Mulch sweeping was elevated to a fine art as the construction team competed with the impending dusk to put the finishing touches on playscape “Green Connections”.
Their tremendous efforts culminated in a feature garden that will stick in the minds of show attendees for years to come.
To say the garden was success would be a vast understatement. The joy it brought to show-goers was palpable through their wide-eyed stares of wonder upon arrival, expressions of joy and jubilant journeys through each of the garden’s many interactive features. It’s no surprise that many wished the garden remained a permanent fixture in Carlton Gardens.
A collaboration between RB Landscapes and the Victorian Schools Garden Program (VSGP), “Green Connections” captivated through its imaginative landscapes and opportunities for engagement.
Visiting each section of the garden was a pleasure in its own right, becoming a complete and robust experience when added to the surrounding areas. Bamboo-lined tunnels led to wetlands through which water was pumped by stationary bicycles and large steps led to a viewpoint where visitors could see log forts, tipis made of grass and boats sinking in water-resembling sand.
Every feature told a story and was visually stunning. It was a garden that was both encompassing and captivating, living up to its well-chosen name. It also educated and encouraged connections with natural materials.
Each section included signs explaining not only the purpose of the element, but also its educational, mobility and sustainability goals. They highlighted the concept behind each of the garden elements and contained a connected string of poetry on each sign, intended for the younger audiences to encourage them to visit each area.
We’re extremely pleased with “Green Connections” and the enormous amount of positive feedback that it generated from MIFGS visitors. A huge thank you to Richard Bellemo, the RB Landscapes construction team including Croxton Specialist School students and all the volunteers who were on hand throughout the week.