In the Rhododendron Dell one of these is an ongoing project from previous years’ efforts to upgrade our pathways.
This year we are focusing efforts on revamping the connecting woodchip pathway between the South African/Pergola Gardens and Rhododendron Dell.
Despite regular resurfacing, the woodchip degrades quickly, and the logs used for the edges have now rotted away. Our aim is to re-establish the definition between the path and garden beds by replacing the rotten edging timber with a more permanent material and also to widen the path in some areas.
The edges are being formed using basalt rock sourced from Logan Point Quarry. This will provide a permanent edge and define the edges of the beds. The use of rocks continues the theme being used elsewhere around the Rhododendron Dell.
Construction is well under way with the removal of all of the loose organic matter down to a solid base layer. This has been backfilled with course quarry stone to give a firm surface for the edging rocks to sit and bed into while helping to bind the top aggregate layers that will form the final walking surface.
This project will be completed shortly and throughout its construction it has proved to be a great opportunity for staff and trainee apprentices to learn new skills and to do something a little different from the normal range of garden tasks.
Garden Life is produced by the Dunedin Botanic Garden.
For further information contact Stephanie Sinton.
