Colour is rampant in the Sensory Garden.
Looking particularly stunning at the moment is the Golden Trumpet Tree (Tabebuia chrysotricha) which belongs to the family Bignoniaceae. This family is most noted for its ornamentals which are grown for their conspicuous tubular flowers.
The Golden Trumpet Tree is considered the national tree of Brazil and has all of the exotic and joyful overtones normally associated with Brazil’s national dance, the samba. It’s abundant, showy yellow flowers have earned it a place amongst the world’s most attractive flowering trees.
The Golden Trumpet Tree grows to a height of 7.5m – 10.5m and its canopy may be as wide as the tree is high. The flowers are rich in nectar, making it a useful honey plant.
Also looking spectacular at the moment is the dwarf Tasmanian Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus var compacta) . After keeping visitors in suspense for months it has also burst into flower.
After admiring these wonderful trees take a moment to seek out the beautiful turtle sculptures prepared by local school children during the educational programs at the Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden. They are by the white arbour next to the pond.
Amongst the plants that the children have planted in the turtles is Carpobrotus glaucescens also known as Pigface, a ground-creeping plant with succulent leaves and large daisy-like flowers. Carpobrotus refers to the edible fruits. It comes from the Greek karpos ("fruit") and brota ("edible"). Glaucescens refers to the blue green bloom, which lightly covers the leaves.
There is so much to see at the Sensory Garden that visitors will be enthralled.
By Ian McAlister & Karen Hagan