The Living Heritage Grant

As part of this grant, Buda commissioned arborist Sue Luke of Treecology to complete a tree assessment and risk management report which gave direction for the action on the trees on the property.

Buda engaged Ed Oram, arborist, to complete the works listed in Sue’s report and because of the money available in the grant we were able to complete the works which included removing a tree on the west boundary, pruning and manicuring other trees. We also looked after the roots of the trees on our east boundary due to the new building works of 50 Hunter st and provided soil treatment and compost/ mulch throughout the garden.

Mulching is the key area that will be ongoing. Along with the monitoring of the plants, Buda  has engaged one of our volunteers to take images of the trees and document their changes on a 6 monthly basis. aWe will also set up a CAD program that will document where the trees are along with the irrigation and drainage systems on the property for the future.

Next was the completion of drainage works so carefully overseen by our committee member Colin Tracey. The works here included detecting, via hydraulic boring, where the main water pipes on the property travel (depth, type, and condition), the redirecting of the storm water to the 600,000 litre tank at the southwest corner of the property, clearing and preparing the open drainage including restoration of the spoon drains. With the generous donation of gravel from Max Kay we have been able to resurface all paths, bringing back some of the garden glory.

The final successful task was the installation of a fire-retardant sprinkler system into the hedge garden which will provide protection for the house.

Whilst we were able to not only complete the grant on time we were also able to do it on budget. This could not have happened without the support of significant project contributors: Colin Tracey provided hours of time in his engineering skills, his ingenuity and labour which was just amazing. Jill Hildebrandt and her band of garden volunteers who have given the hard yards, Friends of Buda who have contributed by donations and new mentors for Jill; Richard Lawson – City of greater Bendigo and Gillian Miller Castlemaine Botanic Garden Team Leader.