Tree planting for success in a hot city

There is plenty of talk about tree planting for cooling our cities. Over my last 40 years landscaping, I have been lucky to plant trees across NSW and the Middle East. In both these places water and the timing of its application has been a major factor in success. My team and I have used all sorts of techniques to improve survival rates and long term growth on projects like the M7, Hume Hwy, Western Sydney and Port Botany where we planted over 1 million trees. Here are some tips, especially about water holding capacity of the soil and its ability to grow some of the most important parts of a tree, the roots!

More recently I have been working with long term soil improvements in tough situations. Both I and Sydney Soil Laboratories (SESL) have some good news on soils performance with added mineral wool. Mineral wool is a natural material that’s safe to use and lasts a lifetime in supporting tree growth. I have carried out numerous experiments that show benefits for reduced watering requirements and better growth of plants.

This is what SESL said.

In SESLs opinion the Flocks product provides soil structure with significant reduced slumping over time in comparison to the lightweight media without Flocks (the Control). The Flocks also allows maintained air-filled porosity without significant reduction in oxygen levels. The addition of Flocks at a rate of 20- 30% to the lightweight media blend initially improves the water holding properties of the mineral based blend by around 9%. The water-holding capacity improves with time (5% improvement) as the media settles however not at the expense of the air-filled porosity. The Control showed higher WHC but this was at the expense of the AFP. The toxicity bioassay shows germination to be at an acceptable rate with the 30% contribution of Flocks however the growth rate isn’t as rapid as the 100% lightweight media. SESL recommends a full growth trial is undertaken to measure the effects of drought on non-irrigated blends.

For use when planting trees on concrete slab

Green roof soils

Here at Evolvement, we love to grow plants and trial new ideas.

A prominent landscape architectural firm (Clouston Associates) has asked us to undertake trials for a unique green roof project. Sustainable use of irrigation water is essential for this site. More about our unique green roof irrigation later.

Its early days, and we want to see how plants perform during this summer, but things are looking pretty good in our rooftop lab. The roof trials are planted with Australian Native plants. After summer we will compare replicates of the various systems, to provide a thorough scientific assessment.

In this blog post, I want to let you know about a unique soil additive, Urbanscape Flocks and what Sydney Soil Laboratory (SESL) has said about its use. Soils were generously provided by Benedict Sand and Soil, we added 20% Flocks. This is what SESL said:

In SESLs opinion the Flocks product provides soil structure with significant reduced slumping over time in comparison to the lightweight media without Flocks (the Control). The Flocks also allows maintained air-filled porosity without significant reduction in oxygen levels. The addition of Flocks at a rate of 20- 30% to the lightweight media blend initially improves the water holding properties of the mineral based blend by around 9%. The water-holding capacity improves with time (5% improvement) as the media settles however not at the expense of the air-filled porosity. The Control showed higher WHC but this was at the expense of the AFP. The toxicity bioassay shows germination to be at an acceptable rate with the 30% contribution of Flocks however the growth rate isn’t as rapid as the 100% lightweight media. SESL recommends a full growth trial is undertaken to measure the effects of drought on non-irrigated blends.

If you want to know more contact me on 0468 787 071 or see https://evolvement.squarespace.com/greenroofs

Greenroof construction basics

Green roofs are designed to emulate nature and support a range of plant material. They generally need to be light weight so special materials are required. A number of layers that emulate natural - drainage, growing media, plants and irrigation form the main components.

Extensive light weight green roof using Urbanscape

To protect the building asset, waterproofing and drainage are important considerations. Waterproofing should have a root inhibitor to stop root penetration and building damage. I often hear builders concerns regarding waterproofing. Systems have now been tried for decades in Europe and the USA. Provided you choose the right system and install it in the correct process, there is no need for concern. We highly recommend a leak detection system as added insurance. These systems allow you tell accurately where a leak may be located, avoiding the removal of large areas of green roofs if they are accidently damaged.

Leak detection

Drainage layers are common, and ready made polypropelene systems are available. Gravel is also used, but can add considerable weight. For roofs that are designed for stormwater detention, these drainage systems can drain too quickly. A detention roof system has been developed (Purple Roof) that maximises storage for a brief period, just like a stormwater detention system is designed to do. In this case a detention layer is added. The green roof is designed to meet required peak discharge rates.

