FOR THE LOVE OF TREES – STREET COVER

The National Arboretum is an ideal place to visit if you’re after a chilled Sunday spot to catch up with a friend, have a breakfast or lunch date with your partner or spend quality with the family; it provides open space and air outside in the grass area which is perfect for a Sunday picnic or alternatively there is a cafe (SPROUT CAFÉ) and restaurant.

The arboretum has an inspiring background story as it was erected from devastation but what was created after this devastation serves a wonderful purpose.

The destructive bush fires of 2003 in the ACT wiped away a large proportion of plantations from the 250-hectare arboretum site. The solution was to replant but apart from replacing the trees the project launched was also to create a site which educates the community – highlighting the importance of the role trees play on our planet. This information is provided through cool multimedia displays located in the Village Centre.

The Village Centre itself is also an award-winning architectural building, with its high rise ceilings arched with its naked skeleton structure and floor to ceiling windows which delivers a view of the open spaced landscape.

After lunch, a part from venturing out to the many walking trails the site has to offer, a must do is to visit the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection.

Why? Because what’s not cool about miniature trees and forests?

The bonsai art form was revived under the influence of Japanese Zen Buddhism and is to reinforce peace and clarity for the spectators and its artists, so it is definitely a great spot to visit if you want some downtime to reflect. The intricate details of these miniature trees are a visible illustration of the amount of patience and care these artists take to help assist with the bonsai’s growth, therefore even if you don’t understand how it came to be you will definitely be able to develop a sense of appreciation and respect for the art.