, with outstanding a large Flindersia australis views of the Gardens, (Crow’s Ash) and two lakeside and remnant Eucalyptus leucoxylon River Red Gum forest..