The Man Who Planted Canberra
In the heart of the rabbit-infested Limestone plains, Charles Weston, a visionary from England, launched a remarkable re-greening initiative that would not only revive the barren landscape but also shape the very essence of the new Australian capital.
Having gained prominence as Foreman of 79 gardeners at the illustrious Drumlanrig Castle, Weston sought a fresh horizon in Australia, drawn by the promise of opportunity beyond the constraints of the British class system when he arrived in Sydney in 1896.
Post-Federation in 1901, he embraced the monumental challenge of transforming the national capital into his ‘dream city,’ a green sanctuary that would flourish amidst the trials of climate change. His story weaves together the lives of notable figures like Home Affairs Minister King O’Malley and Walter and Marion Griffin, offering readers fresh perspectives on the capital’s creation while revealing the incredible legacy of three million trees and shrubs from around the globe, crafted into a template for a resilient garden city.
This captivating narrative will engage Canberran gardeners, nature enthusiasts, and visitors alike, enhanced by stunning illustrations that celebrate the lasting impact of Weston’s ambitious plantings on the Federal Capital.
Publisher : National Library of Australia
Language : English
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781922507778
ISBN-10: 1922507776
The Man Who Planted Canberra is essential reading for history lovers and gardening enthusiasts alike.
With engaging prose and new historical insight, Macklin reveals Weston’s overlooked legacy as a green revolutionary, a man ahead of his time whose ideas on sustainability, biodiversity, and beauty continue to inspire town planners and gardeners.