By NOEL MURPHY
THE GREENING of Geelong took another leap forward this week as a series of hanging garden planters were installed in the city centre.
Greenery techology company Fytogreen installed in Union St the initial elevated planters, set to bloom green, red and blue over the coming months and with more on the way.
Mayor Darryn Lyons is driving the initiative as part of an ambitious “city in the park” plan to breathe new life and colour into central Geelong.
City Hall strategic projects and urban design manager Felix Hemingway said raised plant platforms were difficult to install and maintain in public places but, managed well, offered a vibrant and colourful addition to urban areas.
“This is only the preliminary look right now,” he said.
“In two to three months they’ll drop down, covering the pots and blooming in red and blue.”
Cr Lyons said the project would be extended through central Geelong, most notably at the high-profile Malop St pedestrian junction between Westfield Geelong and Market Square shopping centres.
“This is all being created as part of the Geelong 21st Century smart city brainchild,” he said.
“Cities around Australia are already following us on parking, they’ll be following us on this too.
“This has been carried out as a mayoral request but I want to see more money poured into making our city centre a great shining example to others.”
