George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens

History

The gardens were established on their present site in 1866; this was the third attempt by European settlers of Darwin to establish a site where plants of economic importance could be tested for their suitability in the tropics.^[1] Initially the collection of the gardens was focussed on economic gardening and the ornamental plantings. The gardens were severely damaged during Cyclone Tracy in 1974, 89% of all plants were lost.^[2] Restoration after the cyclone was led by George Brown, who had worked at the gardens since 1969 and served as curator from 1971 to 1990, and became Lord Mayor of Darwin in 1992 until 2002. The gardens were renamed in 2002 to recognised George Brown's contribution and 32 years service to the development of the gardens.^[2][3]

Oldest surviving building in Darwin

Collection

The gardens contain a major collection of Northern Australian monsoon flora; these include communities like mangroves, monsoon vine thicket, Tiwi Island wet forest and those found on the Arnhem Land escarpment. The gardens also has a large collection of native and introduced tropical plants including cycads, palms, Adansonia, gingers and heliconias.^[4]

George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens

Education and visitor information

Opening hours

The Gardens are open every day of the year at 7.00am and close at:

• 7.00pm everyday

The Gardens Visitor Centre is open 7 days a week:

• Weekdays 8.00am - 4.00pm
• Weekends 8.30am - 4.00pm

References

1. ↑ NT Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts. Darwin Botanic Gardens - About Us
2. ↑ ^{a b} NT Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts. Darwin Botanic Gardens - George Brown
3. ↑
4. ↑ NT Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts. Darwin Botanic Gardens - The Collection