Thursday, June 19, 2025

horticultural

EditorialEditors editorial

Lifelong learning and fascination

When people ask why I chose horticulture as a career, I usually respond that I love the fascination of nature. If I lived ten lifetimes, I would only be scratching the surface of all there is to learn. I gain new knowledge at every event, conference, trek, or bushwalk, and from many of the conversations that take place on such occasions.… Continue reading

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Green InfrastructureLandscape

Naturalistic planting takes centre stage

By Gabrielle Stannus

The Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reimagine that city’s cultural hub. Encompassing The Fox: NGV Contemporary, the major refurbishment of Arts Centre Melbourne’s Theatres Building, this major infrastructure project will also oversee the creation of Laak Boorndap, a new 18,000m2 urban garden.Continue reading

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PlantsWeeds

Weed species – a guide to plant choice and soil indicators

By Patrick Regnault

Observing the weed species can tell us a lot about the nutrient availability, soil compaction, recent history of the site, pH, moisture levels, and soil texture. Understanding or reading weeds can guide us in our planting selection. It can help us work successfully with the conditions rather than forcing unsuitable plants upon the land.Continue reading

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PlantsTurf

Newly released buffalo grass cultivar

Supplied by Lawn Solutions Australia

Lawn Solutions Australia (LSA) has been working with Dr Ambika Chandra, from Texas A&M University in the US, on a new buffalo turfgrass Stenotaphrum secundatum for the Australian market for many years. New turf varieties are not shelf-stock items and take many years of research, data collection, morphological testing and comparable trials in the US and Australia before, and if, they are released to the market.Continue reading

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EditorialIndustry Event

Perth Garden Show flourishes in new location with strong industry support

By Lisa Passmore

The 2025 Perth Garden Show bloomed into its vibrant new home at McCallum Park in Victoria Park, nestled beside the Swan River and shaded by mature trees and providing the perfect canvas for Western Australia’s premier garden and outdoor living event.Continue reading

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Plant PalettePlants

Amazing things plants

By John Fitzsimmons

We all know plants are wonderful, sustaining life and wellbeing in so many ways, but we can sometimes benefit from a reminder of just what amazing ‘machines’ they are too –  amazing hydraulic and chemical machines!

It’s amazing how ‘vascular’ plants can turn sunlight into chemical energy, and sometimes startling how (tree) roots and stems can physically disrupt hard paving and even affect otherwise solid buildings.… Continue reading

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EditorialNursery Papers

Nursery Papers

IMPROVING WATER AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN PRODUCTION NURSERIES

Introduction
When managing a production nursery, water is essential. It makes good business sense to use water wisely and reduce waste.

Production nurseries can make significant profits from efficient water use via:

  • much lower water bills
  • using water at no cost through recycling and
    runoff management
  • good business practices through implementing
    water efficiency strategies
  • improved crop quality and uniformity
  • enhanced plant health
  • reduced dispatch costs.
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AdvertorialEditorial

Machine Efficient Biodiverse Installations (MEBI)

A smarter way to plant for maintenance realities

By Daniel Fuller

After more than a decade leading maintenance crews, I’ve seen firsthand how landscapes can decline, not because of poor design, but due to poor maintenance. One of the most common killers?… Continue reading

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Environment & SustainabilityGreener communities

Greener communities, stronger economies:

Unlocking the local economic benefits of green infrastructure

By Michael Casey

Green infrastructure and urban greening deliver a wide range of benefits. It cools our buildings and local environments, supports biodiversity, and helps manage stormwater during periods of heavy rainfall. While these environmental benefits are widely acknowledged, the economic advantages are often viewed narrowly, typically in terms of increased property values, higher building occupancy rates, and elevated sale prices.Continue reading

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Greener Spaces Better Places Update

What’s Growing on?

Greener Spaces Better Places launches the National Urban Green Infrastructure Round Table.

Bringing together peak bodies to drive more and better green space in Australia.

With the backing of key industry leaders including Greenlife Industry Australia, Facilities Management Australia, Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia, Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, Parks and Leisure Australia, and others – this initiative is designed to create tangible demand for green infrastructure, benefiting the nursery industry and the wider community.By… Continue reading

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