They are also a wonderful legacy — both children and trees — and the two combine in the Trees for Babies project in Alexandra.
Alexandra Rotary Trees for Babies convener Jillian Jopp said the programme had been running since 2006 when 24 trees were planted at Rotary Park, near the boat ramp in Dunorling St.
"The annual event has seen many trees flourish in public spaces around Alexandra and Clyde, just as the babies they were planted for are growing and flourishing," she said.
The project ran in conjunction with Central Otago District Council which organised the planting spots and co-ordinated with Delta to dig the holes and ensure irrigation and staking of each tree.
Last week, six trees were planted in Centennial Park, in Thomson St — the site of the old swimming pool — to celebrate babies born since 2023, Mrs Jopp said.
The trees planted were Liquidambar "Burgundy", Cornus "Cherokee Chief" and Cornus "Florida Cloud 9", which would provide colour and shade in the park.
Three of this year’s trees were planted by grandmothers, each celebrating a granddaughter.
Jane Scott, of Alexandra, was planting for 9-month-old Aubrey, who lived in Hamilton. It was the sixth tree Mrs Scott has planted for a grandchild.
Bernie Lepper was celebrating Evie, 10 months, who lived in Invercargill and Ruth Arnott’s granddaughter Waverley, of Paeroa, was just over 2 months old.
Mrs Arnott said it was a lovely thing to do.
"My boys spent a lot of time as kids at the swimming pool."
