Growing a greener west at Werribee’s Woody Meadow

Greater Western Water’s (GWW) Werribee Recycled Water Plant is the latest site to benefit from the beauty of a Woody Meadow planting, as part of a University of Melbourne urban greening research project.

Woody Meadows is a cost-effective method of public planting, using drought-resistant and visually interesting native shrublands. By planting a variety of plants that mimic the natural landscape, Woody Meadows create vibrant displays that attract biodiverse wildlife and require minimal maintenance.

This month, Australia’s latest Woody Meadow took root in two specially constructed 27 x 3 metre planter boxes at the Werribee Recycled Water Plant, established with 2,500 plants generously donated by ecoDynamics.

Lead researcher on the Woody Meadows project, Associate Professor Claire Farrell, said the University of Melbourne was excited to be working with GWW on a Woody Meadow designed with locally indigenous shrub species.

“This site is a wonderful opportunity to test how well Woody Meadows will work in the west to improve the quality of low maintenance public landscapes for people and biodiversity.”

GWW Chief People Officer Louise Meadows said the water corporation was proud to partner with the University to test and demonstrate the success of Woody Meadows in Melbourne’s west.

“We’re committed to increasing green spaces across our region and happy to share our site to help discover new ways of greening the west. This Woody Meadow is also set to be watered with recycled water from the plant, demonstrating the value of this climate resilient water source,” she said.

“We’re always seeking the best outcomes for people and Country, and contributing to this research is an opportunity to help both,” she said.

Woody Meadows can be used in spaces like train stations, roadsides, small city gardens and residential streetscapes. The research project aims to provide information on plant performance, maintenance approaches and cost estimates to develop guidelines for how to design and install Woody Meadows across Australia.

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