By Michael Casey
Vertical gardens have sometimes been described as “gardens on life support”, a label that often rings true when essential design considerations are overlooked before the installation. However, this doesn’t have to be the case.… Continue reading
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A Baw-Baw Berry (Wittsteinia vacciniacea) plant vegetatively propagated testing conservation horticulture methods and now established in the Gondwana Garden, as an ex-situ Living Collection, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria – Cranbourne. (Image: S. Levy)
By Dr. Megan Hirst and Holden Sayers
Conservation Horticulture is an important discipline driven by botanic gardens working towards global strategies to address plant conservation, with an emphasis on ex-situ living plant collections of high preservation value. The role brings together the ecology of a species with horticultural techniques to successfully propagate and provide plant material for ex-situ living collections, reintroduction, or more broadly, cultivation.… Continue reading
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“Grow Your Own” garden beds, such as this Smoothie bed, help visitors connect with where their food comes from with everyday plants they can grow at home (Image: Greg Meylan)
By Angela Anstis and Barbara Wheeler
Encourage. Hook. Seize. Influence. Encouraging or inspiring people to see plants, hooking them in, seizing their attention longer than just ‘click bait’, and influencing them to act beyond the garden gate is at the heart of most botanic gardens worldwide.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Chris Philpot
With Australian consumers becoming more aware of the environmental and ethical impacts of the products they buy, many manufacturers are keen to tap into this sentiment which is influencing buying decisions. There are dozens of eco, ethical and sustainable labels on the market, and shoppers can find it confusing.… Continue reading
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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)
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
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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
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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
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
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Professor Lili Licka discussing “Public green space for all” to a full room of urban greening professionals
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
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Botanic gardens and other plant collections provide valuable reference points and benchmarks for plant adaptions in the wild
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
Read MoreBy 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
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