Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve
Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve Wildflower Meadow (2023)
The UEDLAB recently joined the Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve project in July 2023 to design the Wildflower Meadow in collaboration with the faculty of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences; Professor Nick Willams and Sophia Blosfelds.
The partnership between the UEDLAB, Urban Horticulturalists and Bayside City Council creates a project team of diverse knowledge bases, in which the lab provides a conduit between an ecologically and horticulturally sound meadow to amenity value.
Designed experiments are embedded within the design of the meadow, with future emphasis on a wet meadow seed mixture. There is the capacity for experiments and studies to be conducted through the maintenance of the site from both a horticultural and community perspective.
Design Intent:
- The general design intent for the Phase 1 'Wedge' is to utilise the height and density qualities of the C4 Grass mixes to direct movement and views.
- The 'Wildflower Mix' has largely been focused around the building to create colour interest and to contrast against the swathes of grass mixes. One will also glimpse wildflower mixes further into the meadow to encourage exploration.
- The hierarchy of paths is clearly indicated to denote different types of circulation and exploration and assist in maintenance of the mixes.
- The 'Mixed Borders' will be utilised to separate and define bands of mixes throughout the wildflower meadow. These will be in the form of rock and log piles with the potential for designed interventions to complement mixes and tailor to certain species. They may also provide edging to paths and sometimes will be absent between mixes, where the interface of contrasting features will create the border.
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