In late January, staff from the Barangaroo Delivery Authority visited the Andreasons Green nursery at Mangrove Mountain to inspect the progress of the thousands of plants being grown for Barangaroo's Headland Park.

Andreasens Green, one of the largest wholesale nurseries in Australia, was awarded the contract in 2011 to provide the 675 trees, 2,200 shrubs and 70,000 other plants to place in the new six hectare park.

After a rainy reception, the team persevered through the muddy grounds of two nursery sites to inspect the premises and native flora.  A 5 hectare area of land reserved solely for the growing of plants for the Headland Park, is prepared with a range of species including Eucalyptus Saligna, Eucalyptus Haemastoma and Glochidian Ferdinandii.

What is particularly interesting, is the relatively unseen part of the project - the soils. Many amateur and some professional gardeners might not be aware of the unique relationship of Australian vegetation with water. At Headland Park, the growing medium is a custom blend of nutrients and sandstone soils to ensure the long lasting and healthy life of the native vegetation. A strict program of soil and fertiliser testing is underway by the nursery to meet these objectives.

At another site, not far from the nursery, were a selection of super mature Figs and Palms already at heights of 4 and 6 metres. Transportation of these species will be an incredible feat when it's time to replant them in the park. Luckily the crew of Andreasons Green are experienced about this part of the job having already successfully accomplished this with the barging of trees for the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

  Stay tuned for further updates on this major endeavour for Sydney.

Above: Mangrove Mountain nursery

Below (L:R): Eucalyptus Piperita;Glochidian Ferdinandii;Ficus Rubignosa

Below: Mangrove Mountain nursery