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A girl with red hair is wearing a white jumpsuit with lemons all over it and facing sideways. Behind her, there is a red wall featuring thirteen paintings. Most of them are hung on the wall, though there are 3 sitting on plinths.
Making Place: Explore the artworks

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Learning is at the heart of Museum of Brisbane. Extend your skills and knowledge through creative-led experiences and learn more about our city!

MoB Sunday Stories: Brisbane’s first Jacaranda

Whether they signify the turning of the seasons or conjure up memories of looming university exam timetables, the purple blooms of the Jacaranda tree have decorated the memories of Brisbane residents since 1864.

The first Jacaranda planted in Australia was most likely in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens in 1864. Walter Hill, Director of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, would have obtained the exotic seeds from a visiting ship that had stopped off in South America.

It is purported that Hill would row his boat out of the wharf to swap seeds and plants with visiting sea captains. After 116 years Brisbane’s first Jacaranda had grown to a height of 14m with a diameter of 10m.

Are you looking to spring into a new adventure this season? Click here to see what’s blooming at Museum of Brisbane.

Jacaranda flowering in New Farm Park Brisbane 2004. Courtesy of artist.
Jacaranda flowering in New Farm Park Brisbane 2004. Courtesy of artist.

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Stories of Place Audio Tour
Explore the Making Place: 100 Views of Brisbane salon hang with artist Pat Hoffie in this self-guided tour.
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