University of Adelaide

The client, Taylor Cullity Lethlean, requested a number of trees for their redesign of the University of Adelaide's North Terrace Frontage. The trees selected would have to complement both the stately buildings and the large, established trees that already decorated the site.

The trees selected were Camellia sasanqua 'Setsugekka', Jacaranda mimosifolia and Lagerstroemia x 'Tuscarora'; all were chosen for their hardiness and year-round appeal.

Jacaranda mimosifolia is an excellent hardy feature tree, tending to grow broader branching in cooler southern climates. It is often used for street plantings because of its good drought tolerance. It has an interesting form, with semi-deciduous pinnate foliage and its distinctive masses of violet flowers, starting in late Spring, or early Summer.

Crepe myrtles are always a popular choice for a hardy feature tree, as they perform well in so many different uses and positions. Importantly, they provide wonderful year-round appeal. They are deciduous, generally with great Autumn colour, and their ornamental bark and branching gives great Winter appeal; however, their best feature are the masses of beautiful, usually pink, flowers, held from Summer through Autumn. The Indian Summer® range of hybrid crepe myrtles are particularly mildew-resistant, and 'Tuscarora' is especially eye-catching, with its masses of brilliant coral-pink flowers.

The design won an AILA (SA) Commendation for Design in Landscape Architecture.

Below are photographs taken shortly after planting, and then after a few years' development.