Environment Archives - Hort Journal Australia

Young Botanists label their own seed packets to begin their own seed collections at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria (Image: RBGV)

Environment Environment & Sustainability

Young Botanist

07/07/2025 admin 62 Views 0 Comments

Bringing science and art together for a rich learning experience

Megan Hirst and Claire Mosley

Science, education and art can be integrated in numerous ways, and this has been demonstrated often with reference to teaching methods, curriculum, and school-based projects. Applying science and art to teaching requires a positive, supportive environment that assists schools by developing a rich learning experience as well as personalising a student’s experience through meaningful and engaging content. The… Continue reading

Queensland Bottle Tree taking pride of place in the newly renovated Arid Garden (Image: Michael Elgey)

Environment Environment & Sustainability

Australia’s iconic Bottle Trees and their enduring presence

07/07/2025 admin 76 Views 0 Comments #Tree, Botanic gardens, Garden Design, gardening, horticultural, horticultural industry, landscape, landscape design, Ornamental trees, Shade Trees

By Michael Elgey

The genus Brachychiton, part of the Malvaceae family, comprises around 30 species which are endemic to Australia and one species native to Papua New Guinea. These trees have become horticultural icons, admired for their distinctive forms, adaptability, and spectacular seasonal displays.… Continue reading

“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)

Environment Environment & Sustainability

Innovative ways to engage visitors through edible plants

09/04/2025 admin 252 Views 0 Comments #Tree, Botanic gardens, Garden Design, gardening, horticultural, horticultural industry, landscape, landscape design, Ornamental trees, Shade Trees

A menu of options on display

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

Environment Environment & Sustainability

Every smart drop counts

09/04/2025 admin 220 Views 0 Comments #Tree, Botanic gardens, Garden Design, gardening, horticultural, horticultural industry, landscape, landscape design, Ornamental trees, Shade Trees

By 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

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 228 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 289 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, 321 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 317 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 389 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 407 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

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