By Daniel Fuller
Nurseries must invest in trusted varieties, as many have failed by experimenting with unsellable plants. On the other hand, relying too heavily on past successes can also lead to failure if you can’t adapt to a changing market.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Patrick Regnault
Revegetation is the process of replanting vegetation and rebuilding the soil of disturbed land for the principal purpose of rehabilitating or protecting degraded land. Revegetation is used in many sectors of Australia, such as mining, farming, infrastructure, and urban centres.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Lisa Wightwick
Over the past few years, the term ‘sustainability’ has been increasingly utilised in the world’s collective vocabulary. This greater awareness of anthropogenic environmental impact has necessitated products and practices that either minimise or negate them. Ironically, the horticulture industry, particularly the production sector, isn’t actually as ‘green’ as it might seem.… Continue reading
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A biodiverse green roof was built on top of a seven-story commercial office space in Kensington, Victoria
By Michael Casey
Biodiversity is increasingly recognised as a driving force behind many of our urban greening projects worldwide. As cities expand, they face the challenge of preserving and enhancing natural ecosystems, leading to a surge in biodiversity-centred urban planning.
Biodiversity in urban environments contributes to ecosystem services, such as improved air quality, climate regulation, and enhanced human well-being.… Continue reading
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Developing 100% compostable bioplastics which can break down without leaving a trace (Image: Murdoch University)
CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, and Murdoch University have launched The Bioplastics Innovation Hub. This $8 million collaboration will work with industry partners to develop a new generation of 100% compostable plastic.
The Bioplastics Innovation Hub aims to revolutionise plastic packaging by developing biologically derived plastic that can break down in compost, land, or water.… Continue reading
Read MoreWater scientists from Australia and China have proposed a more effective method of removing organic pesticides from drinking water, reducing the risk of contamination and potential health problems.
A 62% rise in global pesticide use in the past 20 years has escalated fears that many of these chemicals could end up in our waterways, causing cancer.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Daniel Fuller
Do you know what you want to be when you grow up? Sure, you know it is something to do with plants, but we belong to a huge industry! So, how do you find the next step in your journey, especially if you want to progress without the usual linear paths like getting into management or starting your own business?… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Clive Larkman
Since the Columbian Exchange, a few everyday flavours have become a key ingredient in most diets, one of which is garlic. Common garlic is Allium sativum, one of the oldest cultivated plants. There are reports of it being grown around 5000 years BC.… Continue reading
Read MoreWhile writing this editorial, I am listening to radio interviews about National Australian Science Week which aims to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education nationwide. One young seven-year-old told me that his school calls it STEEM, and the extra E is for the environment, a most important topic.… Continue reading
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Peach crop and leaf vigour is under threat as temperatures warm (Image: Alabama Extension via Flickr under CC0 1.0)
By Gabrielle Stannus
As we plan for climate change, we hear a lot about street trees planted for their ornamental and environmental amenity. What about fruit trees in these and other public landscapes and home gardens? What can we learn from commercial orchardists now to help improve how we select and maintain fruit trees to survive our changing climate, particularly those varieties that require winter chill?… Continue reading
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