Hobart’s streets are lined with stories. Some are told through the historic facades of Salamanca, others in the quiet charm of Battery Point’s cottages—but one of the most overlooked storytellers? Our urban trees.
From the towering Norfolk Island Pine standing sentinel outside Ingle Hall to the iconic heritage-listed Giant Sequoia trees in St David’s Park, our city’s trees do more than just beautify the streetscape. They cool our summers, filter our air, and connect us to the natural world—right in the heart of our neighbourhoods.
In a quiet corner of the city, a local nursery has blossomed into more than just a place to buy plants—it’s become a community of sharing knowledge and a coffee haven. Surrounded by lush greenery and the fragrance of fresh flowers, you can sip your coffee, eat a buttery, hot toasted sandwich, and consult with experts as you deliberate your next plant purchase.
We caught up with Greg Karin owner of the independent New Town Station Nursery, located at 65 Bellevue Parade, for his expert take on all things trees. A local legend, he’s passionate about helping the community green their own backyards. For over 40 years, New Town Station Nursery has been thriving—and with a newly renovated cafe open seven days a week, it’s the perfect spot for your morning coffee or an afternoon tipple!
Greg, why do trees matter in our city?
Well, the benefits go far beyond aesthetics.
Trees not only add beauty to our streets, but they also help improve air quality and create a natural cooling effect in summer. In winter, deciduous trees allow much-needed sunlight to reach our homes and footpaths.
(You may have heard the phrase “turning of the fagus” around the traps – and for those who aren’t familiar, it’s a seasonal spectacle that has become something of a pilgrimage in Tasmania. Each autumn, our only winter-deciduous native tree, Nothofagus gunnii, puts on a show as its crinkle-cut leaves turn a remarkable golden-orange. A must-see between April and May, fagus-spotting isn’t just about admiring the colours—it’s also a journey through Tasmania’s ancient ecosystems!) Okay, back to Greg.
Thinking of planting a tree? Start here.
If you’re considering adding a tree to your front or backyard, Greg suggests starting with a little neighbourhood inspiration by simply taking a walk around your area and seeing what trees catch your eye.
If you’re unsure of what they are, snap a picture on your phone—your local garden centre can help identify them and recommend what will thrive in your location.
What are the top 3 trees you would recommend for planting?
Greg’s top native picks 🌿
Corymbia ficifolia
Red Flowering Gum – Vibrant red blossoms and great for wildlife!
Leptospermum morrisonii ‘Burgundy’
A hardy tea tree with deep burgundy foliage.
Eucalyptus ‘Euky Dwarf’
A compact eucalyptus perfect for urban spaces.
🍂 Ornamental picks
Gleditsia ‘Shademaster’
A beautiful, dappled shade tree.
Malus ioensis ‘Plena’
A flowering crabapple that bursts into soft pink blossoms.
Magnolia Soulangeana
A stunning magnolia with large, fragrant flowers!
A favourite among the trees?
When asked to pick a favourite tree in Hobart, Greg didn’t hesitate:
The Norfolk Island Pine outside Ingle Hall on the corner of Macquarie and Argyle.
It never changes much—it’s slow-growing with a striking vertical form—but it has witnessed plenty of change in Hobart over the years.
Growing the next generation of green thumbs
New Town Station Nursery is getting behind the One Tree Per Child initiative, encouraging kids to plant their own tree, shrub, or fruit tree at home. As part of a national push by Garden Centres Australia, the program is about giving children a hands-on connection to nature—one sapling at a time! Read more about it here!
As part of the City of Hobart’s Urban Tree Strategy, the community is being invited to have their say on the future of our urban canopy.
If you’ve got thoughts on the future of our city’s trees, now’s the time to speak up—join the conversation and help shape Hobart for generations to come!
