History

In 1850 an area of approximately 30 acres bounded by Glenelg Street, Bentinck Street and Salt Creek was set aside as a reserve for a botanical garden. A group of influential townsfolk including the Henty Brothers met in 1853 to generate interest in establishing the gardens. On 4th February 1854 a public meeting was held and a committee formed. A government grant of £500 was secured to fence the reserve and plan the layout of the gardens. The area was fenced but the plan was several years away. in September 1857 the committee wrote to Ferinand von Muller, Curator of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens requesting advice on laying out of the gardens. Alexander Elliott was appointed to the task and is believed to have visited Portland later that year to mark out the paths. By June 1858 Council had appointed the first curator, William Allitt and the gardens opened to the public in early 1859. Portland’s Botanic Gardens are the second oldest in Victoria.

 

Layout and Plantings

The gardens are reflective of early European design of path systems and a diverse range of plants. The layout of the paths remains the original design. Early plantings include specimens gathered and propagated by William Allitt, collected from around Portland and district. The plants in the gardens are fine examples of how diverse plant species adapt to Portland’s temperate coastal conditions. The planting style in the garden’s highlights “the art of gardening”

 

Curators Cottage

The bluestone curator’s cottage was constructed in two stages, with the first stage erected in 1858 and the second stage in 1889. The cottage not only housed the curator and his family, but also doubled as a shelter for visitors to the garden during periods of inclement weather. Over the years seven curators lived in the cottage, the last being Gilbert Pritchard in 1963.In 1965 the cottage was restored and became home to the Portland Historical Society collection. It is open to the public as a house museum.

Sports in the Garden

In 1868, as sport was gaining popularity in Australia, a croquet lawn was laid out in the Portland Botanic Gardens. The clubhouse was constructed in 1921 and croquet continues to be played in the gardens. By the late 1870’s tennis was introduced to the colonies and the first game was played in the Portland Botanic Gardens around that time. this suggests that the Portland Botanic Gardens also accommodated one of the earliest  public tennis courts. The tennis courts were relocated to the eastern end in the 1920’s.

 

Dahlias

Introduced by the first curator Willian Allitt, Dahlias have been a highlight of the Portland Botanical Gardens since early days. the existing Dahlia beds were laid out in 1884 – 1885 and between  early February and late April create an impressive display. there are 1,350 Dahlia plants, including over 180 varieties. The Dahlia blooms are used in Portland’s annual ANZAC day floral display. A stunning presentation that has been held in the Memorial Triangle in Cliff Street since the 1930’s.

 

Annual Flower Display Beds

 

Displays of annuals near the entrance and the cottage are planted in spring and autumn with cool climate plants for a bold display over summer and winter.

Roses

The rose gardens were laid out around the croquet lawns in the mid 1980’s. the display comprises over 120 varieties including hybrid teas, floribundas and standard weeping roses. the roses are best viewed form November to May.

 

Indigenous and Native Garden Beds

The native garden beds include species that are indigenous to Glenelg Shire and native species that grow well in cool climates. Developed in the late 1980’s / early 1990’s this section is best viewed during the winter months.

 

Rare Trees

Three trees in the Portland Botanic Gardens are listed as rare or outstanding specimens by the National Trust; Cordyline australis, Wigandia carscsana and Rhus viminalis.

Activities

The Botanic Gardens are popular with tourists, artists and photographers and are used for educational and recreational purposes, weddings and family gatherings. The gardens are linked by walking trails to the Fawthrop Lagoon and the Foreshore precinct.

 

Facilities

BBQ’s, picnic tables and seating

Public Toilets

Disability access and wheelchair friendly paths

Dogs on a leash welcome

Portland Cable Tram stop is located at the main entrance