Plants and Plantings
Plants and Plantings
The eastern canopy is dominated by mature camphor laurels
The eastern canopy is dominated by mature camphor laurels
Church Walk Park comprises an eclectic range of plantings reflecting its age and changes in tastes in park design and function. It's earliest plantings, at the Eastern end, are more European in character, being dominated by large Camphor Laurels and date palms.
Other plantings include hibiscus and other exotic ornamentals favoured in the 1960s.
Up to the 1990s the plantings shifted to more native species, but not necessarily native plants local to Newcastle, whereas in the 21st century the plants provided or installed by City of Newcastle have a much more local character favouring plants endemic to the Newcastle region. These local species are thriving!
In addition there are numerous self seeded plants in the Park including a diverse range of species, including interesting species like Cherry Guava and Karipatta as well as invasive weed species like African Olive.
Church Walk Park comprises an eclectic range of plantings reflecting its age and changes in tastes in park design and function. It's earliest plantings, at the Eastern end, are more European in character, being dominated by large Camphor Laurels and date palms.
Other plantings include hibiscus and other exotic ornamentals favoured in the 1960s.
Up to the 1990s the plantings shifted to more native species, but not necessarily native plants local to Newcastle, whereas in the 21st century the plants provided or installed by City of Newcastle have a much more local character favouring plants endemic to the Newcastle region. These local species are thriving!
In addition there are numerous self seeded plants in the Park including a diverse range of species, including interesting species like Cherry Guava and Karipatta as well as invasive weed species like African Olive.
Newcastle Tree Map
Newcastle Tree Map
The City of Newcastle maintains an excellent tree map that plots every street tree and park tree in the LGA. You can even email individual trees! Access the map here.
"Eclectic and peaceful. A European park slowly being recolonised by Native plants"
"Eclectic and peaceful. A European park slowly being recolonised by Native plants"
Cherry Guava is one of the interesting self-seeded species in the park
Cherry Guava is one of the interesting self-seeded species in the park
Church Walk Park Plantings Map
Church Walk Park Plantings Map
To supplement the Newcastle Tree Map, the local community has undertaken an extensive survey of plants inside the park. Input was sought from the Awabakal Land Council to advise on any native plants and their uses. The Plantings Map defines, weeds, exotic ornamentals, native plants from outside the local area and local Newcastle plants.
There is an embedded map below best for desktop computers, or it can be accessed from this link if you are on a smartphone.
The Map is great for self guided tours of the Park's flora.