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Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens (RGB) has reduced its water consumption by 60 per cent since 1994, two years ahead of its Water Conservation Target.
“We’re delighted that we’ve been able to fulfil our mission and environmental commitment to water saving, while still maintaining the quality of a culturally significant heritage landscape,” says Mr Richard Barley, Divisional Director Melbourne Gardens.
“Since embarking on irrigation improvements in 1994, we’ve not only managed to save water during the lowest rainfall period on record, but with an additional 3.3 hectares in landscape extensions being added to the irrigation management regime.”
The RGB’s water saving activities are guided by an annual review of its Irrigation Management Plan, which ensures water use efficiency in line with current research and best practice.
Current water saving practices are extensive and include: staff training on water management practices; recycling the Gardens’ green waste as mulch; and implementing turf management strategies to convert grassed areas to varieties which use around 30 per cent less water.