Colour sought in landscaped gardens for Hutt City
<p>Bringing in colour to proposed changes to landscaping features across Hutt City will be one of the considerations by Council following a decision by the Community and Infrastructure Services Committee.</p>
<p>The Committee has decided that 11 of the traditional annual bedding gardens will be retained mostly in the Central City but others will be replaced with suitably designed landscaping including trees and lawns.</p>
<p>The move follows concern about the poor condition of the flower beds because of soil conditions, infestations of weed and poor drainage that would be expensive to fix.</p>
<p>Divisional manager for Parks and Gardens, Bruce Hodgins, said the changes will include replacing bedding gardens with a range of native and exotic plants.</p>
<p>“The main criteria will be ensuring we consider the features of each location and place the right plants for the conditions. This will mean a variety of trees, plantings and lawns to make a significant impact on the look of the city over time.</p>
<p>“We have also undertaken to ensure there is colour within the plantings to maintain a bright and interesting range of foliage,” he said.</p>
<p>The committee heard verbal submissions about the heritage of the Hutt as a garden city and a request to retain annual flower beds.</p>
<p>The meeting agreed colour should be retained in any landscaped gardens.</p>