Three years after the first European settlers arrived in Cooktown, a botanic garden was proposed. By 1878 ‘Queens Park’ was a reality. Water was diverted, wells sunk, fountains erected, greenhouses and formal gardens constructed. It was the pride of the town and the centre of dignified recreation.
By 1896, money was getting a bit scarce, so townspeople could subscribe to the gardens, in return for a weekly bunch of flowers. Gradually, as prosperity dwindled, the gardens were ignored and reverted to weeds and shapelessness. In 1979, the site was cleared for an arts festival and signs of former splendour were uncovered. Cook Shire Council began the business of restoration and expansion. Some original plantings are still there and so is a lot of granite stone pitched channelling. Without documents, restorers depend on archaeology to show what the gardens used to be like.
As I ramble around I stumble across the circles of the old fountain, and stone channels and ponds. I visit the garden beds where flowers were grown to sell, and loiter near lily ponds. I encounter the Cooktown orchid, unfortunately behind wire, and the Vanilla orchid, unfortunately not flowering. The feeling is of parkland, and their are many invitations to sit: smoothly carved benches announce the name of the timber they are made of and encourage contemplation of the prospect.
A lovely rambly sort of garden. You have some good photos of all the tropical plants Meg
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And how could I not visit the Botanic with you? A perfect bench, water lilies and pink and white spotted leaves. A superior sort of place, expertly showcased 🙂 🙂
I doubt I’ll ‘see’ you again for a while, Meg. Safe trip to Poland and I’ll check in with the Warsaw blog when I get back here. Hugs! 🙂
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It’s fantastic that the garden has been brought back to it’s former glory. Over here we have the Lost Gardens of Heligan which was completely overgrown and now beautiful once more.
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I’m off to google your lost gardens.
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Enjoy honey!
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I did. I want to go there! We’re thinking of a year in Poland – a jumping off point for all sorts of sorties, as well as precious twin time.
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That sounds perfect and a flight from Poland to the south west isn’t too expensive!
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Another lovely post – I am enjoying seeing this part of Australia through your lens 🙂
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