UC Davis Arboretum Australian Collection

It’s ironic, I’ve lived in Davis since 1997 and have been to the UC Davis Arboretum countless times but I’ve never explored its many botanical collections in-depth. In fact, I know the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden and the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum better than the UC Davis Arboretum, a mere 10 minutes from my house. 

But that is about to change. 2013 is the year when I will spend much more time exploring the UCD Arboretum’s many treasures. After all, the Arboretum was recently named one of the 10 most beautiful botanical garden in the U.S.

130119_UCDA_AustralianCollection_89

All of this was prompted by a walk my daughters and I took yesterday. We first grabbed some smoothies at Jamba Juice in the Davis Commons shopping center, which borders the Arboretum on the east, and then made our way towards Putah Creek. This section of the Arboretum is a popular place for people to walk, bike and feed the ducks (although you’re not supposed to) and it’s also the home of the Australian Collection.

130119_UCDA_AustralianCollection_Bull-mallee-Eucalyptus-behriana_01

Bull mallee (Eucalyptus behriana)

I had never paid close attention to the variety of gum trees (Eucalyptus) in the Arboretum, but there are close to 30 different species in the Australian Collection.

130119_UCDA_AustralianCollection_Flooded-gum-Eucalyptus-rudis_03

Flooded gum (Eucalyptus rudis)

130119_UCDA_AustralianCollection_Eucalyptus-perriniana_01

Spinning gum (Eucalyptus perriniana)

130119_UCDA_AustralianCollection_Eucalyptus-perriniana_03

Spinning gum (Eucalyptus perriniana)

130119_UCDA_AustralianCollection_Eucalyptus-perriniana_02

Spinning gum (Eucalyptus perriniana)

While January isn’t the best month of the year to visit, I did find pockets of bloom. Check them out!

130119_UCDA_AustralianCollection_Grevillea-thelemanniana_07

Grevillea thelemanniana

130119_UCDA_AustralianCollection_Grevillea-thelemanniana_03

Grevillea thelemanniana

130119_UCDA_AustralianCollection_Grevillea-thelemanniana_06

Grevillea thelemanniana

130119_UCDA_AustralianCollection_Hakea-leucoptera_03

Labeled Hakea leucoptera but to me it looks a lot like a grevillea flower

130119_UCDA_AustralianCollection_UNID-banksia_04

Unidentified banksia, possibly Banksia praemorsa but I’m not a banksia expert

130119_UCDA_AustralianCollection_UNID-banksia_02

Banksia praemorsa?

130119_UCDA_AustralianCollection_UNID-banksia_01

Banksia praemorsa?

I also found a beautiful specimen of Cordyline australis ‘Torbay Dazzler’, standing all by itself near a collection of New Zealand flax (Phormium). This variegated cabbage palm is stunning!

130119_UCDA_AustralianCollection_Cordyline-australis-Torbay-Dazzler_108

Cordyline australis ‘Torbay Dazzler’

130119_UCDA_AustralianCollection_Cordyline-australis-Torbay-Dazzler_109

Cordyline australis ‘Torbay Dazzler’

I can’t wait for spring to come. There will be so many more things to explore at the UC Davis Arboretum.

Comments

  1. 30+ species of Eucalyptus, wow! Looking forward to seeing photos of your visit in the spring already!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great taste of this garden! Seeing more of the collection is yet another reason to look forward to spring!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fortunately eucalyptus trees are evergreen so the Australian Collection doesn't look as bare as other parts of the Arboretum.

      Delete
  3. I always had the intention to come to their spring sale each year but never have been able to. This year, I must come.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Laura, the first plant sale is March 9th (members only for this one). The public sales are on April 6, April 28 and May 18.

      Please let me know if and when you come so we can get together!

      Delete

Post a Comment