Environment & Sustainability Archives - Hort Journal Australia

A new project in Utrecht Netherlands. This façade and green roof project underwent stringent planning with the local fire regulators before approval (images supplied by Michael Casey)

Environment Environment & Sustainability

Urban and Bushfire Protection

05/02/2025 Michael Casey 71 Views 0 Comments #Tree, Botanic gardens, Garden Design, gardening, horticultural, horticultural industry, landscape, landscape design, Ornamental trees, Shade Trees

The role green roofs, walls, and facades play in fire-resilient cities

By Michael Casey

As climate change intensifies, bushfires are becoming more frequent and severe, posing significant threats to homes, communities, and ecosystems in fire-prone areas worldwide. The recent fires throughout Los Angeles are an example of how ferocious these fires can be both in a built-up urban area, and in the buildings and houses located in the more naturalised areas surrounded by trees and plant life.… Continue reading

A short 20-minute visit to a green space can significantly reduce stress levels, particularly in inner-city business districts (Image: Karen Smith)

Environment Environment & Sustainability

Green Spaces, the key to better mental health in urban living

15/12/2024 Michael Casey 159 Views 0 Comments #Tree, Botanic gardens, Garden Design, gardening, horticultural, horticultural industry, landscape, landscape design, Ornamental trees, Shade Trees

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

AIPH councillors with the winners – Living Green for Urban Infrastructure and Liveability. Baia Mare in Romania showcased using plants and urban greening methods to clean up one of the world’s most polluted mine sites in the heart of a bustling town

Environment Environment & Sustainability

AIPH Green Cities Awards 2024

07/11/2024 Michael Casey, 170 Views 0 Comments #Tree, Botanic gardens, Garden Design, gardening, horticultural, horticultural industry, landscape, landscape design, Ornamental trees, Shade Trees

Revitalising cities and minds through nature

By Michael Casey

Honouring cities that lead the way in urban greening: The AIPH World Green Cities Awards celebrate innovation, biodiversity, and sustainable urban development.

The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) is a global organisation dedicated to promoting the horticulture industry and its role in improving environmental sustainability.… Continue reading

Professor Lili Licka discussing “Public green space for all” to a full room of urban greening professionals

Environment Environment & Sustainability

Greener cities, brighter future

07/11/2024 Michael Casey 172 Views 0 Comments

Nature’s role in urban resilience

By Michael Casey

At the Future Green City World Congress, experts explored how urban greening enhances health, sustainability, and resilience while addressing the key challenges of designing modern cities.

This year’s Future Green City World Congress took place in Utrecht, Netherlands, and exceeded expectations with its vibrant atmosphere, engaging people, and inspiring urban greening projects.… Continue reading

Botanic gardens and other plant collections provide valuable reference points and benchmarks for plant adaptions in the wild

Environment Environment & Sustainability

Climate change is complicating revegetation

04/10/2024 John Fitzsimmons 233 Views 0 Comments #Tree, Botanic gardens, Garden Design, gardening, horticultural, horticultural industry, landscape, landscape design, Ornamental trees, Shade Trees

By John Fitzsimmons

Revegetation is a complex specialist subject built on knowledge and experience of many interconnected fields. It is now an integral process in repairing damage to landscapes following fire or damaging weather events, post-mining or other industrial activity, and re-connecting disrupted ecosystems.… Continue reading

Environment Environment & Sustainability

Working together to rehabilitate country

04/10/2024 admin 262 Views 0 Comments #Tree, Botanic gardens, Garden Design, gardening, horticultural, horticultural industry, landscape, landscape design, Ornamental trees, Shade Trees

By Dr Chris Reed

Climate change has increased the intricacy of our land management. As an industry we need to look more intently at environmental rehabilitation and continue to put into place strategies that protect our ecosystems, lives and livelihoods.

I have always been a bit of a bush kid.… Continue reading

Grevillea stock being pushed out of the tray by the custom-made popper tool

Environment & Sustainability

Less plastic, more fantastic

04/10/2024 Lisa Wightwick 300 Views 0 Comments #Tree, Botanic gardens, Garden Design, gardening, horticultural, horticultural industry, landscape, landscape design, Ornamental trees, Shade Trees

By 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

A biodiverse green roof was built on top of a seven-story commercial office space in Kensington, Victoria

Biodiversity Environment & Sustainability

Green roofs and biodiversity: building sustainable cities from the top down

04/10/2024 admin 211 Views 0 Comments #Tree, Botanic gardens, Garden Design, gardening, horticultural, horticultural industry, landscape, landscape design, Ornamental trees, Shade Trees

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

Location Map of the Murray Lagoon Project site

Environment Environment & Sustainability

Making Water Work

15/09/2024 Stuart Elder 335 Views 0 Comments #Tree, Botanic gardens, Garden Design, gardening, horticultural, horticultural industry, landscape, landscape design, Ornamental trees, Shade Trees

By Stuart Elder

‘Making Water Work’ is the name of the Water Hyacinth Harvesting Pilot Project at Murray Lagoon, Rockhampton Botanic Garden. Murray Lagoon is a vital ecosystem and community resource situated at the gateway to Rockhampton City in Central Queensland on Darumbal Country and is a significant natural asset.… Continue reading

Designers have ensured all spaces are utilised and enhanced with greenery in this spacious inner-city courtyard

Environment & Sustainability Sustainable Landscaping

From concept to construction – easing the path to greener builds

08/08/2024 Michael Casey 300 Views 0 Comments

By Michael Casey

The integration of greenery into the built environment is gaining momentum as urbanisation continues to reshape cities worldwide. The movement towards developer-led greenery inclusion is driven by the need for sustainable development, improved quality of life, and recognition of the multifaceted benefits that green spaces provide.… Continue reading

← Previous