English Garden in Weston Park, Canberra, ACT, AUSTRALIA - Municipal Parks and Plazas on Waymarking.com

The plaque at the entrance to the garden reads :
"The English Garden was planned and established in the grounds of the Government Nursery at Yarralumla in the 1960's by J.W. (Jack) Moore, the assistant manager. The garden contains many exotic trees and shrubs including plantings of Azealea and Rhododendron species and incorporated a group of existing mature trees, notably a Californian Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and a Western Yellow Pine (Pinus ponderosa)
The Yarralumla Nursery was established in 1914 by T.C.G. (Charles) Weston, Australia's first Afforestation Officer to provide trees and shrubs for the developing Canberra. The peninsula of land on Lake Burley Griffin adjoining the nursery was subsequently developed into Weston Park.

The unique landscape of Weston Park was strongly influenced by Lindsay Pryor, Superintentdent (later Director) of Parks and Gardens, Department of the Interior (1944 to 1958). His skill in plant selection and horticultural design and his enthusiastic and dedicated search for improved species, performance and appearance resulted in the planting of a great variety of trees and shrubs both within the Park and throughout the rest of Canberra. "



Weston Park and the associated Yarralumla Nursery have served both as a key lakeside recreational/horticultural park since the 1960s and also as a centre for horticulture since the founding of the National Capital. The park's name recognises the pioneering contribution of Canberra's first Superintendent, Parks and Gardens - Charles Weston - and to the city's unique landscape and parks system. It provides opportunities for people of all ages to, on the one hand, learn about the importance of horticulture in the development of Canberra as a garden city and on the other hand, to make use of a wide range of lakeside recreational opportunities.

The vision of Charles Weston
The park's origins go back to May 1913 when Weston located the site for his proposed production nursery and experimental facility (Yarralumla Nursery) and the adjacent aboretum (Westbourne Woods) on and near "Westridge". He intended that they serve as the centre for landscape and park operations in the Capital. While experimental work was transferred elsewhere in the 1970s, the nursery's plant production role has continued to the present day.

Weston intended that the nursery and aboretum serve as a place of community interest and this has been the case throughout Canberra's history. The issue and sale of plants and the provision of advice has always been a key role of the nursery.

The arboretum has survived also to the present day. It was expanded in the 1950s under the then Superintendent, Parks and Gardens, Linday Pryor and although now leased to the Royal Canberra Golf Club, it remains as a place for the display and study of a wide variety of trees.

The area surrounding the nursery evolved as a park under the influence of Weston and succeeding Superintendents of Parks and Gardens. When Lake Burley Griffin was filled in the mid 1960s, the park's landscape foundations were maturing and it was able to be further developed to meet the expanding demand for lakeside recreation.

The park was officially named after Charles Weston in 1963. The park and nursery have since been classified by the National Trust and entered onto the Register of the National Estate.

A park for everyone
Weston Park is popular at weekends and on public holidays. Large and small groups congregate in the park, and the garden centre and associated commercial activities also attract large numbers of people. Walkers and cyclists find ample opportunity for quiet relaxation.

During a visit to the Park reflect on the foresight of the horticulturust after whom the park is named and of his vision for a National Capital of great natural beauty.

Name: English Garden - Weston Park, Canberra, ACT, AUSTRALIA Street Location: Weston Peninsula, Yarralumla, Canberra, ACT, AUSTRALIA Local Municipality: ACT Government State/Province, etc.: Australian Capital Territory Country: AUSTRALIA Web Site: [Web Link] Memorial/Commemoration: The garden and park is named in memory of Charles Weston,Australia's first Afforestation Officer to provide trees and shrubs for the developing Canberra. The peninsula of land on Lake Burley Griffin adjoining the nursery was subsequently developed into We Date Established: 1914 Picnic Facilities: English Garden has tables, cafes, BBQ's, Recreational Facilities: The English Garden is within the much larger Weston Park. The park facilites available at Weston Park are substantial. A beach and swimming area are located on the eastern shore, and there is plenty of room for picnicking. There are picnic tables, electric barbecues and public toilets. A large scale adventure playground for children which has climbing facilities and a tree house is a feature. There is also a miniature train. There is plenty of parking and also a cycle track runs through the park. Ponds/Lakes/Streams/Rivers/Beach: Beach on the shores of inalnd Lake Burley Griffin Traditional Geocaches: GCZH1W GC1F311 Monuments/Statues: Not listed Art (murals/sculpture, etc.): Not listed Fountains: Not listed Special Events: Not listed

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Date Logged Log   09/02/2018 Grahame Cookie visited it