painting the town RED
A street tree project has its ups and downs, but PHIL DUDMAN is determined to leave something behind for the next generation
For years, I’ve had a vision for my hometown, Lismore. Mainly, I’m seeing red: I’m dreaming of seeing our parks and streets spotted with the magnificent flame tree (Brachychiton acerifolius). You know how the Cold Chisel song goes: Oh, the flame trees will blind the weary driver... Who could ignore a flame tree in spring when the canopy, having just dropped its leaves, is swathed in a mass of bright red, bell-shaped blooms?
Funnily enough, the writer of that song, Don Walker, was referring to the dazzling brachychitons in his own hometown of Grafton, in northern New South Wales, which is better known for its jacarandas.
It was attending the Grafton Jacaranda Festival years ago that got me dreaming. Thousands of people from Australia and overseas were enjoying the celebrations in their purple outfits. I thought we could do something like this in Lismore. Can you imagine a flame tree festival? We could paint the town red, literally, and there’s no shortage of fire twirlers here in the Northern Rivers to lead the procession.
I presented a proposal to the council and it was welcomed, with a 12-month period for community consultation. A selection of trees was presented for a vote, and the flame tree won. It would be the signature tree for the city of Lismore. My excitement was short-lived, however, as councillors recently voted down the idea.
Oh well, time to execute plan B: the DIY option. In consultation with council and its parks and gardens staff, I’m in the process of establishing a community-driven planting and maintenance project. The first of the plantings is already underway at my local park using trees I’ve raised from seed, with compost and mulch supplied by the council and stakes provided by a local resident.
The word is out and many enthusiastic co-visionaries have offered to help. Most importantly, I’ll be approaching schools and encouraging kids to take part. After all, they are the ones who will benefit in years to come when the streets are ablaze with the fiery blooms of the flame tree.