Plant species need to be suitable as does adequate irrigation to allow them to flourish. To facilitate plant growth, the growing media needs to be specialised. A lightweight and a shallow profile is required. Evolvement use a combination of products with Knauf Urbanscape and a low organic substrate. Fine particles like like those in clay or are avoided so drainage is not blocked. Downpipe and overflow calculations must ensure adequate drainage for rain events. Drains themselves need to provide access for inspection and cleaning. Over the past 3 years Evolvement have tried and tested various combinations to determine the best plant growth. Success has been achieved with fully saturated green roof weights from 65kg-250kg/M2. More for intensive roof top gardens. It is important to get an engineers to confirm what load your roof can take.

Plants

In a country like Australia, irrigation systems are required, drip is the best as it avoids loss of water through wind. Modern irrigation controllers allow back to base monitoring to ensure systems are functioning correctly. The growing media, particularly Urbanscape reduces overall watering requirements due to their good water holding capacity. This provides further sustainability for your roof. Materials can be craned or blown to the roof.

Evolvement

Evolvement with various green roof projects.

Melbourne and Sydney City Council have developed guidlines. In Germany the FLL standards are used for green roof construction. The USA has developed various standards and professional training modules. An experience professional should be used to design and install your green roof. Our firm is USA qualified in Green roof design and build. We can also design, advise and supervise installation by your team to achieve success.

Green roofs come in a variety of forms and uses. Roofs generally form a number of environmental functions but can be designed to meet specific needs. These needs can include storm water detention, biodiversity habitat, solar power, insulation, energy conservation and city heat island effect. Of course they look great and can also provide beauty or amenity for the public or building owners.

In terms of construction there are two main types of green roofs, extensive and intensive. These roofs are light weight or heavier, respectively. Both types of roof can be used on your project.

Intensive green roofs can include everything you can have in a park or garden, including swimming pools, farms, large trees and entertainment areas. We call these rooftop gardens. High winds are a consideration in regard to trees, although there are a number on anchoring techniques available.

Extensive or light weight green roofs can be built to provide ecosystem services like stormwater management, biodiversity or bee forage. Extensive green roofs cost a lot less than intensive roofs. Plants for these roofs are selected to grow in shallow media and are typically found in nature in exposed locations. Species can include succulents, but there are also many plants in Australia that are used to shallow soils and high exposure. Evolvement have a number of species available for just this purpose. Succulent mats can be rolled out for instant cover or tubestock provide an efficient plant size. Extensive green roofs are generally not designed for public use, however maintenance personel are required periodically. Safety harnessing is required where balustrade fencing is not available.

The designer should be able to provide reports that indicate energy/stormwater/heat island effect benefits should the design be implemented to indicate the return on investment. An ecologist or horticulturalist can provide you data on biodiversity and food production.

Eventually your green roof will require maintenance. Intensive green roofs require the same sort of care you would provide to any garden. Extensive green roofs require minimal care with periodic weeding and checking irrigation and drainage systems.

Please dont hesitate to contact Robert Griffith for advise on your project. Call 0468 787 071 or rob@greenlook.com.au. Services

Worlds population needs advances in technology and knowledge to turn green by 2050.

Greening buildings provide for biodiversity, and create beauty for humans (biophilia). Equally important is that they provide ecosystem services, like water management, cooling, health and improving air quality.

Its great to be playing a role in technological advances including:

• Data for green roof performance

• Green roof growing media (soil)

• Stormwater management

• Protection of building asset value and overall cost

• Biodiversity in terms of plant species

• Biophilic design (how we create nature to improve our mental state)

Evidence for these advances is gained by research and testing. I work with a team of experts from Europe, the USA and here at Western Sydney University.

Data for green roof performance

We live in a digital world and big data is everywhere. Green roofs work very differently around the globe, based on the climate, rainfall, size and plant species. On the technology side, we at Evolvement have been advising software developers on Australian conditions. These developers use working greenroof laboratories to measure roof performance. They write algorithms and visual output to assist the building industry to understand green benefits. Our work at Evolvement has insured that this software provides each of Australia’s Capital cities with available modelling tools for the particular climate. We are testing performance on live projects in Sydney. We then provide Authorities with knowledge on how their roof will perform stormwater management, energy efficiency, cooling and biodiversity outcomes..

The new technology involves innovative green roof buildups (how the growing media for plants is installed). We have both new growing media and water holding/drainage systems that improve plant growth. Plant species too play an important part, particularly with biodiversity outcomes. Food crops provide yet further advantages.

Green roof growing media (soil)

Our Leading Australian soil scientists at Sydney Soil Laboritory (SESL) have evaluated properties to improve green roof performance in a year long study, and came up with the following recommendations.

