It’s a Thursday morning and a group of fluoro-clad, hat wearing volunteers are gathered under an expansive, shady eucalyptus tree near the lake within Melton Botanic Garden (MBG) enjoying a morning tea break with freshly baked goods and a cuppa. As a volunteer for over a year for the Friends of the Melton Botanic Garden, I am but one of many who have played an active role in developing and maintaining the garden. The gardens encompass a 25-hectare area of natural beauty and endless discovery made up of indigenous plants and exotic plants from similar climatic conditions.
Melton Botanic Garden can be discovered tucked in between Melton’s High Street and the freeway. The land on which the garden is developed is on Kurun jang balug land of the Wurundjeri-willam clan, a clan of the Woi wurrung people. These rich, diverse gardens celebrated their 20th anniversary earlier this year.
The garden is very popular with dog walkers, people exercising and young children exploring the nature space playground which is beautifully designed with natural materials and overlooking the lake. Many community groups visit on a regular basis to enjoy the peaceful public space. I work in the Koori Student Garden, a space originally designed by a team made up of a landscape designer and a group of Melton primary and secondary Aboriginal students.
The garden is designed around a serpentine-type shape with gravel paths leading into circular spaces and planted throughout with indigenous species of Me.
