A new garden designed to help people better understand how to grow Australian native plants has opened at Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, adding a practical and educational layer to one of Victoria’s most visited green spaces.
Located at the northern end of the Australian Garden near the Ian Potter Lakeside Precinct, the ‘How to Garden’ area has been developed to show visitors how native plants can be used in everyday home gardens. The space includes new plantings, long seating benches, a teaching circle, fire pit and updated signage aimed at gardeners of all experience levels.
The project was designed by Landscape Architect Andrew Laidlaw, who has worked with the Gardens for more than 25 years and was recently recognised at the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects Victorian Awards.
He said that the redevelopment has been carefully designed to demonstrate the concept of a contemporary garden with a focus on biodiversity, culinary and medicinal plants, and correct plant placement.
“Visitors can gain an understanding of the benefits of a garden designed for biodiversity, and how, with good planting, we can attract animals and insects to the garden, including bandicoots, native bees, native birds and other wildlife to create rich and abundant landscapes,” he said.
“They can learn about microclimates and selecting the right plant for the right location, such as planting in shady areas or areas with root-laden soil.”
“They can also learn about traditional plant uses including their medicinal and culinary properties and see that these plants can be planted in the ground and spread throughout the garden rather than just grown in raised gardens,” he continued. “Visitors are encouraged to touch and smell the plants in the garden for the full experience.”
Plantings include species such as Emu Bush, Native Mint, Kangaroo Grass and Chocolate Lily, alongside other varieties with culinary and cultural significance. Information throughout the space has been developed in consultation with Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, highlighting traditional uses and bush foods.
The space also incorporates a fire pit and seating area designed to encourage gathering and shared learning, drawing on the concept of communal outdoor spaces.
“This garden is a gift to the community and to future generations. I’ve always believed in the power of nature to inspire, restore and bring people together, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see that vision come to life here at Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne. I hope this space becomes somewhere people return to often — to pause, reflect and learn from the natural world,” said Dr Moors.
The new garden is now open to visitors daily. To find out more, click here.
