The Robert Tree

Xanthorrhoea quadrangulata

Robert Smith made an important contribution to the revegetation of
Lochiel Park and greening of the City of Campbelltown.

The Robert Tree acknowledges his unstinting generosity in sharing his
knowledge and love for the region’s biodiversity.

Robert Smith: ‘I’m a Native Plant Tragic’

The Robert Tree before removal to Lochiel Park

About halfway through the construction of the Lochiel Park Sustainable
Village a groundswell of resident enthusiasm in urban food production and
revegetation of Lochiel Park was afoot.
For nearly 10 years from 2011 Robert Smith taught and guided enthusiasts
in their efforts to identify plants and gather seed, and propagate and grow
local provenance Australian seedlings for the revegetation. He is highly
respected for this work and was made an Honorary Member of the Lochiel
Park Community Garden where the Native Seedling Project flourishes.
Thousands of plants grown under Robert’s direction have also been
supplied to Campbelltown City Council thus contributing to parks and
creek lines across the City. This also provided funds for infrastructure
development of the Community Garden (opposite the Robert Tree).
More thousands of plants have been supplied to the Friends of Lochiel
Park for its revegetation efforts, particularly with under storey
development and as a result the park is thriving, and small native bird
populations are increasing. The Robert Tree came from the front garden of
Robert Smith’s home in Mines Road where he lived for decades and
became so familiar with local plants.
It is fitting that The Robert Tree now resides in Lochiel Park opposite the
Community Garden and amongst the residents and visitors who benefit so
much from his work, knowledge and enthusiasm.

Robert’s Little Pink Book has been the seed collectors’ bible for the Seedling Project. Robert noted the plant locations and ripeness dates of seeds in the local area. The invaluable data is now computerised. Here Peter Stokes (L) and Peter Larsson are collecting cyperus vaginatus seeds with Robert in the foreground.
Robert pondering remnant grassland at Callington SA 2019 with native grassland specialist botanist, Anne Prescott. Photo: Di Sullivan
Robert with Bruce at the community garden
Burnt skirt leaves act as fertilizer
Relocation of The Robert Tree, July 2021
Flower spikes removed
Out and exposed and flower spikes off
Lifted from Mines Road
Preparing the hole
Lifted to her new home
Put in her new home
The seedling project team

Photo credits: Sandy Dee

The Robert Tree Dedication

Robert Smith with Mayor of Campbelltown, Jill Whittaker
Mayor Whittaker addresses the Crowd

A crowd of committed Lochiel Park revegetation supporters gathered with Robert Smith and his family and friends at The Robert Tree on 14th August 2021.  Mayor Jill Whittaker paid tribute to Robert’s contribution:

Robert Smith made an important contribution to the revegetation of Lochiel Park and greening of the City of Campbelltown. Robert Smith states that he is a Native Plant Tragic.

The Robert Tree dedication of this wonderful example of Xanthorrhoea quadrangulata acknowledges his unstinting generosity in sharing his knowledge and love for the region’s biodiversity. 

It was Henry Haavisto, Council’s Arborist, who over ten years ago, sparked the idea of gardeners from the Lochiel Park Community Garden grow local provenance plants.  Di Sullivan went looking for a local resident with the knowledge to enable such a venture. Robert Smith was recommended to her by members of the SA branch of the Australian Native Plant Society.

For nearly 10 years from 2011 Robert Smith taught and guided enthusiasts in their efforts to identify plants and gather seed, and propagate and grow local provenance Australian seedlings for revegetation. 

Thousands of plants grown under Robert’s direction have been supplied to Campbelltown City Council thus contributing to biodiversity in parks and creek lines across the City.

More thousands of plants have been supplied to the Friends of Lochiel Park for its revegetation efforts, particularly with under storey development and as a result the park is thriving, with increasing numbers of small native birds. 

The Robert Tree came from the front garden of Robert Smith’s home in Mines Road where he lived for decades.

It is fitting that The Robert Tree now resides in Lochiel Park opposite the Community Garden for the pleasure of the residents and visitors who benefit so much from his contributions. The Robert Tree is a living reminder of what is important and what we can achieve as both an individual and as part of a wider community. 

This tree reminds us of the approximately 3000 thousand plants that have come from this nursery every year and gone to all corners of Campbelltown.

Thank you everyone involved in the collection of seeds, the nurturing of seedlings and the planting of those babies. 

In particular I commend you Robert for working to create this living legacy by showing us all the way we can live local and act for the health of our world by cherishing our ancient, living heritage.