THANKS to the late Peter Ellis, Bendigo is blessed with a number of open spaces to allow for native plants to grow and flourish.
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His legacy was further strengthened on Sunday morning with a native tree planting at the drought resistant garden on Old High Street, Golden Square.
Members of the Bendigo Field Naturalists Club, with the support of a number of council groups, planted 400 box ironbark trees and shrubs in the garden to commemorate 12 months since Mr Ellis’ passing.
A life-long advocate for native species in Bendigo, some of the plants were collected by Mr Ellis himself several years ago.
Naturalists club secretary Matt Comer said it was a good reminder of the work of Mr Ellis.
“He’s the reason why we have areas like Whipstick Forest, One Tree Hill and Saloman’s Gully reserve preserved for future generations,” he said.
“Peter was always very passionate about his work. He was involved in writing submissions and lobbying the government to make sure these things happened.
“This drought proof garden is perfect for native birds right in the middle of Bendigo, so hopefully this planting can add to that in the years to come.”
The bulk of his work spanned the 1960s and 1970s to help protect the areas now considered essential for outer Bendigo.
The City of Greater Bendigo Heritage Advisory Committee supported the planting to commemorate Mr Ellis, who was also a noted collector, musician and historian. He was a long serving member of the committee and a life member of the naturalists club.
Mr Ellis was award the Order of Australia Medal for his contribution to the arts, by collecting and preserving Australian folk history and heritage.
But it was his conservation work that was celebrated on Sunday, with Councillor Peter Cox speaking at the planting along with friends and family.
Council heritage planner Dannielle Orr said the council would always be thankful for Mr Ellis’ contribution.
“He was always very keen and knowledgeable about forests, this is a nice way to honour him one year on,” she said.
“This is a great opportunity to help rejuvenate the garden as well.”
The garden is alongside the Golden Square Senior Citizens Centre.