And just like that, it is December, often referred to as the silly season as so many try to squeeze a myriad of things in before Christmas Day. Landscapers are stressed as every client wants their projects completed for the big day, retail garden centres are run off their feet with last-minute shoppers, and we usually have many events to attend for those end-of-year celebrations.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy John Fitzsimmons
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics are real world considerations for horticulture these days. While there are several drivers of the trend where do we, as humans, sit in the considerations?
From a purely economic or business perspective the development and adoption of robotics is often considered a ‘no brainer’.… Continue reading
Read MoreThe ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space, headquartered at the University of Adelaide, has sent its first payload of duckweed into space, jumping aboard a sounding rocket launched by the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) as part of its MAPHEUS 15 mission.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy David Hancock
This article outlines some of the issues associated with managing the forced transition of a unique business from one site to another and the challenges associated with that project.
It is rare for these circumstances to arise, and this case study can rest not only as a guide to others in a similar situation but also when considering a complete site relocation.… Continue reading
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3D visualisations showing the integration of an architecturally-designed glasshouse into a modernistic residential design in rural Tasmania (Image: Ludovic Vilbert, Inwardout Studio)
By Gabrielle Stannus
How to incorporate a greenhouse into a building design? This is the unusual request my partner received from a client who requested a glasshouse to be integrated into their new home in rural Tasmania. The structure was to be their home’s focal point and entertaining hub, linking two building wings whilst also providing a space to overwinter lemon trees.… Continue reading
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A short 20-minute visit to a green space can significantly reduce stress levels, particularly in inner-city business districts (Image: Karen Smith)
By Michael Casey
As another year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the past twelve months and the unrelenting pressures of urban life which I’m sure we all have experienced. The toll on mental health is undeniable, yet a simple remedy lies in green spaces.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy John Corban
When you first meet a prospect, they don’t know you and will likely have their guard up while discussing their needs. An indication of this is when you ask them how much they have to spend and all you get is silence or they have no idea.… Continue reading
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Puff balls of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Rhizopogon luteolus (left) and an inoculated Pinus seedling (right) photos courtesy of HVP forestry nursery Victoria
INTRODUCTION – to nursery plants, most of the microbial life in the environment poses no danger to production nurseries or to the greenlife growing in them. However, the organisms that do cause damage to plants are generally very destructive.… Continue reading
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This mature King Fern planted in the Norfolk Island Botanic Garden is often the only King Fern visitors see, as all wild plants are located in deep, off-track valleys (Image: Black Diamond Images)
Challenges and techniques
By Mark Scott and Sara Freeland
The King Fern (Ptisana salicina) is a species native to the subtropical rainforests of the South Pacific, including Norfolk Island. It’s one of the largest ferns in the world, with fronds that can reach up to several metres in length, and thrives in cool, moist environments, typically along streams and in shaded valleys.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Daniel Fuller
As we move into a new year, five new strappy plants entering the Australian market are going to shake things up due to their outstanding performance and function. Designers should be aware of their existence for upcoming projects, and growers should be prepared to supply them for the industry.… Continue reading
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