In this episode…

Chris Weiss sits down with Associate Professor Claire Farrell, Director of the Burnley Campus at The University of Melbourne, to explore the role of plants in solving urban challenges. 

Claire shares her journey from studying plant ecology and dryland salinity to pioneering research in green infrastructure, green roofs, and low-maintenance plantings. 

Key takeaways:

• Green infrastructure is critical for urban sustainability, providing cooling, biodiversity, and stormwater management.
• The Woody Meadow Project replaces monocultures with diverse, resilient plantings designed for minimal maintenance.
• Green roofs in Melbourne require different plants and substrates compared to Europe, with succulents thriving in dry conditions.
• Rain gardens filter pollutants, manage stormwater, and improve urban landscapes, though plant selection is key.
• Claire envisions Burnley Campus as a hub for horticulture, offering training, research, and community engagement.

Tune in for expert insights on designing resilient landscapes, the future of urban greening, and how innovative planting strategies can transform our cities.

 

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👁️‍🗨️ About Associate Professor Claire Farrell

• Website: The University of Melbourne 
• Resource: Google Scholar
• Instagram @plantscienceart
• LinkedIn @Claire Farrell 

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