Page 15 or descendants like Phil Jones, whose father Alwyn Jones served on the Armidale Beautification Committee formed in the 1940s, a walk around the city is not only a fond reminder of loved ones but also a source of deep pride in the legacy they left behind. Today, Armidale is celebrated as a must see autumn destination for leaf-peepers from across the country, thanks to its striking display of deciduous trees in rich reds, yellows, and oranges that line its streets, parks, and educational institutions. This spectacle was no accident. It was the result of the vision and dedication of community members who recognised the need to enhance the city’s streetscape by selecting species that offered summer shade, winter sunshine, spring blossom, and autumn colour. The autumn display we enjoy today began in the 1940s with the work of the Armidale Improvement and Beautification Committee and was brought to life by the Street Tree Planting Committee. Between 1948 and 1964, more than 1,500 trees were planted along Armidale’s streets, guided by the committee’s recommendations. Planting was a true community effort, with residents enthusiastically planting trees supplied by council. Phil Jones recalls that his father and fellow committee members had a clear and simple objective. “They wanted to create summer shade and autumn colour, which prior to the plantings were virtually nonexistent in Armidale.” “My father’s ’signature’ tree is the Pistacia – Pistacia chinensis – which is outstanding in it’s colour of reds, orange and yellows. It’s the tree which lines Marsh Street from Dumaresq to Erskine Street, Mann Street and Barney Street – and others. “My father always looked for exotic trees which would provide outstanding autumn colour, but not grow too tall. He was aware of the power line issue! He planted many possible street trees in his own garden in Garibaldi Street to see how they responded to Armidale’s conditions prior to recommending them.” Today, council proudly continues this legacy, not only preserving the Armidale region’s celebrated seasonal beauty but also strengthening the city’s economy through the growing tourism value that these trees now bring each autumn. F Planting A LEGACY The story behind Armidale’s autumn glow
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