It is desirable for Greenroof media to have a low saturated bulk density to comply with building codes strict weight restrictions. Rigid mineral media keeps is structure and porosity over extended periods of time. However, the mineral based products such as scoria, styrofoam, and perlite can dry out easily. (I would add ash to this). The consequence of achieving a lightweight media which won’t slump and maintains structure is drought. Low water holding media can be problematic on green roofs where the media is exposed to direct sun and wind promoting transpiration and drought. This study assesses whether a product such as Urbanscape Flocks (a mineral wool) may be used to improve plant growth through improving the water-holding properties while also resisting degradation and slumping of the media.

The addition of Urbanscape Flocks provides structural support to soil and a gives longterm advantage. In SESLs opinion the Flocks product provides soil structure with significant reduced slumping over time in comparison to the lightweight media without Flocks. The Flocks also allows maintained air-filled porosity without significant reduction in oxygen levels. The addition of Flocks at a rate of 20- 30% to the lightweight media blend,, initially improves the water holding properties of the mineral based blend. The water-holding capacity improves with time as the media settles, however not at the expense of the air-filled porosity.

Evolvement can advise and supply Urbanscape products see Green roofs

Stormwater management

Technological advances for Australia have been made working with Green Roof Diagnostics in the USA on detention roofs, they call them Purple Roofs, in Europe they are called Detention roofs. These roofs provide an additional 2 buildup layers for water storage and controlled release.

Working with Purple roof here in Australia, we will use some state of the art measuring equipment to monitor performance. We can then design a roof for your application, based on climate in your location.

New technology provides efficient and effective cost control. Long lasting materials are important as access is often difficult in green roof situations. The way green roofs are designed for detention provides developers an instant cost saving on detention tanks and allows you with more development space.

Purple roof laboratory

Protection of building asset value and overall cost

Waterproofing is a key worry for builders and developers alike. Overseas there have been vast improvements in waterproof technology. All are now available in Australia. Green roofs can increase the life of buildings by reducing temperature flucuations on the structure and providing protection for waterproofing. Using the right materials is important as the installation process. An inspection and test plan is something I prepare, that insures the membranes are not punctured during or after installation. Warranties are also available from reputable companies.

Leak detection systems are recommended even, if proper waterproofing is installed. They offer an insurance policy for our clients that last the life of your roof. An example for me, where this system proved useful, was when some tradespeople had come in and fitted a structure to my green roof in Redfern, Sydney. They had breached the waterproofing by drilling and bolting. The leak detection system could check the roof and find precisely where a leak occurred. In this case, we needed to re-waterproof only 1M2. If we had no leak detection system, we may have had to remove the entire green roof, a cost prohibitive exercise! Leak detection systems are not expensive. Different configurations are available from the simple to complex, with back to base monitoring. With these systems there is no need for flood testing your roof either. See Leak detection

Irrigation advances. Irrigation has taken advantage of the digital age very well. Electronic devises have web connections. Irrigation can automatically adjust to weather predictions and moisture levels. Fail safe technology will alert water supply problems.

When working with green buildings, it is important to work within the constraints of infrastructure. Waterproofing and maintenance costs are of interest to asset managers and owners. Engineers need to understand what loads are present and how stormwater will be managed. Evolvement help our clients through this maze.

Green walls. New green wall systems have been developed that require less maintenance. They also present well with our harsh climates on Australian architecture. See Green walls

Biodiversity

As an ecologist, I count and report on flora & fauna diversity and density. We compare land areas and give them a rating to determine restoration actions. We monitor local provenance and introduced species. For green roof plant species, I have travelled many kilometres to observe and develop plant groupings suitable for all areas in Australia. See Plants . We have been collecting, propagating and trialling these plants for over a decade. Evolvement can help you with plants for your green roof.

There is quite a bit of information on green roof fauna. Green roofs are particularly good at providing forage for bees, which makes it very popular to have bee hives on green roofs. Habitat creation can be included in the green roof for birds, bats, a range of invertebrates even fish to complement endemic and introduced flora. Specialised technology and software is available to monitor frog, bird and bat sounds.

Food too can play an important element in green building design, with indoors and outdoors used to produce sustenance for occupants.

