“I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.”
What attracted you to study Urban Horticulture at the University of Melbourne?
I was attracted to study urban horticulture as the teachings and connections of green infrastructure researchers such as Clean Air and Urban Landscapes Hub were readily available in the Master of Urban Horticulture. These groups consist of an Indigenous Advisory Group and network of Indigenous contributors, to develop a cross-cultural and cross discipline approach to Caring for Country in cities. The Masters of Urban Horticulture is also currently only offered by the University of Melbourne.
What inspires you about Urban Horticulture?
I'm inspired to increase the urban biodiversity and canopy cover with indigenous and native species, by engineering tree plantings with water sensitive urban design irrigation. Through sound urban planning design we can enable nature accessibility and engagement for children growing up in these landscapes.
What has been your favourite experience while studying?
My favourite experiences have been the connections made in councils, the private sector, green infrastructure research groups and the Traditional Custodians of the land. Observing plant traits at the Burnley campus in the gardens, field stations and laboratory microscope work, specifically around drought tolerance of native tree species. As cities become more populated and warmer with climate change, designing urban landscapes to increase canopy cover, biodiversity and nature accessibility and engagement, will be more important than ever.
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