Fern Gully

Fern Gully

The Fern Gully demonstrates a range of fern species typical of cool forests of Australasia that will grow well in Melbourne's climate. 

The Fern Gully is a natural gully within the gardens providing a perfect micro climate for ferns. Visitors can follow a stream via the winding paths in the cool surrounds under the canopy of lush tree ferns.

In designing the Fern Gully, Guilfoyle sought to recreate the fern gullies of the Australian bush. Fossil evidence shows that the soft tree fern dates back to when Australia was part of the supercontinent Gondwana. Ferns are one of the first plants to re-generate after hot wild fires that kill many other plants.

 

Key Plants
Curator Notes
History  


Key Plants

Asplenium australasicum   

Ground Fern  

Dicksonia antarctica  

Tree Fern

Cyathea australis    

Tree Fern

Cyathea dealbata  

Tree Fern

Asplenium oblongifolium  

Ground Fern

Cyathea medullaris 

Tree Fern

Microsorum scandens

Ground Fern

Doodia aspera  

Ground Fern

Blechnum nudum  

Ground Fern

return to top

Curator Notes

  1. Established ferns respond well to liquid fertilizing in growing season (Spring)
  2. Remove dead tree fern fronds when necessary  
  3. The soft tree fern is one of the oldest plant species in the world.

return to top

History 

  • First plantings were planted by Mueller in the 1850's.

return to top

Image


Best Viewed


Late Spring and on hot days in Summer!

Location


Fern Gully 

Birdwood Avenue near E gate
Visitor Map
 

Grow

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Plant Census


Find out what plants grow at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

 


> RBG Melbourne > Garden Features

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne - Fern Gully
http://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/./Fern_Gully ( accessed Wednesday, 25th November 2009 )