Biophilia (how we create nature to improve our health)

The successful application of biophilic design result in a wide spectrum of physical, mental and behavioral benefits. Physical outcomes include enhanced physical fitness, lower blood pressure, increased comfort and satisfaction, fewer illness symptoms, and improved health. Mental benefits range from increased satisfaction and motivation, less stress and anxiety, to improved problem solving and creativity. Positive behavioral change includes better coping and mastery skills, enhanced attention and concentration, improved social interaction, and less hostility and aggression. (Stephen R. Kellert, Elizabeth F. Calabrese 2017)

Plants play an important role on Biophilic design. However there is much more for the designer to consider in undertaking a landscape that satisfies these requirements. Biophilic design must nurture a love of place. Biophilic design incorporates various patterns, they including:

• Visual Connection with Nature

• Non-Visual Connection with Nature

• Thermal & Airflow Variability

• Presence of Water

• Dynamic & Diffuse Light

• Material Connection with Nature

• Mystery

• Awe

To include the above philosophy in your green building design, give Robert a call on +61 468 787 071 or rob@greenlook.com.au.

Evolvement Pty Ltd

PROVIDERS OF QUALITY PRODUCTS TO THE GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE INDUSTRY. Landscapers, Architects, Landscape Architects, Developers, Government and Builders are our customers

LIGHT WEIGHT GREEN ROOF TRIALS IN SYDNEY (UPDATE IN IMAGES)

Sydney trials of extensive light weight green roofs over a 3 year period. In Berowra and Kemps Creek near the new airport in Sydney.

I have since added a number of photos from the successful trials. Urbanscape growing media proved to be a great part of the success. With roofs this light and thin, we have no excuse to not provide a green canopy to all our cities!

Contractor: Evolvement Pty Ltd rob@greenlook.com.au

Researcher: Robert Griffith BEnvSc +61 468 787 071

In May 2017 we set about building a series of experimental light weight green roof to test native and exotic plant growth, we determined weights for roof construction and measure reduced stormwater peak flow rates, irrigation requirments and plant species success.

The purpose of the roof is to help Evolvement provide effective green roofs to help you to meet sustainable targets and costs for your home or business premises.

We completed the installation of the green roofs. 20 different test panels 1200x1200mm in size with a variety of treatments and species. All but control panels had Urbanscape and soil, Soil depths varying from 15mm to 100mm depths. 

Fully saturated weight varied from 64kg/M2 up to 200kg/M2. All considered light weight extensive green roofs.

Plant species varied from exotic and native succulents to native and exotic shrubs commonly specified by Landscape Architects. Although the succulents performed better in the more shallow panels, all plants performed well with the addition of Urbanscape.

Green roof growing media is a mixture of 70% various inorganic and 30% organic material with 100 grams of 18 month slow release fertiliser for each 1200x1200mm panel. Urbanscape was in the form of Greenroll 20 and 40mm depths.

Irrigation rates were reduced when Urbanscape was part of the growing media profile, as Urbanscape holds 85% of its volume in water.

During these trials Evolvement has learnt a lot about the value of green roofs. Our partners in Europe (Knauf Insulation) and the USA (Sempergreen and Green Roof Diagnistics) have developed the Purple roof concept for storm water detention. This eliminates the costly stormwater detention tanks. This will reduce the Urban Stream Syndrome problem around your development site. We have designed a number of green roofs for biodiversity habitat. We have developed software for engineers and developers. Products and assistance are available Australia wide for your projects.

Happy green roofing.

Style, so you have seen modern thin design, how about this for your roof?

A low cost, thin profile light weight green roof that provides numerous environmental benefits can be achieved with Urbanscape. see https://evolvement.squarespace.com/greenroofs

New advanced green wall coming on nicely.

I have worked with just about every green wall system in the world over the past 15 years. Now I have found what I would say is the best system for a number of reasons. Most importantly, it will grow great plants, be easy to install, be thin on the wall and reduce maintenance costs. In each case this Sempergreenwall system shines.

Sempergreen greenwall is a robust long life commercial product for indoor or outdoor use.

Call Robert Griffith from Evolvement Pty Ltd on 0468 787 071 for supply with plants ready for your installation. https://evolvement.squarespace.com/products

Why not become an installer of green walls? We can train you in installation, pregrow the walls and supply all irrigation, sensors and green wall modules.

Evolvement trading as Green Look, can also install the system for you.

This demonstration Sempergreenwall provides room for fish at the base and reticulated water to fertilise the plants

What's in a green roof plant species?

Growing native plants for green roofs requires a knowledge of how one species can difffer dependent on it’s natural ecosystem. On inspection, I also notice that a coastal version of the same species has much shorter distances between leaf nodes and branches. In one photo below you will see the plants side by side, on the left leaf nodes are 8-10mm long, on the right leaves are 3-5mm apart. Unsurprisingly the coastal version is a shorter and bushier shrub, surviving extreme winds and salt. The variety growing in Western NSW, I know survives in temperatures in excess of 50C in the shade. Thats why I will be planting this shorter variety on coastal green roofs, and the other variety on hot roofs in Western Sydney.

