Putting on a public show

Dig this: Helping keep Blenheim’s civic gardens weed free is a summer break job for Canterbury University student Natasha Hood from Blenheim. Natasha is studying law and science at university.

Beds of colour: The flower beds at Pollard Park are a riot of colour with impatiens, begonias, alyssum, geraniums and an assortment of traditional annuals.

Idyllic scene: Mature trees form a backdrop for pink-hued hydrangeas on the eastern side of Pollard Park.

Wet’n wild: Gunera thrives on the banks of the watercourse running through Pollard Park; also a favourite place for ducks.

Tree-lined: The park-like setting is home to many mature tree specimens, including several large conifers and redwood trees.

Rainbow hues: Mass plantings of zinnias add vibrant colour to several of the flower beds at pollard Park.

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Spring and summer are when Marlborough's civic gardens put on their most spectacular floral shows.

Working in the garden is a daily event for Brad Molony and he loves it. Head gardener for the Marlborough District Council, Mr Molony and his team are responsible for keeping Seymour Square and Pollard Park picturesque throughout the year.

Planning, planting and weeding take up their time, especially during the spring and summer months. Up to six regular gardeners help maintain Seymour Square and Pollard Park; with many of them part-time. In addition three students are helping out this summer.

Spring is the busiest time, with this year being particularly drawn out. Much effort in spring goes into having Seymour Square looking its best for the annual Hunter's Garden Marlborough event in early November.

This year it looked the best it's ever been, said Mr Molony.

Since then many of the Seymour Square flower beds have been replanted and will look their best in a few more weeks, whereas at Pollard Park the gardens are a picture now.

Plant selection for the civic gardens is mostly made by colour and availability and although the colour range has increased in recent years, plant varieties have decreased, according to Mr Molony.

"A lot of the seed comes in from overseas and we're seeing a lot less being brought in from Europe and Australia.

"Planning for the gardens takes place from six to 12 months in advance so what's in them also depends on what's available then. We like to trial different plants when they come onto the market so there's usually something new each season," he said.

For Mr Molony, working outdoors is a bonus.

"I love the outdoors; its a good environment to work in."

Comments from appreciative visitors to the gardens add another dimension.

"People regularly compliment us on the gardens; we've had a lot during the last six months. It's great to get positive feedback."

- The Marlborough Express

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