- Ausbiota(27 days)
Exotic areas
The exotic areas of the Garden feature plants from different parts of the world with climates and conditions similar to those of Coffs Harbour - mostly from regions approximately 30 degrees north or south of the equator. Travel through the various countries, become acquainted with different vegetation, lush perfumes and recognize some familiar “faces” of plants that have become ornamentals in our own backyards.
Beyond the Glasshouses start your travels through South Africa and Tropical South Africa, then wander through India into China and Japan. Past the Tung Oil tree (Aleurites fordii) in China is a grassy area with North America on the left, moving to central America and South America.
Visitors will notice the mosaics set into the pathway entrances to each section. These were made by students of schools in the area, and depict a distinguishing feature of each country:
South African tribal masks - Toormina High School
Indian elephants - Woolgoolga High School,
The Chinese Dragon - Orara High School,
Japanese Pagoda - Bishop Druitt.
The North American Bald Eagle - Christian High School, and
Central American Quetzal - John Paul College.
At the northern end of the large grassy area, there is a waterfall fed from the lake in the Japanese area. From the waterfall the water returns to the lake via a rocky watercourse.
Weeping willow and twisted willow make this a beautiful area for photography and weddings, a cool spot in summer.