Situated along the median strip between the lanes of Alexandra St, North Ward, the Enchanted Tree Trail features an assortment of brightly coloured ornaments, flowers and decorations.

North Ward resident Taryn Claire said the idea to build the garden came after a neighbour who didn’t have a garden, was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

“(She) wanted nothing more than to sit outside and enjoy a magical garden space,” Ms Claire said.

“The garden (gave) her something to look forward to seeing each day as she left her unit for her various medical appointments. It was a means to brighten her day.”

“Many an afternoon has been spent walking and inspecting the growing trail.”

She said the garden took people’s minds off their troubles while providing an opportunity to share in the joy with passing strangers.

“I have forged stronger relationships with neighbours as I am not stuck behind the walls of my house, instead, I am physically available for a chat,” she said.

“The children in the street are decorating their own trees and it’s the most glorious feeling to see them hanging from the branches, playing together, and being inclusive.

“I have met exhausted mums who use the Enchanted Tree Trail as a destination for their walk.”

Acting on a complaint from a neighbour, a Townsville City Council compliance officer warned Ms Claire that the garden would need to be removed within two weeks unless she could show cause why it should stay and apply for a suitable permit.

“If that gets through that phase, then they will send out a team to check the viability of that on the street and to make sure that it’s not impacting or dangerous for the community.

“I’ve got a little children’s bench out there and I guess it needs to be to concreted in to meet safety standards.”

Initially prepared to remove the fairy garden, Ms Claire was heartened by an outpouring of community support which steeled her resolve to continue with the bureaucratic process.

A TCC spokeswoman said they received a complaint from a neighbour regarding the safety of the children playing in and around the garden, close to the road.

“Our Council officers attended the garden to address the concerns and to see if we could work with the creator to find a solution,” the spokeswoman said.

“Council’s traffic engineer will attend the garden during the week to ensure that there is no safety risk posed to the children playing in the area and if any changes are needed to keep the area safe, provide that feedback to the creator.

“No enforcement action has been taken and as long as there is no traffic risk for the children, we will work with the creator and support them making a more formal arrangement for the garden.”

Regarding the garden as “wonderful”, Division 3 councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said she spoke with Ms Claire to work out a solution.

Cr Greaney said council was very supportive of community greening and community gardens.

“There is a lot of joy and love in these things, it brings a community together,” Cr Greaney said.

“If there is more community engagement and neighbours talking to each other, it wouldn’t come to this.”

Cr Greaney has helped Ms Claire link in with Townsville City Council staff to help access support and potentially funding to keep the initiative going.

“I think a little bit of joy in the street is a nice thing,” she said.

“We’re supportive of anyone that has got an (idea that) makes their neighbourhood a better place (and brings) people a sense of community and serenity.”

leighton.smith@news.com.au