Huntington Highlight: Adventure in the Australian Garden

Located at the southern edge of ’s extensive grounds, a visit to the five-acre Australian Garden requires a little stamina from potential explorers—not unlike the continent for which it’s named. But if you’re the intrepid type, you’ll appreciate the opportunity to get a glimpse of plants—including rare and endangered species—that are native to the land Down Under.

Once home to groves of orange trees, this section of the estate was replanted in the 1940s with 1,000 eucalyptus trees as part of a U.S. Department of Agriculture experiment. Twenty years later, the overgrown area was thinned and only “the most interesting and attractive specimens” were kept, according to The Huntington Web site. Other examples of native Australian flora were brought in to create the collection and in 1964, the area was opened to the public as the Australian Garden.

Compared to the more formally designed landscape of the neighboring (closed until 2012 for renovations), the Australian Garden gives the impression of wilderness, with gravel and dirt walkways that wind through plantings of eucalyptus, acacias, bottle trees and other Australian plants. So different is this area from the rest of the manicured estate that, if you aren’t paying attention, you might think you’ve somehow left The Huntington property behind. As I set out to wander through the garden on Sunday, I felt like I was going on my own little walkabout into the far reaches of the Outback.

Spring is the best time to visit the Australian Garden, as its flowering bushes and trees are in full bloom. If you’re going to check it out during the summer, it’s a good idea to be prepared — the conditions are a little more rugged on The Huntington’s southern frontier! Here are a few tips:

• Wear appropriate shoes. Like the true California girl that I am, I adore my flip-flops, but even I have to admit that when it came to strolling through the Australian Garden, they weren’t the best option. Gravel paths and dirt make close-toed shoes or sturdy sandals a much better choice.
• Take a parasol or umbrella or wear a hat. There’s not a lot of shade once you enter the area, so be sure to take some with you.
• Use sunscreen. This should, of course, be a given whenever you’re outdoors (yes, even if you’re like me and tan instead of burn!). The lack of shade in the Australian Garden necessitates a little extra vigilance.
• Take your time. The untamed look of the Australian Garden makes it tempting to rush through it on your way to the next thing, but I encourage you to slow down. You’ll see lots to interest you if you pay attention—such as the intriguing flame tree, one of my favorites.