Tropical Gardens Horticulture:
The site originally consisted of degrading sandy cliffs and dunes. The embayment was used by local fishermen for the storage of boats and equipment owing to the proximity of the sea and natural protection the site afforded.
In the 1920s it was laid out with paths, borders and dry stone walls to create a terrace garden overlooking Poole Bay. Planted with exotics, the site was described as “Luxuriant in growth with plenty of Palms and Yuccas”.
The dry stone walls are a unique feature created from Portland Stone, they form wave-like patterns, evoking the sea and the fishermen who came before.
To the east of the site a rockery dominates the garden providing opportunities for coastal planting in marked contrast to the tropical abundance found within.
For many years since its creation the site degraded and became cloaked in Holm Oak and Euonymous japonicus . In 1996 the gardens were replanted and a new paved viewing platform provided. A number of the original Chusan Palms ( Trachycarpus fortunei ) have survived and are retained as features. The individual beds have been planted with a range of sub-tropical planting inspired by the original 1920s design ethos.
The site forms part of the Gardens of Excellence concept; born in 1922 and developed from an idea for a botanical garden to further enhance the town’s reputation for its beautiful floral heritage.
There are many exotic and unusual plants in the Tropical Gardens.
Plantings are maintained with the minimum use of pesticides and the surface is dressed with bark mulch to reduce evaporation.
