FOR many years I have been compiling a folder on the trees of the Tea Gardens area, with photographs I have collected and taken, recording their various stages of growth and researching their history.
The loss of a huge branch from the Moreton Bay Fig outside the Police Station was sad news for us all, leaving us wondering about the tree’s future.
Charles Hagon opened a wine saloon in Tea Gardens in 1884, then expanded it so it became our second hotel in 1887.
He took an active interest in local affairs and in 1890 he was responsible for planting the Moreton Bay figs along the waterfront, as well as the iconic tree on the bare hill on the way into town, on land he gifted to his daughter, Margaret.
As with all things, some survive better than others and require more help – hopefully our latest casualty next to the Police Station can survive.
Our council has been taking an active interest with an arborist and others assessing the situation.
The huge neighbouring fig tree and the one on Ogden Street around the corner are still doing well.
My folder opens with a poem I wrote to celebrate our trees and their place in our lives.
Good Old Trees
They stand like patient sentinels
As our generations pass on bye,
Forming a backdrop for our lives
The elements and years defy.
A comforting thought, in times past
My forebears were witnesses to these,
The gradually changing scenes, spread
Among the many, now olden trees.
By Anne JOHNSON, Tea Gardens Family Research and Local History
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