The apple tree garden is an ornamental garden around a significant shade tree on the rail reserve between Northcote and Croxton Railway Stations. The garden aims to create a diverse planting of flowering plants and shrubs around the tree, contributing to biodiversity with extended flowering periods to encourage bees and other pollinators. There is no access to water, so plants are chosen for their drought hardy properties, ability to suit the conditions, and flowering potential.
The apple tree has been on the site since a crossing guard hut stood by the track, when the railway gates were operated manually. Work on the site started in 2010 and the efforts are documented by Cat Wilson at http://www.catwilson.net/sentinel-axis/.
The volunteers who plant and maintain the garden are part of the Stationeers Program, through Keep Victoria Beautiful. Regular working bees are held once a month on the second Sunday of the month from 10 to 12, and as needed.