Council officers may soon have the power to issue fines of up to $5,500 to Brisbane park goers who have a gathering of 50 people or more, without holding a permit.
These hefty fines could also be issued for erecting any structure, as well as engaging in any sporting games whether organized or impromptu.
This new proposal from City Hall is aimed at protecting Brisbane’s parks, by putting a $300 permit in place for all groups of more than 50 people, in order to avoid a fine.
The power is for Council officers to give a verbal direction if a person is breaking the local law, and they can issue a fine on the spot.
Whilst already gaining speculation from local labor members, it’s hard to imagine having to purchase a permit to be able to enjoy this Queensland sunshine in our parks.
A mixture of cute, kitsch and green wins a wide range of hearts.
Inner city living doesn’t leave a lot of space for grand landscape gardens, but this is no obstacle for local botanist and terrarium expert Christopher Beavon. I had the honor of speaking with him about these amazing ecosystems.
What is a Terrarium?
CB: A terrarium is a mini ecosystem inside a glass container. The best ones should be mostly self-sustaining, but this can take some time to get right.
How did you come to be a grower of these self-sustaining ecosystems? CB: I made my first terrarium just out of interest. I am a plant-nerd, i.e.
botanist, by trade. So, anything green tends to pique my interest. Now I make and sell custom terrariums and run workshops.
What kind of plants can you grow in a terrarium? CB: The best plants for enclosed terrariums are moss, ferns and certaingroundcovers or creepers. Succulents and cacti tends to like a bit more air movement, so they tend to struggle in the closed systems but are great in open top containers.
Have you always had a green thumb?
CB: Kind of. My earliest memory of any kind of gardening is following my great-grandmother, Nonna, around her award-winning vegetable patch. I would help with the weeding, but mainly the harvesting. My interest in botany really took off when I was about eighteen, and ever since I’ve always had plants growing at home; whether that be a veggie patch, herbs, flowers, cacti or terrariums.
If someone would like to learn about how to grow terrariums, where could they go?
CB: Honestly, the Internet is a great source of information and there are plenty of DIY guides out there. The hardest part is getting all the bits and pieces and using the correct method. I run workshops about once a month, everything is supplied and we go through each stage and I explain all the different layers and why they are important. You can find me on Facebook as
MossyAntlers.
What would be your advice for people wanting to grow terrariums?
CB: Make sure you follow a method that includes layers to control water movement and retention in the system. And don’t worry if your plants are struggling a little bit at first. One big thing is to find the best place for your terrarium – a bright place with relatively steady temperature and no direct sunlight. I’m happy to answer any questions on my Facebook page.
