Whitestone landscape services

Tracy and Sarah work for Whitestone Landscape Services which is employed by the Waitaki Council to look after the gardens. A crew of four people work there altogether.

In the picture, Tracy and Sarah are working very hard on the flower beds to keep them in top shape. We asked Tracy how long should visitors stay at the Oamaru Public Gardens. She said, "at least one hour".

Some of their jobs include looking after bedding plants for the small gardens, planting tulip bulbs in summer, putting compost on soil, weeding, watering and spraying. Many features such as the fountains, drinking fountains, paths, gazebo, picnic areas and seats, need painting or repairing, or creeks need unblocking.

Future plans.
They plan to take trees and soil away from around the front gates to make way for a new path and grass areas. Whitestone Services are also planning on cutting down the hedges so everybody can see our fabulous Gardens. So in the future, when you come to visit, you will have a better view.

Tracy thinks that the Gardens have improved. Over the last 127 years, money has been raised by the people of Oamaru and especially by several generous benefactors to help build the Gardens into a world class tourist attraction. Features are still being developed each year.

Tourists like the Gardens because they are well landscaped and the design includes at least two natural features of the land - streams, and the high and low areas. In developing these features, the gardens have been designed to give the impression of a series of outdoor rooms. When you are in one area you can catch a glimpse of another and they are connected to each other by interesting pathways - just as rooms in your house are joined by a hallway.

People who work at Whitestone Landscape Services

Written by Louise, Samara and Johannah