Designed by South Australian artist Karl Meyer and supported by a City of Mitcham public art grant, Charlie and Bella are topiary sculptures that will grow with the years.

They have been installed beside the reserve’s new small dog park and BMX pump track and will be surrounded by a landscaped, irrigated garden.

“The mesh sculptures act as the framework that will turn them into living, green animals,” Karl says. “They will be ever changing, reflecting the community and the idea that things grow and change through time.”

Forged in stainless steel with Exhibition Studios in Edwardstown, the frames will be planted with climbing native plants including wisteria, jasmine and hardenbergias.

Karl is looking forward to seeing Charlie and Bella settle in to their new home.

“They’re meant to be cheeky and playful – hence the posture,” he says. “We have a deep connection with dogs and that’s something that is pretty fundamental from a health and wellbeing perspective.”

Karl’s public works include Connection, the iconic ‘hands’ at the entrance to Centennial Park Cemetery; and the Tjibruke Dreaming artworks (in collaboration with Allan Sumner) at Darlington. His latest work is Star Dreaming in Motion, in collaboration with artist Gavin Wanganeen, exhibited in the MOD foyer on North Terrace.