Hundreds of trees and plants in Macedon Ranges botanical gardens have gone unidentified for users for years.
Friends of Kyneton Botanic Gardens hopes to change that with a Gravotech laser engraving machine to create purpose-fit plaques.
The group made a submission for $13,590 funding for the project in the Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s 2024-25 budget.
Friends group member Lyn Bayley said people came to enjoy the gardens but wanted to understand the significance of the plants.
“There are significant 19th century trees that are not identified,” she said.
“We’re the only shire with three gardens… There’s very little signage in the gardens. We would have hundreds, nearly thousands, of plants across the three gardens that need to be identified.
“The benefits of improved signage would show greater botanical knowledge, serve as an educational tool for the community, and assist with garden tourism across the shire.”
Kyneton Botanic Gardens date back to 1858 and contains magnificent mature trees. Seventeen of the trees have been listed as significant, including an endangered chilean wine palm.
The laser machine was recommended to the group as the best fit for the job of creating suitable all-weather signage.
It is expected that the machine would be a council asset and could be used for botanical gardens in Kyneton, Gisborne and Malmsbury, as well as various other projects.
The Friends of Kyneton Botanic Gardens’ submission will be considered in the council’s budget process.
