River Red Gums - Windback Wednesday

In celebration of World Environment Day later this week, today’s windback is putting the spotlight on these Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River Red Gums). A local heritage listed landmark in the suburb of Tusmore, these trees line the rear of properties that front Tusmore Avenue.

Originally about 17 pairs, the trees were planted by William Rogers of Tusmore Farm during the 1850s and marked the main driveway to Tusmore House from Greenhill Road. Tusmore Farm included 800 sheep, 50 cattle, horses and over 100 acres in wheat and other cereals. The house’s gardens boasted cocoa-nut palms, banana trees, cedars, bamboos and pines. The farm was subdivided in 1912 and Tusmore House demolished in 1924.

The trees are a reminder of the original estate and remain as an indication of the location of the Tusmore House.

Photographs:

Entrance gates to Tusmore Farm circa 1898.

Sketch of Tusmore Farm from The Paddocks Beneath: A History of Burnside from the Beginning, by Elizabeth Warburton, page 87.

River Red Gums on Tusmore Avenue, Tusmore, June 2021.