The Friends propagated and planted over 2000 indigenous plants in several regeneration areas in Shepherd's Bush. This project has involved an extensive upgrade of the nursery facilities including installation of a new watering system and construction of a propagating house.
With the help of students from Holmesglen TAFE we collected seed over summer in recent years and commenced propagating new plants. A planting day to regenerate a 500 square metre area was held in August 2006. We have an ongoing program for weed removal and new planting of indigenous species. Weed removal and further planting days will be a focus for 2011. Please contact us if you would like to help.
Regeneration site
Community Garden
A major project commenced in 2008 and will involve greatly increasing the size and scope of the current Indigenous Garden through extensive community involvement. This facilty will present indigenous plants in the area to local residents. Propagating and planting will take place over the next few years. Please contact us if you would like to be involved in this.
Smokewater Trial
In April 2006 as part of the Shepherds Bush regeneration project, smokewater was sprayed on a grassy area to encourage germination of the seeds of indigenous plants which lie dormant until triggered by smoke. We are continuing to monitor and evaluate the outcomes of the trial.
Spraying smokewater
Understorey monitoring
In October 2003 a site was chosen in the linear park between Jells Park and Norton's Park to trial the growth of understorey plants, such as shrubs and native grasses, in an area that was originally planted with only a single layer of vegetation.
Every three months the plants have been checked for growth. The results have been mixed with some native grasses growing comparatively well but other shrubs being unsuccessful. A final report has been completed and will provided valuable information for future developments in the parklands.
Understorey monitoring
Blackberry Project
In March 2006, in a joint project with Boral we planted rust affected blackberry plants adjacent to Jells Park in an attempt to biologically control blackberry infestation. Unfortunately due to the extremely dry conditions over the period, there ws no spread of rust from the infected plants. It is hoped to make another attempt in the future.
Planting virus affected blackberries