Environmentally-conscious Canberrans looking to revamp their gardens can harness tips from a new guide developed by the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD) for creating climate-wise landscapes.
Releasing its Gawari Ngilanmanyin guide, the Directorate said the Guide would help homeowners and industry professionals plan for greener, more sustainable urban landscapes.
“As our climate changes, we know that our cities will experience more extreme temperatures and weather events – including more heatwaves, bushfires, storms and floods,” EPSDD said.
“Climate-wise landscapes will withstand these challenging conditions by using plants and materials that are appropriate for the current and projected climate, and capturing and using water in sustainable ways,” it said.
“The Guide looks at different aspects of climate-wise landscape design such as soil, water, plants, materials, layout and location.”
EPSDD said the Guide included fundamental concepts, case studies and technical guidelines.
It said architects, landscape architects, developers and community groups could use the Guide to inform their work and take into account the different aspects of climate-wise landscapes such as soil, water, plants, materials, layout and location.
“While the Guide is aimed at industry professionals, it can also serve as a handy resource for all Canberrans,” the Directorate said.
Welcoming the Guide, Minister for the Environment, Rebecca Vassarotti said the title, Gawari Ngilanmanyin (pronounced ga-wa-ri nillan-man-nyin), meant ‘remembering the bush’ and was a reminder of the importance of Ngunnawal Country and people to the city.
“We all know we need to actively manage and protect our bush capital and know we all have a part to play,” Ms Vassarotti said.
“This Guide aims to support professionals to assist our work to continue to green our city.”
EPSDD’s 71-page Guide can be accessed at this PS News link.
