The vision of Harry Oakman has brought pleasure, relaxation and, at times, solace to most of us, but few know his name. As we stroll in parks among trees, shrubs and colourful flowerbeds, pass by ponds and fountains, or play bat and ball with the kids on large grassy spaces, we are giving life to his dreams.
Judy Cannon
On 16 June 2002 a remarkable Australian, Harry Oakman, died. The author of thirteen books on tropical and subtropical gardening, he remains the most widely read gardener in Queensland and probably Australia. He was one of the early public horticulturalists, parks department manager, landscaper, planner with probably more public open space and recreation areas designed by him in the cities of Newcastle, Brisbane and Canberra than any other parks administrator.