Canberra's changing weather patterns have wrought havoc on the collective nerves of Canberra garden lovers. But none have monitored the skies so closely as the Kingston traders.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
For Green Square jeweller Gabi Radinger, the two year fight to have grass returned to Green Square almost ended in tragedy when the long-awaited planting day arrived within the first day of a week-long heatwave last month. But this week's deluge has brought nothing but relief to anxious traders.
“I almost had a heart attack, it was 38 degrees the day they planted, and then a pipe burst and two guys (from Bruceworks) were sitting in the 40 degree sun fixing it so we could water.”
Traders won the battle last year to remove the spikey natives but had to fund the restoration of the square themselves.
Kingston property owner Pawl Cubbin agreed to pay up to $20,000 for the installation of grass and a watering system out of his own pocket, and Canturf donated more than $2,000 worth of turf to the area.
Thankfully, the watering system was fixed immediately after bursting and this week's heavy rain has ensured that the once maligned square is looking truly green once again.
“God has smiled on us. The timing of the rain has been so perfect. God is as happy with the decision to replant the grass as we are,” Ms Radinger said.
Similarly, 18-month old Josephine Spence was one of the first sets of happy feet to test out the turf on Thursday, after the gates came down on Wednesday. She gave the space a winsome grin of approval.
Her father Nicholas said it would not have been possible to let his daughter gambol in the square when it was full of spikey natives.
“It looks beautiful and it is lovely to see it come back to its former state and to be full of life again.”
Dan Rayner from Bitter Sweet, one of the cafes that fronts onto Green Square, said he had just two words to say of the transformation. “Frolicking children.”
He said he was so grateful for the work of the trader's committee in pushing the deal through as it contributed to the enjoyment of his patrons.
“We didn't ever struggle but certainly this is going to make it a much nicer place to come for a coffee,” Mr Rayner said.
“The way I see Kingston is that it is surrounded by high and medium density housing so not many people have access to a backyard or lawn. This space is a community space and it is going to be enjoyed by a lot of people.”
Both he and Ms Radinger sounded a warning to Territory and Municipal Services gardeners who took over maintenance of the grass from Thursday. They better not let it die.
“I'm out there every day checking that grass like a mother hen, so if they forget to water it or look after it, or mow it, I'll be calling them immediately,” Ms Radinger said.
“I think it would be a public relations nightmare for the ACT Government if anything happened to this grass so I hope they look after it,” Mr Rayner said.
