Restoration Efforts Underway for Bowral's Cherry Blossom Memorial Avenue

As Australia commemorates the 60th anniversary of the deadly Battle of Long Tan during the Vietnam War, a dedicated community in Bowral is working tirelessly to restore a unique cherry blossom avenue. This special walk, notable for being the only avenue of Japanese Tai-Haku cherry trees in the country, leads to the Vietnam War Memorial and serves as a poignant tribute to the fallen soldiers.

The Cherry Tree Walk, which stretches for 5 kilometers and features 307 trees, has been plagued by phytophthora, a fungal disease causing root rot. This illness hinders the trees’ ability to absorb vital nutrients and water, threatening the survival of many trees that have stood for three decades, with some already needing replacement.

Veteran Tony Blake, who was instrumental in the original construction of the memorial 30 years ago, recalls the significance of these trees. “The quality [of the memorial] is stunning. I don’t believe there are any in Australia like this, not to this quality anyway,” he shared, reflecting on his role in the memorial committee following his service with the 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment.

The cherry trees were chosen by the late Effie Kerr OAM, a member of the Highlands Garden Society, who saw a connection between the trees and the Vietnam veterans she felt were overlooked. The Tai-Haku, once nearly extinct in Japan, was revived through the efforts of a British collector, enriching the memorial’s symbolism.

The Battle of Long Tan, a focal point in the Vietnam War, saw 18 Australian soldiers killed and 24 wounded, marking August 18 as a day of remembrance. Craig Tibbitts, a senior historian at the Australian War Memorial, noted the battle’s significance, stating, "The Battle of Long Tan eventually became synonymous as a focal point for commemoration for Australia’s service in Vietnam in general."

In light of the deteriorating conditions of the cherry trees, veterans reached out to the Wingecarribee Shire Council for assistance. Charlene O’Connor, the council’s senior arborist, took on the challenge of reviving the avenue. Over the past six years, she has collaborated with a nursery in Victoria to clone the original trees using grafting techniques, ensuring that the new trees preserve the same canopy and blossoms.

Reflecting on the project, Ms. O’Connor expressed her admiration for the veterans’ contributions and the emotional weight of the trees’ history. “It’s something they value that we should all value as well,” she remarked, emphasizing the shared sentiment behind the restoration efforts.

Source: www.abc.net.au