Highfields was a farming community, then a village and now a satellite suburb of Toowoomba. The Davidson Arboretum one of many botanical parks that grace the Toowoomba area. It is one of a few unique retreats donated to the area by residents. In this case it is dedicated to testing whether northern hemisphere flora can thrive on the Darling Downs. Laurel Bank Botanical Park is another local site for outstanding deciduous trees.
Address: 11 Cawdor Road, Highfields QLD 4352.
Peacehaven Botanical Park is only a kilometre away on Kuhls Road.
I have walked and ridden through it many times. It is a relaxing place to visit. One of the first things I learnt assembling this post is that Arboretum means “tree garden” in Latin. The photographs show how spectacular the gardens are even in the final days of winter. I aim to add spring and autumn images when the time comes. A sundial is ornamental in a tree garden. If the sun is shining on it it is near midday, while if it is in shade it is either morning or afternoon.
Ken and Mary Davidson kindly donated this park in 2007. From 1989 to 2007, they planted these gardens following a vision that Mr Davidson had, to grow and test exotic ornamental species for suitability in the local area. Davidson Arboretum focuses on ornamental trees and some shrubs from the northern hemisphere, which are predominantly deciduous. The photograph here is of the fruit tree garden. It is hard to credit that the bare tree to the right produces an abundance of oranges in summer.
The collection includes different species of maple, ash, conifer and oak, flowering trees such as blossoms and magnolias, and many other rare and unique trees. A few native Australian trees add to the mix. Floral plants include clivias, freesias, irises, lilies and the odd ranunculus, a colourful spring garden.
Residents, Ken and Mary Davidson, purchased land on the corner of Flamingo and Cawdor Roads in 1989. It was previously a grazing country. They named it ‘Homewood’. This section reminds me of a henge for some reason.
In 2007, they generously donated a hectare of the garden to Crows Nest Shire Council, now part of Toowoomba Regional Council, for the community to enjoy. The Davidsons wanted to ensure residents and visitors to the region will enjoy this display for many years to come. Here is a rest area provided by Rotary, but my mind can see an ensemble playing to an audience on the grass.
It would be worth a short stop if you are on the highway 10km north of Toowoomba. In a ten minute walk, you will see flora you haven’t seen elsewhere – and this with Toowoomba, the self-proclaimed garden city. If you do, please comment below. Naming a plant or two would be appreciated.
The video below is of the whole tour in 360. Look around while moving or when stopped. For even more detail, download the GoPro Quik app and a copy of the video here. You can zoom in and you for more detail.
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