All of the trees planted in the Arboretum have a story to tell about their heritage and the significance to their country of origin. It is in the telling of the 'Tree Stories' we can learn to appreciate nature at its best.
Below are tree stories which have been written by Susan Parsons, a writer known to many Canberrans.
Cork Oaks - Author: Susan Parsons
Kurrajongs - Author: Susan Parsons
Arbutus species (including Canary Madrone) — Author: Susan Parsons
The Ginkgo — Author: Susan Parsons
Cedar of Lebanon — Author: Susan Parsons
Camden White Gum — Author: Susan Parsons
Author Profile: Susan Parsons
Susan Parsons came to Canberra from Sydney in 1967 as a Judge's Associate. In 1983 she began contributing a weekly 'Sunday Gardener' column to 'The Canberra Times' and continues to write a weekly 'Kitchen Garden' column for the paper.
Since 'Capital' magazine started publication in Canberra in 2003, Susan has been its landscape and gardens feature writer. She has contributed to many other garden journals.
Susan was a member of the inaugural Advisory Committee to the Australian National Botanic Gardens, has been a garden selector and committee member of Australia's Open Garden Scheme and a judge of heritage gardens in the ACT.
Her interest in and passion for Ginkgo biloba began in 1987 when she was introduced to the trees in the courtyard at University House. A ginkgo which she raised from seed 15 years ago grows slowly in her courtyard. Fruits from the trees in the Forestry courtyard at ANU, sown by her in April 2009, have germinated.
