Autumn in the Scenic Reserve

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The delights of this stunning season are upon us and I think this would have to be the best Autumn we’ve enjoyed for a few years.  The temperate weather and lack of strong winds means we’ve had a long period in which to relish the seasonal changes all around the town.
Our parks are looking pretty spectacular right now but none more so than our Centennial Park so we’re sending a ‘Thumbs Up’ to the Parks and Reserves department at the Timaru District Council in recognition of the splendid work they do in general but on this park in particular.
Bill Steans is the”Man in Charge” of this department and I had a chat with him about ongoing plantings being undertaken over the next few years. 
A staggering 60,000 trees have been planted throughout Timaru over the last year.  The Reserve benefits from ongoing mixed planting of natives and exotics depending on the soil conditions and optimum growth zones for the different species. What we are seeing these days is the result of years of thoughtful planning and planting with the mature oaks, maples, liquid ambers amongst others growing into mature trees.  The combination of natives with their quieter beauty and the stunning deciduous exotics means we enjoy the ever changing views and seasons to the full.
Mr Steans’s favourite view is out over the reserve from the top of North Street and it’s a hard one to beat.  Although it’s not everyone’s cup of tea he also loves the following carpet of leaves.  I would agree, many of us have happy childhood memories of raking leaves, running through them and I am enjoying seeing children jumping and rushing through the piles at Westend Park,  it makes me smile, such simple pleasures.
Gardeners all over town will be busy, getting their leaf rakes out, using those leaves for mulch or moving them into their compost heaps.  Autumn is a beautiful mellow time,  the possibilities and opportunities of summer are gone, a busy transition before snuggling in with the chill of winter on the horizon.
Not too late to head to this magnificent park for a walk to see the tail end of the season, if walking is not an option then a drive through the Scenic might be your best bet to catch a glimpse of the results of all the fantastic work the Reserves team has done over many years past.
Karen Rolleston