CEDRUS ATLANTICA

A row of 12 Atlas Cedars which are original perimeter plantings for Wombat Park along Ragland St and Malmsbury Rd/Midland Highway. The row of Atlas Cedars alternate with Himalayan Cedars (T12518).

These Atlas Cedars are significant for scientific, social and historic reasons at the State level. 

The Atlas Cedars are scientifically significant for being outstanding examples of the species and compare favourably to the Atlas Cedar in Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, Daylesford. The trees are socially significant for their contribution to the landscape as they are a notable visual enhancement to the entrance to the township of Daylesford on the west side of the Midland Highway. The trees are also historically significant for being part of the historic Wombat Park estate (B0976) associated with William Edward Stanbridge. The property has a historical connection with pastoralism in the region and to the town of Daylesford. Stanbridge had a strong interest in horticulture and Wombat Park was renowned for its garden and trees in the mid to late 19th century. 

The Atlas Cedars formed part of the perimeter plantings thought to have been planted sometime between 1910 and 1914 and which bordered the parkland paddock arboretum and provided screening. According to the Australian Garden History Society (2015), certain features of the arboretum paddock including the perimeter plantings are unusual in Victorian Gardens. 

A significant portion of the perimeter plantings now occur on land which has been subdivided from Wombat Park, however the classified specimens remain mostly intact. In combination with the Significant Himalayan Cedars (T12518), they form a substantial planting of 24 trees in total. 

Measurements: 18/02/2023

Average Spread (m): 20.67 (spread range 17-27m)

Average Girth (m): 3

Average Height (m): 24.67 (height range 20-26 m)

Estimated age (yrs): 113

Condition: Good

Access: Restricted

Classified: 09/12/2024