One of the most exciting developments for the long term benefit of Whitehorse, and the eastern region of metropolitan Melbourne, is the creation of new Botanic Gardens.
Manager Urban Design, Felix Hemingway, has spent the last 12 months designing the Gardens which will be constructed in stages over the next 10 years.
The idea for Botanic Gardens arose after a long period considering possible options for unused Council land north of Burwood Highway.
In a region where people are passionate about gardening, the opportunity to create an amenity, which not only adds to the aesthetic value of the area but also includes an education in horticulture, was compelling.
“There is a genuine need for Botanic Gardens in this area,” Felix Hemingway said. “There is a high interest in gardening evidenced by the success of our community garden.
“Included in the design will be spaces constructed on a domestic scale where people can relate to their own gardens and gain ideas as to how to improve the domestic landscape.”
Ultimately the gardens will take visitors on a walk through a variety of landscapes. These will range from exotic plants, typical of many gardens in the eastern part of the City, through to indigenous bushland found in Whitehorse’s many reserves and parks.
“People will have the chance to identify many plants that attract their attention in Whitehorse,” Felix Hemingway said.
The Gardens will include a water feature running throughout the landscape and linking the different segments.
Felix Hemingway explained that the design will allow the work to take place in segments. Each part is self contained and will work by itself but will also provide a logical extension to the next stage of work.
Other features of the gardens will be the inclusion of the area’s original farmhouse, and relocation of an existing sports oval and close proximity to the existing community gardens.
Restaurant and cafe facilities will provide additional amenity and a means of recouping some of the costs of construction.
Felix Hemingway said the gardens will create a beautiful place for Whitehorse residents, the eastern region and visitors.
“As Botanic Gardens, it will be educative as well as adding to the aesthetic value of Whitehorse long into the future,” he said.
“We are planting for posterity.”
