| The Mount Lofty Botanic Garden occupies 80 hectares on the eastern slopes of the Mount Lofty Ranges. This spectacular hills garden was started in 1952 and first opened to the public in 1977. It features plants from the cool climates of both the northern and southern hemispheres which do not grow well on the hot, dry Adelaide plains. The land consists of seven intersecting valleys in a regenerated stringy bark eucalyptus forest. With an altitude of some 200 m, it has an annual rainfall of 80 – 100 mm. It also has good views down the Piccadilly Valley. Part of the land was previously used for market gardening, with an aqueduct system still evident in parts of the Garden today. Various walking trails take visitors up and down the seven valleys each dedicated to a particular plant group including stunning massed displays of magnolias, rhododendrons, camellias, roses, peonies, and ferns. A fine collection of exotic deciduous trees make a breathtaking display in autumn. Good walking shoes are recommended. It is worth visiting this gorgeous Garden in different seasons, as these photos indicate. You may come across an inquisitive bandicoot, and notice Stan’s wall – a real labour of love.
See http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/botanicgardens/gardens/mtlofty.html
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