To keep botanic gardens the same, Australian horticulturalists are radically changing their species today
In short: As temperatures rise, Australia’s iconic botanic gardens are undergoing a quiet, essential transformation. By replacing vulnerable species with climate-resilient alternatives, experts are ensuring that future generations can still walk beneath a lush canopy. It is a long-term strategy of adaptation, proving that sometimes you must change to stay the same.
At the Melbourne Botanic Gardens, the approach to future-proofing is driven by rigorous climate risk assessments. Clare Hart, the manager of Horticulture, notes that if local temperatures rise by one to three degrees, the region could mirror the climate of modern-day Dubbo. To prepare, the gardens have moved beyond traditional planning, using data to identify which species are most at risk. This process involves a deliberate transition: replacing plants that can no longer thrive with specimens suited for the climate projections of 2070 and 2090.
This strategy is not about abandoning the garden’s identity, but evolving it. While oaks, eucalypts, figs, and palms will remain, the specific varieties are being swapped for those better equipped for heat and drought. For instance, the gardens are collaborating globally through a climate alliance, such as testing the New Zealand Kaka Beak to see how it fares in warmer conditions. Meanwhile, the 'grey garden' section showcases plants like the Eucalyptus macrocarpa, which uses fine hairs and waxy coatings to reflect sunlight and conserve water, serving as a model for future landscape design.
The effort is deeply rooted in legacy. Curators like Amy Downie are planting trees, such as the Eucalyptus grandis, with the expectation that they will provide shade for hundreds of years. This landscape succession plan is designed to outlive the people planting them, offering a sense of empowerment against the daunting reality of climate change. By shifting the focus toward long-term survival, these experts are ensuring that the immersive experience of a botanic garden remains a gift for future generations to enjoy.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: How the future climate is changing how Australian green spaces are designed | Gardening Australia
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