Call Robert to discuss your Green Roof plants needs on 0468 787 071

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There is an urgent need for green infrastructure and urban agriculture to improve our health, air, and water.

There is an urgent need for green infrastructure and urban agriculture to improve our health, air, and water.

Do you need a hand designing your property to take advantage of these opportunities?

Could the COVID-19 pandemic be a catalyst for change? We have now demonstrated that rapid change to our society is possible. New opportunities exist in time of change, with innovative products, services and volunteers. Many minds are thinking and scheming solutions. Some will no doubt be profiting, whilst others fail. In scientific circles, failure is an important path to solutions. For humans and the planet a plan to look after our environment, is ever more critical.   

 In my professional circle, I hear various reasons why we are not taking care of our environment.

• Government agencies don’t easily facilitate change. Some Councils have developed green infrastructure plans, then proceed to ignore them. Despite evidence of successful practices in many parts of the world they are not adopted.

• Engineers and architects stick to tried and proven designs. Later facilitating green infrastructure is not possible due to little forethought in land planning or building structure.

• New policies are often over ridden on the building site, so developers can expediate their profits. Builders are scared to take risks on anything new on their buildings. They too want to build at lower costs.

• Contractors are apparently lacking in skills and systems to undertake new and important solutions.

• We continually allow poor development options in high density and low density housing with little regard to land use classification. Our good agricultural land close to cities is first neglected then turned into vast expanses of hardscape or dug up for coal. Biodiversity and natural ecosystems are neglected. Some local residents do not accept trees in their streets, often chopping them down reducing our opportunity to reduce the heat island effect in cities. Added to these problems is the damage we do to water quality with the Urban Stream Syndrome, air quality and carbon emmissions.

Poor planning has these expensive results on prime agricultural land.

• The green infrastructure industry find it hard to explain a Return on Investement, partially due to the fact that the environment is thought of poorly in monetary terms. However for instance, Green roofs apart from being a great place for growing food, provide stormwater management, biodiversity habitat, insulation, reductions in heat island effect and stress relief.

Yet there are so many great ideas in the world for environmental building, urban planning, ecological restoration and food production.

In my professional life, I have observed Orange trees as street trees in Anatolia, Turkey. Date palms being given a special status in the UAE. Green roof technology being widely adopted in Europe and the USA. Ecological surveys, riparian regeneration, ecological restoration is carried out by experienced practitioners with ever better technology. Caring developers often undertake this work despite difficulties convincing authorities of the benefits. There is a wider appreciation of local providence foods for shops and restaurants which increase customer patronage.

There is a burning desire by many people to create a better world. During this Covid19 shutdown, I have been in communication with many people regarding new ideas and technology. Inspired engineers , are thirsty for green solutions.

In isolation with our families we can cook, create new ideas, garden and grow our own food. These activities provide fun, stress relief and health benefits. Activities like these are standard disease prevention measures, like social distancing and hand-washing. Leading health experts have repeatedly highlighted the importance of good diet and exercise to build physical health and robust immune systems.

Copenhagen already had plans in place to turn street trees into communal fruit trees. Denmark's progressive model of community food-growing brings neighbourhoods together to care for common property, thereby building shared identities while literally harvesting fruits together. Havana's (popular gardens) have been providing these services from 1991. The psychological benefits of community-building through gardening and food-growing can keep anxiety and depression at bay, while fostering societal trust and resilience outlasting the pandemic. The added potential benefit for urban farming innovations can finally be brought to indigenous settlements as one step on the ladder to better long-term living standards, bringing thrivability and livability to the fore of urban development in these communities.

 So we need a plan, what can be done?

 In the broader context of urban circular economy models, micro-business models can close loops innovatively. This is a powerful tool through which many major urban challenges can be successfully tackled by empowering citizens, thus relieving some burdens from local administrations in genuine and productive public-private partnerships.

The plan to turn half the world into a reserve for nature should not be discounted. Close and unsatisfactory interactions between humans and nature are thought to be the cause of Covid19. It would seem prudent to care for our wild places, if for nothing else a source of genetic diversity and biomimicry.

Indigenous cultures to need special care. It is said they are most vulnerable to diseases. Their health is poor, due to poor diet and food availability. They also hold special knowledge of the land and its care. In Australia for over 60,000 years, they have developed an affinity with nature in which we could all learn from. For instance their ability to control forests with slow burning fires, which if followed could have reduced recent damage to 12 million hectares burnt in 2019 alone.

