Guerrilla art is not something you would expect in Littleton Gardens, give or take the odd tag or two in texta on a picnic table.
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Bega woke on a brisk Friday morning to an array of hand-cut water-proof Japanese shoji paper flowers delicately place atop the stumps of 48 recently hacked Manchurian Pear trees that have become a community talking point during the development of the gardens.
An anonymous local artist attached the flowers in the early hours of the morning, also placing a paper wreath of mock gum leaves beside the garden’s newly placed granite rocks.
“I actually didn’t notice at first but it makes for a better change to the stumps,” said Henrietta Waddington as she sat in the garden with her son Joe Walker.
“It could be in loving memory of the trees that were cut down, white means purity so it could represent starting off with a fresh view of the day.
“Perhaps last night the trees got together and had a memorial service,” she added with a laugh.
Wendy Tucker of Bermagui has returned to the Bega Valley after 20 years away and said she was saddened by what she saw as she looked across the new garden space.
“It is amazing, it looks just like a city,” she said.
“The park definitely needs trees, I would describe it as tragic.”
When asked what she thought the art installation was meant to represent, she thought at first the flowers were sprinklers designed as flowers to blend in to the scenery.
“It is very sad, I think someone is saying sorry to the trees,” she said.
Council’s General Manager Leanne Barnes said consideration was being taken as to how council could reinvigorate the sparse looking public space after it was reported “about $50,000” was needed to repair the damage.
“It is truly beautiful,” Ms Barnes said.
“Since the vandalism, staff from council’s recreation and leisure team have been working on plans to replace the trees and get Littleton Gardens looking good again.
“Community feedback and suggestions have really fed our response to the vandalism and we are taking this opportunity to refocus and respond accordingly.
“It’s clear the community values this space and are keen to see it as a stand out in the ongoing makeover of the civic centre,” she added.
Until then, take a moment and smell the flowers.