Set on a hilltop with panoramic views over Lakeside, the Central Valley, Mount Annan Summit and Wedding Knot, this garden of drought-tolerant Australian plants showcases a vibrant arid botanical landscape.
It’s called Burara Ngurada, meaning ‘Dry Country’ in the Dharawal language, gifted from Dharawal Elders and knowledge holders. The plants in this garden are from many different dry country ecosystems from across Australia.
The idea and concept for the space came from one of the Gardens’ own amazing Conservation Horticulturists, Sarah Dempster, and was built in–house by the Horticulture and Living Collections team.
This project transformed underutilised turf once in need of frequent maintenance, irrigation and weeding, into an arresting arid experience that is wheelchair and pram accessible.
Five planters in the heart of this garden highlight elevated wildflower displays. You can now spot endangered and vulnerable species such as Small Purple–peas, Flame Spider Flowers and Chariot Wheels, which support ex situ conservation efforts.
Australia’s arid ecosystems are evolutionary marvels, where rare and miraculous plants survive and thrive. Get up close and discover the fascinating adaptions these plants developed to cope in some of the harshest environments on Earth, flourishing despite extreme climates and poor soils.
