Michael Perry Reserve Management
Michael Perry Botanic Reserve in Stonyfell is one of our most iconic reserves and is well used by walkers who enjoy the trail along Second Creek.
The reserve was created in the 1970s after subdivision of the historic Clifton Estate, one of South Australia’s most historic homesteads.
Michael Perry Reserve Vegetation Management Plan
A Vegetation Management Plan for the whole reserve was produced in 2012 and defined a number of management zones including the historic garden area, creek line and hillside woodlands.
The creek line and hillside woodland areas which were infested with woody weeds such as willows, olives, sweet pittosporum and Italian buckthorn, and invasive species such as Arum Lily, German Ivy and Wandering Trad dominating the understorey have now been returned to diverse native vegetation. Over a hundred and fifty species of local native plants now thrive in these areas, and support abundant populations of native fauna including White Faced Herons, Tawny Frogmouths, Boobook Owls and Superb Fairy Wrens.
Most of the recommendations of the Vegetation Management Plan are now complete and these areas are now managed by City of Burnside’s Natural Resources Team and skilled biodiversity contractors.
Michael Perry Reserve Vegetation Management Plan (2012)(PDF, 6MB)
Michael Perry Reserve Historic Garden Adaptation Plan
In early 2019 a plan was developed to guide the restoration of the historic garden areas of the reserve. The plan has been implemented in stages.
The plan set out a vision that captured the historic nature of the garden but acknowledged that many conditions have changed since its establishment as a private garden in the 19th Century.
The plan:
- documented the history and development of the garden
- documented the remaining historic plantings
- defined the character of each of the different areas of the garden and how they should be restored
- proposed planting styles that reflect the historic and botanic interest of the site
- proposed policies for selection of species and materials consistent with its historic nature
- proposed no changes in public use
In 2019 works began on restoring garden beds, paths and planting of new specimen trees and plants, with volunteer group Conservation Volunteers Australia and the Burnside Biodiversity Nursery volunteers contributing much to the restoration effort. Since then three stages of garden restoration have been completed and the garden is now back in peak condition, with:
- woody weeds and invasive species eradicated
- garden beds and rock edges restored
- 138 new specimen trees planted
- nearly 400 different species of ornamental plants established
- botanic identification labels installed for key species
- pathways and garden trails upgraded
- new seats and picnic tables installed
- a series of illustrated information boards installed giving details of the garden’s history and philosophy
The gardens are now maintained by City of Burnside assisted by specialist horticultural contractors.
The gardens were featured in SA Life Magazine in May 2024.
Michael Perry Reserve Historic Garden Adaptation Plan (2019)(PDF, 10MB)
Michael Perry Reserve Historic Garden Species List(PDF, 780KB)
Further Information
If you would like further information, please contact The Coordinator of Conservation and Land Management on 8366 4200 or at burnside@burnside.sa.gov.au.