Flowers taking over laneway

TAKE a stroll through Pennyweight Walk and you might find yourself transported to a floral paradise.

The City of Greater Bendigo has collaborated with Nacho Station and artist Frankie O for the new city-centre activation, as part of the Bloom marketing campaign.

The secret garden features floral canopies and garden boxes filled with pansies, violas, and tulips, while three large flower paintings and blank chalkboards where people can add their own touch of spring.

The laneway is also home to a hidden tulip, part of the City’s augmented reality tulip hunt.

Reece Hendy of Nacho Station said the “fun, new activation” not only gives Pennyweight Walk a makeover, but allows for members of the public to join in the art.

“We’ve installed some chalkboards down in the laneway which will be open for contributions by the general public which is pretty exciting because usually you only get to observe public artwork but in this case you’ll be able to contribute as well,” he said.

“The artworks that were down here were becoming a little bit tired so seeing this new fresh burst of colour and giving people a way to contribute first-hand, it makes people feel like they own a little part of the city.”

City manager of tourism and major events Terry Karamaloudis said the project is designed to draw more people to the centre of Bendigo.

“The secret garden is a little bit of fun and quite unexpected in the city centre, and I’m sure shoppers and visitors will enjoy walking through the splash of colour in Pennyweight Walk, taking selfies and sharing them,” he said.

“Those strolling in the evening can enjoy the secret garden lit up at night, and you may even spot a hidden gnome or two.

“The aim of the secret garden, like all of our activation projects, is to draw people in and encourage shoppers and regional visitors to stay longer in the city centre.”