Food crops, within easy reach of residential areas are needed. Private spaces in suitable locations are also encouraged to be opened up for use. These spaces do not have to be big, but they do need good access to water.

We seek assistance from authorities with regards to permits, and to allow essential food-related activities to take place. Community garden locations, fencing and infrastructure is required. We request help and donations from land owners, municipalities, plant centres, nurseries, local farms, and water supply firms, amongst others - by reaching out to vulnerable communities to help foster food security.

Nutrients: Donations of food waste, in order to produce compost, and to feed nutrients into soil should be sought.

Design: Garden design for productivity involves aspect, sun, soil, water and nutrients. Many systems are available to improve productivity. Permaculture and organic gardening techniques produce clean healthy food.

Technology: A number of systems are improving food production in the urban environment. Wicking beds by Biofilta ™ , vertical food farms and products like Urbanscape® provide excellent media for rooftop gardens. Soon connective technology will monitor soil, nutrient, pests and diseases to improve output. This will be achieved by the Internet of Things (IOT). Of course a lot of this type of work can be very organic and use low cost reused materials. Of course there are a number of solutions for water, air quality and climate change with the introduction of specialised green roofs.

Training: Education and training for locals to manage their own food gardens. People need to be able to take care of their plots for the sake of their long-term community health. On top of technical aspects of food-growing, composting, cooking, processing, etc., training could also be provided to encourage micro-business models to emerge in helping communities develop more robust and optimistic future perspectives.

There is a dire need to improve living conditions and secure basic necessities for the most vulnerable parts of our country. We need to appreciate fresh produce, whilst reducing fresh food being dumped. This is particularly acute in indigenous communities.

Embedding food production into urban- and peri-urban areas is increasingly viewed as an essential part of building more robust cities. Whilst typologies and solutions may differ from city to city and country to country, the message is clear: Healthy food system = Healthy economy, Healthy planet, Healthy population. Perhaps most importantly, urban farming regenerates urban communities. It generates its own economy, providing people with greater holistic value than unethical employment practices. Urban agriculture spreads knowledge and awareness of urban food systems, new economic models, waste reduction, education linked to opportunity, etc. It is a regenerative opportunity - one that begets more opportunities.

I propose the widespread construction of indoor, outdoor and rooftop garden plots, vegetable patches, greenhouses, and poultry runs in shared community spaces, alongside upcycling and food processing facilities to provide opportunities for packaging, storage and to reduce unnecessary food wastage.

Urban agriculture has often been an overlooked area for business development, yet it is a powerful tool with the potential to deliver inclusive, responsible, robust and resilient regeneration right where it is needed most. Let us use this critical opportunity to bring about Food Security everywhere - and build healthy, thriving, local food systems that bring holistic benefits to all.

All the best for your environmental endeavours

Robert Griffith

www.evolvement.squarespace.com

www.greenlook.com.au

 WE SUPPLY DIY OR SUPPLY AND INSTALL ENVIRONMENTAL GARDENS. CALL ROBERT ON 0468 787 071 OR rob@greenlook.com.au.

 Thanks for the following contributors to this article.

 Samantha Suppiah Founder and Director Urban Doughnut

Maryam Manuel Salie Founder Sandvlei United Community

Chris Jones Founder Feeding Cities

Diana Diaz Castro Founder Just Cities

https://bit.ly/foodsecurityjugaad

Food Security is an open letter calling for the rapid building of community gardens in formal settlements in the Global South - in response to pandemic-induced food insecurity. Our goal is to create a global movement with this letter. Please join me in signing this letter and supporting the initiative.

A vegetable garden at home has lots of benefits, especially for kids!

Experience and research have shown numerous benefits of gardens for a childs development, and it’s fun!

Benefits of having a vegetable garden at home for children

• they gain self-confidence and a sense of “capableness” along with new skills and knowledge in food growing — soon-to-be-vital for the 21st century.

• the yard is diversified and beautified.

• garden-based teaching addresses different learning styles and intelligences; our non-readers can blossom in the garden!

• achievement scores improve because learning is more relevant and hands-on.

• children become more fit and healthy as they spend more time active in the outdoors and start choosing healthy foods over junk food.

• kids learn focus and patience, cooperation, teamwork and social skills.

Call Robert on 0468 787 071 to discuss our easy to install and care, Biofilta Food Cube. DIY or we can install in Sydney, even full of vegetables.

