Woody Meadows Initiative Enhances Victorian Landscapes
The ecoDynamics Group has been integral to the development of Woody Meadows, a groundbreaking initiative launched in collaboration with The University of Melbourne. This innovative project spans four level crossing removal projects across Victoria, transforming urban landscapes into vibrant, low-maintenance public spaces.
What is Woody Meadows?
Woody Meadows is designed as a sustainable public landscape that highlights the beauty of naturalistic Australian shrub planting. The selection of flora focuses on plants that offer abundant flowering, aesthetic appeal, and resilience, ensuring stunning floral displays while extending the plants’ lifespan. To further reduce maintenance needs—traditionally required every two to four years—the project employs increased plant density and coppicing techniques, which maintain a dense canopy, suppress weeds, and promote continuous flowering.
Insights from Senior Project Manager, Randall Wee
Randall Wee, Senior Project Manager at ecoDynamics, shares his thoughts on the Woody Meadows project, particularly at Hoppers Crossing LCRP. He notes, “The traditional ‘shake and bake’ approach involves soil cultivation and low-density plantings, so I felt a twinge of scepticism when I first reviewed the design for the Old Geelong Rd Southern Forecourt.”
He highlights the unconventional use of a soil-less growing medium (scoria) combined with high-density native shrubs, stating, “Research revealed the significant groundwork behind this technique, and I was intrigued by its potential.”
Fortunately, the project exceeded his expectations. “We installed everything swiftly during a favourable winter and spring, and the handover to our maintenance team was seamless.”
Wee enjoys a personal connection to the landscapes they’ve created: “One of my favourite pastimes is taking my family to explore the Woody Meadows at Old Geelong Rd and seeing how well they’re thriving.”
Key Benefits of Woody Meadows
- The Woody Meadows initiative brings a host of benefits to the communities it serves:
- Increased Roadside Planting Diversity: Enhancing biodiversity along major roadways.
- Resource Efficiency: Creating high-quality landscapes with fewer resources.
- Climate Resilience: Promoting greater resilience to climate change through diverse plant selection.
- Human Connection to Nature: Fostering a deeper connection to nature, which contributes to improved wellbeing and supports local biodiversity.