Bamboo is a useful plant in the right places but the Port Fairy Botanic Gardens is not one of them. Port Fairy Rotary recently undertook the destruction of unwanted bamboo plants in accordance with the Council's Gardens Reserve Master Plan. This work continued the Club's efforts in recent times of assisting with the implementation of the Master Plan, including the planting of Norfolk Island Pines along the river and the installation of garden furniture.
Port Fairy Botanic Gardens
The Port Fairy Botanic Gardens were established in 1859 on 24 acres of land between Griffiths Street and the Moyne River. Known then as the Police Paddock it was used from 1851 by the Belfast mounted police to graze horses, prior to which the area had served as a racecourse. Between 1859 and 1873 the Gardens were planted using seed provided by Baron Ferdinand von Mueller, famous botanist and Director of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens. The Gardens Reserve now retains part of the original historic botanic garden, along with the caravan park, the oval and other sporting facilities.
The Shire of Moyne's Master Plan for the Gardens Reserve includes actions to enhance the Botanic Gardens through new planting, new furniture and path upgrades. In addition the Plan has a commitment to repair the historic front gate and adjoining fence.
L to R The Bamboo Crew: Bill Moore, John Clue, Robert Whitehead, Michael Crowe and works supervisor Tony Bawden