Surprise Australian plant for your green roof

How about a surprise element for your green roof? This Calostemma purpureum might be just the shot. They flower like crazy. The great thing about bulbs is that they have that surprise element, and when they bloom they are spectacular.

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Whats better than looking out on a green roof from your bathroom?

Here at Manly a green roof provides a beautiful view from the bathroom and bedrooms. On this project I was limited to an overall depth of 140mm for the green roof buildup. I was also limited to 150kg/M2 for structural reasons. We needed to make a light weight green roof. Plants are growing particularly well with a 20mm layer of mineral wool called Urbanscape, beneath 65mm of growing media. Urbanscape becomes a water source and provides excellant growing conditions for a range of exotic and native species..

Urbanscape arrives in Australia to revolutionise green roof and landscape growing media

Its great to receive a fresh batch of Knauf Urbanscape. Trials have already proved the way we can build light weight green roofs. Now we will be installing Urbanscape in some new and interesting applications.

Australian native plants growing on a thin lightweight Urbanscape green roof

3 pallets of green roof and landscape rolls ready for A 250M/2 job.

Urbanscape more than a product, comes with modelling software to help avoid The Heat Island Effect, Stormwater Management and Water usage.

Urbanscape used to make a green wall

Large green roof for Stormwater management

Urbanscape Green roll massive water holding capacity for plant growth

Send us a request for a demonstration and information session contact Robert at rob@greenlook.com.au , 0468 787 071

Sydney's Green Infrastructure Research Centre

If you want to learn about green roofs, why not come and see me at our evolving green roof research centre in Sydney’s north? Coffee or tea served!

Contact Robert Griffith for an appointment on 0468 787 071 , rob@greenlook.com.au. Rob can talk you through his 35 years experience around the world.

Here are a few photos of what you can see and discuss for your projects.

Urbanscape green walls getting ready for installation and indoor plants

Green infrastructure plant trials and propagation stock

A broad range of green infrastructure materials from major suppliers like Knauf Urbanscape, drainage cells, fabrics, Royal Grass, etc.

Pot based green walls

Succulent green walls

Propagating green infrastructure plants

Indoor lights for great green wall growth

With 35 years experience in a variety of growing medias, Robert can help you specify just the right soil mixes

Landscaping

Even Royal Grass synthetic lawns

Invertebrate home

Carniverous plants

Are sustainable stormwater practices really catching on?

We look forward to providing our green roof stormwater solutions in FAILURE TO THRIVE conference by STORMWATER NSW in Coffs Harbour at 1.10pm Wednesday the 28th of August 2019.

We will be presenting:

1. Green roof software modelling for stormwater detention.

2. Green roof installation

3. New technology for green roof construction

https://gems.eventsair.com/2019-stormwater-nsw-conference/registrationpage/Site/Register

Reducing water requirements for landscaping on Sydney's new Tallawong railways station

At the Tallawong railway station large planters have received a 20% blend of Urbanscape Flocks. This will improve plant growth and reduce water requirements. The project was designed by Place Design Group. Installation was by E-Scaping. A nice use of synthetic grass and softfall too in this heavily trafficked area.

Call Robert for assistance with Knauf Urbanscape on 0468 787 071

Some good news for Australian environment and landscape industry

The Australian Institute of Landscape Architects and Parks & Leisure Australia held a seminar “Green Infrastructure – focus on streetscapes” it was sponsored by Andreasens Green Nursery on the 2nd of May 2019.

Speakers included:

NSW Government Architect Landscape Architect  Barbara Schaffer talked about 2 new documents that are to be released for our open space design. The documents are “Open Space for Recreation”, and “Urban Tree Canopy”.  Barbara referred to a new impetus by the NSW Government on public spaces.

Robert Griffith talked on Knauf Urbanscape technology with specific information on providing green infrastructure on buildings. He discussed how green roofs and green walls and will reduce energy consumption by providing canopy. Spaces for tree planting are limited and roofs provide a huge area that in many countries are planted out for cooling, storm water management and biodiversity. http://www.green-urbanscape.com/

Macquarie University talked about their new knowledge base  WHICH PLANT WHERE . A unique source of knowledge will be available for suitable plants for all Australian climates. Climate change was included to show what changes are to be expected.

Ben Gooden from City Green showed how to grow excellent trees in our streets to improve canopy.

The commissioner for open space and parklands Fiona Morrison to discussed grants that have been provided for tree planting around Sydney.

Tim Carroll from Andreasens Green nursery gave a great summary of street tree species suitable for various Sydney climates.

Overall it is great to see that our industry is learning from leaders in their field.

