Australia's capital Canberra was designed by Americans Walter and Marion Burley Griffin, and their design wasn't simply restricted to the layout of streets. They also wanted the city to be sustainable, and one example of this was a grove of Cork Oaks planted near what is now the National Arboretum. Most of these trees are now almost a hundred years old, but Walter probably never imagined that cork would become redundant.


Cork Oak by RobGeraghty, on Flickr

In the early days of Canberra, a great many trees were planted in various locations to test their suitability for the environment. Many of the trees were conifers from all over the world, with the intention of supplying building timber for the city. I saw one such grove years ago which had beautiful Sequoias and Redwoods from the 1930s, but they were all lost in the 2003 firestorm. There is still a small grove of Redwoods near Canberra Airport.

[slowpez]

Interesting story. TFS.

[CreationBear]

but Walter probably never imagined that cork would become redundant.

Not if you're addicted to fly rods: flor grade cork for grips is one of the finer things in life.



At any rate, a very interesting image and glimpse into your local history.

[RobG]

Interesting story. TFS.

Thanks Susan!

Not if you're addicted to fly rods: flor grade cork for grips is one of the finer things in life. At any rate, a very interesting image and glimpse into your local history.

Good point! I'd forgotten about cork grips on fishing rods!

[skunktail]

flor grade cork for grips is one of the finer things in life.

I'll agree to that.

[carpents]

Thanks Susan!



Good point! I'd forgotten about cork grips on fishing rods!

Or flooring. Cork is a popular alternative to laminate.

And I still prefer it for wine closures.