Eremophila GArden

Along the main visitor trail, this garden is one of the few display gardens that contains plants not just local to the Barossa region but may be sourced from across Australia.  

Over 80 species from the genus Eremophila are displayed within this garden. Forms range from groundcovers to a couple of small trees. Some of the original plants from 2005 are still growing well, however others have been replaced. tone mulch is used throughout the garden as representation of the species’ natural distribution areas, mostly arid regions.   

This plant collection has several objectives, including:

• Preserving Eremophila species not commonly found in the wild

• Trialling a variety of species of Eremophila to determine suitability to the local climate

• Providing a space for passionate Eremophila growers to display their plants, including variants and cross-pollinated species and to share knowledge. 

The Eremophila Garden was planted by passionate volunteer members of the Australian Plant Society (APS) - Barossa and Gawler District in 2005. Some of the original plants are still represented in this garden but new additions are added when space is available. 

Aboriginal Peoples value the medicinal qualities of some Eremophila, particularly Eremophila alternifolia, Eremophila longifolia, and Eremophila duttonii. Research is being conducted on some species regarding their medicinal uses as antibiotics. 

Habitat loss and the changing climate is putting a strain on the reproduction opportunities for the Genus Eremophila. Some species in the garden are extremely rare with only very few remaining in their natural terrain. The hope is, once these plants have grown, to propagate from them and plant them back into their natural element to increase numbers and reduce the risk of losing these valuable species. Plants can also be shared with other conservation organisations.

The collection provides an opportunity to find out which Eremophila species is suitable to be grown in our local and changing climate. Eremophila generally grow in drier regions with well drained and sometimes very sandy soils. The climatic conditions in the Barossa can range from drought years (good years for Eremophila plants) to sometimes very wet winters and, in rare circumstances, even flooding. Frost is another factor that can influence on the results of suitability for the Barossa region.