Get down and dirty
03 Jun 2010
Docklanders can get their hands really dirty now that Urban Reforestation has formed an alliance with the Friends of Westgate Park.
Urban Reforestation has created Docklands’ community garden on a concrete apron beside the water in Victoria Harbour and many locals have enjoyed tending the plants.
But, according to Urban Reforestation founder Emily Ballantyne-Brodie, now they have an even better opportunity to get dirt under their fingernails.
The Friends of Westgate Park have been quietly restoring an industrial wasteland under the Westgate Bridge back into its original indigenous glory.
Ms Ballantyne-Brodie said the group conducted working bees every Monday and Tuesday as well as every third Sunday of the month.
“They’ve developed enormous expertise in indigenous plants and have their own native plant nursery,” Ms Ballantyne-Brodie said. “And they’re bringing their talents to Docklands.”
She said the Friends of Westgate Park were soon to create a native garden within Docklands’ community garden.
“We’re fortunate to have this expertise on tap in our neighbourhood as it brings us one step closer to our vision for the greening of Docklands,” Ms Ballantyne-Brodie said.
Friends of Westgate Park vice-president Tony Flude welcomed Docklanders to the park.
“We’re really very close to Docklands and would be the nearest park of any significance,” he said. “When you think about it, Westgate Park is really the lungs of Docklands.”
The group plants trees, shrubs, under-story plants and grasses. It also prepares and maintains garden beds by spreading mulch.
As well as restoring the native plant population, the Friends of Westgate Park also monitor water quality in the lakes and lagoons to increase frog populations.
Docklanders wishing to assist the Friends of Westgate Park should contact Naomie Sunner on 0415 941 629 or (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
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