Among the Autumn Trees of Springvale Botanical Cemetery
- 4 July 2021
To change or not to change
“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”Albert Camus
As the vibrant greens of summer give way to the warm hues of orange, gold, and crimson, autumn in Melbourne brings a quiet beauty to the grounds of Springvale Botanical Cemetery. Whether you're strolling through the gardens or enjoying a coffee at Café Vita et flores, the season offers a moment to reflect, remember, and reconnect with nature.
A Living Arboretum in Melbourne’s South East
Springvale Botanical Cemetery is home to over 11,000 trees, including a rich mix of indigenous, Australian native, and exotic species. While many native trees remain evergreen throughout the year, exotic deciduous trees like elms, oaks, and birches bring the classic autumn palette to life.
Did you know? Most Australian native trees don’t change colour in autumn due to our unpredictable climate. Unlike the northern hemisphere, Australia’s trees often remain green to take advantage of sporadic growing conditions.
Tree Stories: Heritage and Habitat
Among the cemetery’s most treasured features are 17 heritage trees that predate the cemetery itself. These trees are carefully maintained by SMCT’s arborists to ensure they thrive for generations to come.
- Sugar gums (Eucalyptus cladocalyx) line parts of the grounds, remnants of the area’s farming past.
- Red river gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) grow in a curious straight line, likely marking the path of an ancient stream.
- Bunya pines, planted in the early 1900s, stand tall along Main Drive. These Queensland natives can live up to 500 years and produce football-sized cones filled with edible chestnut-like kernels.
“Some trees, like our 300-year-old red gum outside Café Vita et flores, are carefully irrigated to simulate their natural flood cycles,” says one of SMCT’s arborists. “It’s a way of honouring their history while supporting their future.”
A haven for wildlife and birdwatchers
The trees at Springvale not only provide shade and beauty, they also support a thriving ecosystem. Native and exotic fauna find food and shelter among the branches, and naturally occurring hollows are preserved to house local wildlife.
Birdwatchers often visit the cemetery to observe species drawn to the diverse flora, making it a peaceful destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.
🍁 Autumn Reflections in a Botanical Sanctuary
Autumn is more than just a season - it’s a time for reflection, remembrance, and gratitude. At Springvale Botanical Cemetery, the trees stand as silent witnesses to generations of stories, offering a tranquil space for visitors to connect with nature and honour loved ones.
Next time you visit, take a moment to admire the trees that shape the landscape. Whether you're walking beneath the golden canopy or sitting beside a centuries-old gum, you’re part of a living legacy.