Williamstown Botanical Garden was born in 1856 as a result of the community agitating and petitioning the government for more park spaces in the area. When it started, locals thronged the area making it congested and busy. Due to its popularity, more land was acquired for the garden. Currently, the Garden sits on a 10 hectre block of land.
The garden was originally designed by Edward LaTrobe Bateman. The tree featured in the photo was planted in the 1850s. The park's marble statue of AT Clarke, local MLA (1891), is just close to this grand rooted tree.
Residents of Williamstown are now agitating and petitioning the government to stop high rises coming in the area. This time, there's a high chance that residents may lose out. Massive apartment buildings are already taking shape in the area, near the water. Whatever the outcome is, Williamstown's Garden is a reflection of how civil action can create ever lasting impact on a community.
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