Since 1989, local residents, Ken and Mary Davidson, have planted nearly 500 plant varieties at their 2.5 ha Highfields property known as ‘Homewood’, 11 Cawdor Road, Highfields.

Ken and Mary entered into arrangements with the former Crows Nest Shire Council to hand over a 1 ha portion of their property to Council to ensure residents and visitors to the region will enjoy this wonderful spectacle for many years to come.

The Arboretum includes some very rare species and many plants are up to 18 years old. The principal focus has been on deciduous ornamentals and, to a lesser extent, conifers.  However, examples of all groupings of plants can be found at the Arboretum. The full list is available as a 196 kb PDF file, and a map showing their locations (182 PDF file). The numbers in the list refer to the numbered markers on the pathway.

The Labyrinth. Labyrinths are complex path systems with only one route to a central point (mazes have many alternatives and many dead ends).  Labyrinths have been used since classical and mediaeval times for walking meditation: a form of meditation that involves body, mind and spirit. The oldest existing examples are in European cathedrals such as Chartres.

The paths in the labyrinth are marked by trees and lower plants adding an extra arboreal dimension to the classical labyrinth layout.  There are many ways to experience this labyrinth: from a deliberate spiritual meditation to a pleasant walk among the trees.  The central point has seats for rest, re-creation reflection and meditation.

Highfields’ climate is somewhat cooler than Toowoomba’s.  Measurements at Homewood suggest a difference typically of 1 degree.  The Davidsons have experimented with many plant varieties, taking advantage of the climate and now the Arboretum contains a fascinating mix which co-habit in this peaceful spot.

The Arboretum may be entered from Cawdor Road or Flamingo Road Highfields.

(“Arboretum” is Latin for ‘tree garden’ and is used to describe specialist plant collections. )

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