Written: 10th Mar 2011 | Last Updated: 10th Mar 2011
I’ve written before about two rows of Norfolk Island Pines in Mosman Park, specifically of their poignancy for and resonance with me because my parents lived for many years on that island, and are buried side-by-side in the colonial cemetery at Kingston.
These local trees are majestic in the grand natural sense; ceremonially planted long ago, they honour servicemen who sacrificed their lives fighting for our country. But at the moment, one pine is very ill indeed, and I cannot bear to see it languish.
It is half of the lead pair that guide you up the shady path towards the council chambers; if it dies, it will leave a gaping hole...not only in the row, but in the hearts of residents who enjoy walking, resting, playing and picnicking beneath these stately giants.
I don’t know if anything is being done - or can be done - to save it; if it goes, will its opposite tree be felled to maintain symmetry? Will they ALL go and, as is the fashion, be replaced by native trees and shrubs?
Whatever happens, it feels like the end of an era is nigh...and for those who love these Norfolk Pines, enjoy them while you can.