| RIPPON LEA |
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| While some of the treeferns are extremely tall and somewhat difficult to identify, the following list probably will include most species represented here: Cyathea australis C. brownii C. cooperi C. cunninghamii C. dealbata C. howeana C. X marcescens C. medullaris C. robusta C. smithii C. woollsiana Dicksonia antarctica D. fibrosa D. squarrosa D. youngiae Other ferns which might be of particular interest to treefern lovers are some quite massive specimens of Marattia salicina (the New Zealand form of this species I suspect) and an extensive clump of Cibotium barometz. |
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| The magnificent Rippon Lea mansion was designed and built in 1868, with major extensions in 1882. While some of the original 40 acres was sold for redevelopment is the early 1900’s, the internationally significant ‘pleasure gardens’ have remained virtually intact. This includes a grand fernery, a vast curved structure shaded by wooden slats mounted on massive steel arches. The claim of 200-300 species of fern (depending on which brochure you read) is perhaps a little exaggerated, but it does still contain a very impressive collection, including of course many treeferns. |
| Rippon Lea is located about 8 km south-east of Melbourne at 192 Hotham St, Elsternwick, just east of the Nepean Highway (Mel. Ref. 67 F2), and is open 7 days from 10am to 5pm. Entry is $11, which includes a guided tour through the mansion, or $7 to enter the gardens only (prices at May 2002). For further information, visit <www.nattrust.com.au> <www.festivale.webcentral.com.au/melbourne/historic/dbrippon.htm> |
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