Time to launch a greener future

Date posted: 19 June 2014

Two new online tools developed by the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide will assist the community in understanding green space and its importance in urban environments.

Launched today at Adelaide Botanic Garden the Green Infrastructure Evidence Base and Plant Selector+ are free resources for use by a range of groups, from planners, developers and councils to community and home gardeners.

Director of the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide, Stephen Forbes says the tools complement each other to provide a comprehensive resource.

“Together the Green Infrastructure Evidence Base and Plant Selector+ will help us grow healthier, greener and cleaner towns and cities,” Mr Forbes says.

“These free, accessible tools are available for the whole community to learn and benefit from.”

The Green Infrastructure Evidence Base brings together a range of research, information and resources highlighting the importance of green spaces while Plant Selector+ allows users to identify the right plants for the right location.

Green Infrastructure Project Officer Sheryn Pitman says the online evidence base provides compelling and comprehensive evidence from around the world for incorporating nature into urban environments.

“The online evidence base is divided into seven themes: human health and wellbeing, community liveability, economic prosperity, climate adaption, water management, urban ecology and food production,” Ms Pitman says.

“It’s the most comprehensive resource available on the value of green infrastructure and provides a solid business case for investing in green space.

“Plant Selector+ is an extensive, searchable database of native and exotic plants suited to urban, South Australian environments, from groundcovers through to tall trees.

“Together these tools provide the full package, highlighting the importance of green spaces and making our research and development accessible to the whole community.”

The Green Infrastructure Project is a partnership between the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure, Natural Resources Adelaide and Mt Lofty Ranges, Renewal SA, and the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide. Development of Plant Selector+ has been assisted by the Local Government Research and Development Scheme and SA Water.

The Green Infrastructure Evidence Base and Plant Selector+ are available online via the Botanic Gardens of Adelaide website, https://www.botanicgardens.sa.gov.au/science-conservation/plant-selector.