Bringing kids back to nature, one kindergarten at a time
In this guest post, contributor Wes Fleming discusses the benefits of natural outdoor play environments and the effect on children’s health and wellbeing. Something truly exciting is happening at the moment – we’re going backwards, and it’s happening all around us. From health professionals and nutritionists espousing the benefits of a caveman diet, to scientists...
Essential technical support in your drainage design process
When selecting a product or service we are often looking for the complete package – not only searching for the most cost-effective and most suitable service, we want to know that we are working with companies who go above and beyond the simple purchase of a product. In such a competitive market place, it’s vital...
The development and investment in Australia’s road infrastructures
As part of the development of new and existing road infrastructure, Governments are required to assess and maintain road surfaces, transport networks and drainage systems. The Australian Government made a large commitment to investing $50 billion into transport infrastructure which will result in the development of new and existing roads, highways and transport links across...
Peering into the future of Australian manufacturing
The face of Australian manufacturing has changed dramatically over the past few years and with the recent closures of key industry players, ripples of home grown manufacturing dying out continue to spook firms and increase media hype. Though the threat of closure is an element businesses need to be aware of, long standing manufacturers should...
8 Sure-fire tips to reduce public falls and accidents
Our culture surrounding trips or falls has changed dramatically. Gone are the days of having an accident and only having ourselves to blame. Influenced by the suing culture of overseas countries, the number of lawsuits filed against businesses, local governments and individuals in Australia has risen rapidly. Companies and local governments are often being thrust...
Plants and Bats
In mostly urban areas some wildlife can be seen as a potential problem or even threat. Flying fox (Pteropus sp.) is one of those species that is often complained about in cities and large towns. Those complaints are related to smell and noise of the camps. Added to that is the fear of the Australian...
Public/private partnerships the key to greener communities
In this guest post, contributor Wes Fleming discusses why private/public partnerships could hold the key towards future-proofing our suburbs while securing more green space in the municipalities which need them most. Whenever I drive around some of Melbourne’s oldest inner-suburban pockets, I am astounded by the number of derelict street corners, disused urban blocks and...
Myrtle Rust an example of failed bio-security
In 2010-2011 a fungus, the Myrtle Rust (Uredo rangelii), made the headlines of not only trades magazines but also mainstream papers such as the Sydney Morning Herald. The Myrtle Rust as its name indicates affects trees and shrubs in the Myrtaceae family. The Myrtaceae is a large family of plants and includes Australian natives like...
Cleaning Our Acts
As all landscapers are well aware, we are often the last trade called in after house alterations or new construction work. While most trades leave the site clean, we often have to deal with the residues of their clean-up operation, This is mostly a problem where cement products are concerned. Nowadays, the wash out from paint...
Eating out
Cooking outdoors has always been a common sight in Australia. The BBQ is its most common form, although in the last decade we have seen it being transformed from the sizzle to the semi professional. The Pizza oven is the second most common, likely due to the Pizza oven kits you can buy over the...
Tips on How to Create and Connect Social Spaces in Australia
Australia is sprinkled with some very distinct neighbourhoods that portrays its unique history and mix of rural and city living landscapes. Western Australia, which is known for its bright blue coastline and red desert rural areas, longs for outdoor spaces that provide ways for the public to connect and enjoy these vistas. The Northern Territory,...
Healthy Soils
In Landscaping and horticulture in general we are involved primarily with growing media. The quality of soil we work with is important; this is recognised by the Australian Standards we must adhere to. What is less known and too often overlooked is the health of our soils. What constitutes a healthy soil? A soil is healthy...
