Garrington Park is located within a relatively new subdivision, and although small, it has become quite popular with the local residents. Located at the end of Noble Drive, New Town, the site was once an old quarry and brickwork factory. Now it has been transformed into a lovely green area with a playground and seating, where families can relax, or children can play soccer.
Although a lot of work had gone into the park so far, the recent planting of a further 39 trees is a wonderful addition and will provide a lovely green canopy, once they grow and mature.
The new trees include:
- 16 Cedrus atlantica
- 8 Brachicriton populneus
- 8 Pyrus betulifolia ‘ Southworth’
- 7 Eucalyptus gregsoniana ‘Eucy junior’
There are some interesting features to this park, which meant some work had to be undertaken before the trees were planted.
The park is surrounded along one side by a steep rocky cliff face, giving it a spectacular backdrop and natural ambience and the start of the New Town rivulet also runs through this area.
Although the ground is quite soft, it can also get quite wet. The team had to move some of the underground drainage to protect the tree roots. Around the perimeter is a WSUD (Water Sensitive Urban Design) which takes into consideration the drainage flow and how natural vegetation can use the water, so it doesn’t flow directly down to the Derwent River.
The Cedrus trees were chosen due to the colour of the foliage and the contrast they will provide against the back wall of the quarry. Although picturesque, Cedrus are large conifer trees and are very slow growing. It will be 40 years before they reach maturity.
Planting trees is often a long game, and the City of Hobart Arb team will conduct regular checks to ensure that the new trees continue to thrive. The plan includes mulching and watering, as well as annual structural pruning to ensure they grow into a correct shape.
Over time trees will help to create a greener and more relaxing area for locals to enjoy and in another 5 years the area will start to look a lot more established.
