When Chris Dicker and his family moved from Cairns to Newlands Arm seven years ago, their 3.5-acre block was little more than a disused quarry overrun with African lovegrass.
“Had we known what African love grass was, we would not have bought the block,” Chris admitted.
“The real estate agent knew, of course, and seemed smug as he drove us around the tussocks.”
Despite the challenging start, Chris and his family began a long-term planting project, transforming the property with hundreds of native trees.
Among the earliest arrivals were 12 Huon Pine seedlings, sent from Tasmania by a friend in Cairns.
“They arrived a little worse for wear, wrapped in damp newspaper,” Chris said.
“At the time, we didn’t even have a
house or shed.”
He nurtured the seedlings in native potting mix, repotting them as they grew.
“The Huon Pine is an ungainly, drooping tree,” Chris said.
“I fancied they were weeping for their cool, dripping rainforest home.”
At 1.6 metres high and 45 millimetres at the base, the trees needed more space – and Chris wanted them to thrive.
A friend suggested contacting the Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne, which led to an extraordinary outcome. Staff from the gardens came to collect the trees, and Chris carefully transported them in a custom-built crate. “I was met at the gate, escorted to the nursery, and found myself with an audience,” he said.
“It felt like shaking hands with part human, part tree.”
The Huons were adopted by the Friends of the Gardens, a volunteer group
dedicated to propagating and growing plants. Chris was even gifted a tiny cutting to take home.
“I drove away a complete and happy person with a new title – ‘philanthropist’,” he said.
From a barren quarry to a thriving forest and finally a home at one of Victoria’s premier botanical gardens, Chris’ story is a testament to patience, care, and the enduring appeal of nature.
