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1930 to 1950s: Almond blossom fairyland

Did you know many locals courted under the beautiful almond blossoms?

This information is part of Stories of the Sturt River, an interpretive trail where you can listen to the history of the Sturt River at six state-of-the-art signs along a 3km stretch of the Sturt River Linear Park walking and cycling trail from Warriparinga to Oaklands Reserve.

Bus-loads of interstate visitors came to see the spectacular blossoms during July and August.

This is worth coming 600 miles to see, one visitor said. So thick were the petals blown onto a neighbouring field that visitors remarked, just like snow.

- THE ADVERTISER, 8 AUGUST 1939

By 1952, this way of life was under threat

As a writer for the Guardian newspaper wrote:

"The beauty that once made Marion district a famed tourist attraction is fast disappearing. In place of colourful almond groves which were annually visited by thousands of visitors during blossom time and the well laid out vineyards, a residential area of prefabricated homes is being developed."

Almond production

During the 1930s the Marion district produced one third of the almonds grown in Australia.

Most growers in the Marion area had almond trees on their properties, ranging from a few trees to large plantations.

Many local couples courted under the blossoms, which they described as a fairyland.

The soil was perfect for growing almonds

The alluvial soil on the plains adjacent to the river was perfectly suited to almond growing.

The almonds were either planted as an orchard, or as a wind-break around vineyards and gardens.

Oh! Lovely South Australia

Oh! Lovely South Australia Now the almond blossom sways; And each proud tree her floral crown, Alluringly displays.

A land transformed surrounds us, For beauty has passed this way, And decked the groves with pastel grace

In clustered, sweet array. Each dainty petal but a part Of Nature’s artistry, Pale as the first faint flush of dawn, God’s gift — for all to see.

Gentle as snow on the leafless boughs, Caressing with whispers of spring; Oh! Glorious almond blossom time And the new-born hopes you bring.

- K M WILLIAMS 1939, THE MAIL (ADELAIDE)

Stories of the Sturt River video

You can listen to all this on a video on YouTube:

History and Cultural Heritage

The City of Marion recognises the importance of preserving our cultural heritage, valuing the past and planning for the future.

Our cultural heritage is precious and irreplaceable. It includes stories, memories, events and traditions as well as landscapes and places, buildings and objects that have significance to our local community.