From a seed in China to the ‘backdrop for countless love stories’: a ginko’s 167-year journey to Victorian tree of the year

National trust of Victoria award celebrates much-loved arboreal icons while calling for protection of green spaces

For more than 160 years, a humble ginkgo tree raised from seed in Geelong’s botanic gardens has been the backdrop to “countless local love stories”. Standing beneath it is the most popular spot to get married at the park, its branches forming the backdrop of many wedding photos.

Now, in addition to being the largest ginkgo biloba in the state – and possibly Australia – at a whopping 20 metres tall, it has a new claim to fame. The much-adored Geelong icon has been crowned Victoria’s tree of the year.