Native plants of Broken Hill ?

Hiking in inland Australia provides plenty of interest for horticulturalists. After 10mm of rain, (which is a lot for these parts) the country comes alive with plants. On this hike I saw some incredible plants that grow only in the rocky ground in this desert environment. I saw an interesting plant that I was sure I had seen elsewhere. Over night I thought hard and came to the realisation I had seen in it my desert adventures in the United Arab Emirates.

Rumex vesicarius Family Polygonaceae Common Name Wild Hops as seen in the hills around Broken Hill NSW Australia.

Rumex is not a native of Australia but has become naturalised here. In the 1850’s the new Austalian’s from England wanted to explore the large landmass. (Of course our country was inhabited for some 60,000 years by our First Nations Aborigines, who knew the area well.) The only way the new Australians could to do get across the country was with Camels. So they brought camels with Afgani herdsmen, to help explore the country. These camels had the seeds of Rumex stuck in their fur. That’s how Rumex was spread across Australia. Rumex has evolved to take these dry conditions. Much of its life is lived underground and it only appears after rain, where it soon flowers and sets seed before dying back in the heat. Could be a great plant for green/brown roofs that provide insulation, water management and biodiversity in dry cities.

Rumex on a stamp from the UAE

Succulents growing in the desert around Broken Hill Actinobole uliginosum has the yellow flower the other looks is a Calandrinia sp.

Some Emus and their babies in the grasslands

Artwork from our First Nation Aborigines.

Finding Lizards on the road to Broken Hill, Tiliqua rugosa Shingle Back Lizard check the red soil in inland Australia

Check out the Sculpture Park at sunset, my grandson sitting on a sculpture.

Visit the Pro Hart art gallery

Swainsona fomosa Family Fabaceae Common Name Sturt Desert Pea

ARE GREEN ROOFS AS GOOD AS WE ALL THINK?

SEMINAR 23 MAY 2019 PARRAMATTA 9.00AM - 1.00PM

Speakers

•Oscar Warmerdam CEO Sempergreen USA, Expert on Holistic Vegetative Green Roofs, ROI specialist on green infrastructure

•Jure Sumi Knauf Insulation, Worldwide Urban Green Infrastructure specialist

•Robert Griffith CEO Evolvement Pty Ltd, Green Infrastructure designer and installer Storm Water questions at a talk in Sydney on the 24/5/19.

• Mark Lieberman Director, Principal Engineer, Sustainability Workshop

Who should attend:
Stormwater Engineers, Government, Local Government, Landscape Architects, Architects,  Builders, Landscape Contractors

A big sponge detention green roof in New York

If a green roof absorbs 50% of the annual rainfall in your city, why not the other 50%? If the civil engineer likes green roofs, why aren’t they using them as a PRIMARY stormwater management tool? Do you know the true difference between Detention and Retention, and why does this matter? What does a traditional green roof need in order to become a PRIMARY stormwater management tool? Can the green roof industry grow without Policy and Regulations? (the answer is yes)

Benefits of green roofs include reduced Heat Island effect, Biodiversity, Greening our cities.

Benefits of attending

•Learn how Europe and the USA are upgrading green roofs into PRIMARY storm water management tools with a real ROI.

•Fully understand ET (evapotranspiration) when designing YOUR next green roof. See and understand new green roof  technology and modelling software as used to calculate green roof design.

•Energy consumption savings can offer many LEED/GREEN STAR opportunities.

•Monitoring how your buildings effect heat island effect and how a green building will reduce outcomes.

•Discover the value of the Knauf Urbanscape / Purple-Roof system and solutions

•Explore new Trends, known Policy shortcomings, new maintenance requirements and other worthwhile topics that are new to Australia.  

•Meet experienced practitioners and installers.

Topics

•Performance testing, monitoring green roof effectiveness

•Performance Evaluation software Tool

•Stormwater modelling with growing media, mineral wools and detention layer

•Energy and water conservation and heat island effect

•Available resources; Reports, Cadd, Urbanscape, Purple-Roof, Designers, Installers

•Green roof design, weights, waterproofing, costs, plants, soils, irrigation, leak detection

•Green roof installation and maintenanceExample projects

Discussion on ROI, Govt’t approval processes, MUSIC software 

Robert Griffith BEnvSc 0468787071 rgriffi8@gmail.com

Proud Winner Top 50 Rooms House & Garden Oct 2018

This Green roof is a tribute to the team at Evolvement.

Plants grown in 100mm Growing media and large pots. Design by Robert Griffith.