The Melbourne Arts Precinct Plant Trials are using drones and rooftop experiments to future-proof urban gardens.
Over 1000 plants are being tested right now as part of the Melbourne Arts Precinct Plant Trials.
A three-year research project is evaluating which plant species and mixes will thrive in Laak Boorndap, the 18,000 square metre urban garden being delivered as part of the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation. The Melbourne Arts Precinct Plant Trials bring together the University of Melbourne’s Burnley Campus, MAP Co, Development Victoria, design practice Hassell, plant practice Super Bloom and international horticulturalists James Hitchmough and Nigel Dunnett to figure out what will actually survive in Melbourne’s increasingly hot future.
All this research is leading towards Laak Boorndap, the massive 18,000 square metre urban garden opening in 2028 as part of the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation. Designed by Hassell in partnership with world-renowned horticulturalists Nigel Dunnett and James Hitchmough, it will be one of the most complex public garden designs in the world, featuring public artworks, a water feature and open 24 hours a day.
Melbourne Arts Precinct Plant Trials
- Location: University of Melbourne Burnley Campus and Fed Square Test Garden
- Duration: Three-year research project
- Test Garden: Open 24/7 at Fed Square
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More than 125 species are being put through their paces in harsh conditions at the University of Melbourne’s Burnley Campus. Plants are being tested on a rooftop in beds with shallow substrate and minimal irrigation to mimic the environment they’ll face at Laak Boorndap. Drone imagery, 3D point clouds and sensors are tracking everything from plant development to rainfall, temperature, solar radiation and soil moisture.
Leading the charge are Associate Professor in Green Infrastructure Claire Farrell and University of Melbourne Research Fellow in Green Infrastructure Dr Dean Schrieke, applying the academic expertise of the university’s Green Infrastructure Group to ensure science-based outcomes. This isn’t just about making one garden look good; it’s about testing what works in increasingly extreme urban conditions.
Research outcomes will be periodically shared through public programs, conversations and articles to help community members create climate-resilient gardens in their own spaces, whether that’s a backyard, rooftop, balcony or nature strip. Garden enthusiasts can get hands-on knowledge about what actually survives in Melbourne’s evolving climate.
A new Test Garden has opened at Fed Square, acting as a meeting place where the community can hear directly from researchers about their findings.
Open to the public 24/7, the pop-up Test Garden demonstrates the naturalistic planting style planned for Laak Boorndap while providing a test bed for programming, research and conversations. Visitors can watch the garden change and grow, getting a glimpse into what the future 18,000 square metre urban garden will look like when complete.
For more information, head here.
