Paul Thompson is a landscape gardener, who loves plants. He became involved with the Cranbourne Botanic Garden 16 years ago. Cranbourne has exclusively native plants.
When the Royal Botanic Gardens were established in the 19th century, it cost the government of the day a significant sum to establish and run them. There are 33 000 species of plants held in botanic gardens through Australia. Australia is home to around 24 000 species, and some of our botanic gardens are of international repute.
Three factors are important in planting design:
Plant selection needs to be based on form, colour, texture, site suitability, compatibility, availability and maintenance.
Light effects create mood and character. We should visualise plants as individuals and as a group to achieve design.
Paul recommended the book ‘Garden Design’ by Dame Silvia Crowe as an excellent reference.
Cranbourne boast rare and endangered species of animals and plants and is built in a former sand quarry. It was designed by Paul and his colleagues in 1995, with the brief to ‘explore and illustrate the role of native flora’.
There is a focus on the protection of surrounding indigenous vegetation, including the abundant native orchids and fauna, including a rare and endangered skink.
In planning the garden, they needed to evaluate the weed potential of each plant to protect the surrounding environment.
Paul showed us the plans for Cranbourne, describing the interesting features and their significance, showcasing the planning involved. The second stage is due to be opened in 2012.
Paul and the other designers hope that the gardens will inspire and instruct visitors to respect, enjoy and work to protect our natural diversity.
