The Plant Trail at Brimbank Park

In 1980 the Keilor Plains Group established a native plant trail within Brimbank Park in Keilor. The trail was designed to show the delights of native plants and what will grow in our soils and climate.

Rejuvenation of the trail began in 2000. In order to create interest for park users, and for ourselves, we have planned theme plantings; for example, bird attracting plants, fast growing plants, perfumed plants, butterfly attracting plants, local indigenous plants, food plants, all/most year flowering plants, grasses, plants suitable for a rockery, and more.

The Rabbit Proof Fence

Unfortunately nearly all the initial plantings in 2000 were eaten by rabbits. In 2002, the group successfully applied for a grant to install a rabbit proof fence. The fence has certainly demonstrated its worth with small plants such as Brachyscomes, Bulbine Lilies and Bracteantha viscosum (Everlasting Daisies) finally being able to take hold. 

Plants on the Trail

Examples of the plants currently represented on the trail are Correa, Hakea, Grevillea, Eremophila, Dianella, Melaleuca, Myoporum, Verticordia, Banksia, Brachyscome, Eriostemon (now Philotheca), Acacia, Callistemon, Indigofera, Casuarina, various grasses & herbs, Templetonia, Bursaria and many, many more.

We welcome any ideas and feedback on the trail and would love any help at the working bees. Contact us for more information, or just turn up at Brimbank Park and have a look. This is a long term project so expect many changes over the next few years as the trail develops.