MAJOR NEW PLANTING IN BOTANIC GARDENS RAINFOREST

Last week a stalwart band of volunteers, ably assisted by Damien Draper of Red Belly Bushcare, dug holes, put in water crystals, planted and watered, staked and weed-matted 350 rainforest trees in an area above the rainforest walk in the Botanic Gardens.

Steeply sloping gradients made work difficult for volunteers.

The area, of about 1500 sq.m., is surrounded by intact rainforest. It has recently been cleared of the lantana that had completely infested it. The terrain is difficult: it slopes steeply and our workers had to be careful not to slip over. And there is no access to water: the Botanic Gardens bore system does not reach so far up the slope. As a result, Bruno Fiore, our Regeneration Subcommittee chair, organized two 500l. tanks to be located at the top of the slope. The Rural Fire Brigade filled the tanks (thanks, guys).

Thanks are also due to Bruno for all his hard work of procuring equipment and supplies before the day, and digging holes so steadily for planting; to Anton of the Big Drop for donating bottles of spring water for our thirsty workers; to Brian Davison, Botanic Gardens curator, for his support and transporting plants and supplies to the top of the slope; and especially to all the team, for contributing their cheerful, willing labour and helping organize the refreshments.

Now we hope for rain to get the “newbies” off to a good start!

Wendy Morgan
Site team coordinator, Botanic Gardens regeneration