19 January 2007 Marissa's 'Dinosaur Walk' design among ideas for future of Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Former Rangiora High School student Marissa Gidall, now studying landscape architecture at Lincoln University was among Lincoln students who contributed designs for the future development of parts of Christchurch's Botanic Gardens.

Members of Dr Maria lgnatieva's LASC 211 Planting Design and Management class had a display of their design work in the Botanic Gardens Information Centre for close to a month last year during the start of the submission process for the Gardens' Draft Management Plan.

Among the designs was Marissa's work which included elements inspired by the idea of Gondwana, the ancient southern super continent.

Working on the West Bridge entrance to the Gardens, Marissa incorporated the Gondwana concept into a "Dinosaur Walk" for children featuring plants that have their evolutionary origin traceable back to Gondwana.

Marissa's design also included a Canterbury Plains plant collection, a Canterbury wetlands collection and a Port Hills collection.

Dr lgnatieva said the Gardens project provided an opportunity for students to prepare their own vision for the Gardens entrance based on their knowledge of plants, design qualities and the principles and history of planting design. The project tested the students' ability to bring together spatial design and plant characteristics.

Some of the ideas from the designs were taken into consideration in the review of the management plans for the Gardens, she said.

Botanic Gardens Visitor Services Coordinator Kerry Everingham said she welcomed the opportunity to display the work of the Lincoln University students.