Palmers Quarry Garden, Dunedin, New Zealand

Palmers Quarries have turned an old quarry site into a wonderful garden with more than 20,000 trees and shrubs. Since 1989 Palmer’s aim has been to landscape the quarry in order to visually diffuse the effect of the quarry face as seen from the surrounding residential areas. Some 200 cubic metres of soil and 500 tonnes of a soil-compost mix have been poured into planting beds constructed on the old quarry benches. The walkways, roads and park areas are well supported by the local community. Ms Hasler said Palmer & Son were nominated by the Institute of Quarrying for their effort and commitment to restoring the quarry into a garden and their work sets a standard which other companies could strive to follow. Dunedin quarry wins 1999 Green Ribbon Award to recognise the contributions and achievements made by groups and individuals towards a healthy and sustainable environment.