Flower power: planting the Park Lands

When you take a spring stroll through the city, that stunning splash of colour and sweet floral smell is thanks to the hard work of the City of Adelaide's Horticulture crew. 

Each year, an incredible 85,000 seedlings are planted across the city and Adelaide Park Lands. The horticulture team care for them at the City of Adelaide nursery from the time they arrive as tiny seedlings, to when they've grown strong enough to go in the ground all around town. 

Once planted, many of the flowers are at their prettiest in spring. Among the city's green spaces you will find petunias, dianthus, polyanthus, pansies, vincas, snapdragons, impatiens, poppies and begonias. “We choose pest and disease resistant varieties that suit Adelaide’s climate,” said Matt Jorgensen, City of Adelaide’s Team Leader Horticulture.

Horticulutre tradesperson, Darren Barbara and some of the 85,000 seedlings ready for planting

The team are careful planners, taking into account city celebrations like poppy planting for Remembrance Day while also keeping in mind the city's many animals. The team have a deep appreciation of plant and animal life cycles and are particularly mindful in spring of nesting birds and ducklings. While the ducks' safety is important they are also mindful of protecting the plants from being nibbled down to a nub.