Planting site 2024
In 2024 we started work at a new site located to the north of the old Maroondah Aqueduct pipe bridge. The aim is to start filling the gap between our established planting areas to create one continuous section. The site was covered densely with weeds such as vinca, blackberry, cocksfoot grass, and angled onion. We reduced the weeds significantly with repeated brush-cutting followed by a small amount of targeted herbicide application (thanks to contractors provided by the Council). In amongst the weeds were a few surviving native plants from a previous planting, believed to have been undertaken by Melbourne Water. It was great to have some existing native plants as a starting point to build upon. We also removed a lot of rubbish such as metal and building rubble.
Below are a couple of photos before and after our first working bee at the new site. We will continue working at this site for some time, so plenty more photos to follow in the coming months and years as the plants grow.
Before and after shots from the new site. At our May 2024 working bee, we spread a massive load of mulch (about 20m3) and planted about 50 plants. It is already looking about a thousand times better after just one working bee!
Some of the rubbish we removed from the site prior to planting. This included metal pipes, bricks, chunks of concrete, plastic, glass bottles and even some tree guards from a previous planting.
Working bee, June 2024. We planted another 200 plants and spread more mulch, expanding the site further down the slope towards the river and meeting up with an existing patch of native vegetation.
June 2024, more rubbish removed from the site including wire and rusted old steel cable.
June 2024, a bag of Angled Onion hand removed from the site by one of our dedicated volunteers.
Frosty morning, June 2024.
Working bee, July 2024.
Working bee, August 2024
More rubbish removed, August 2024
August, 2024
Tall Daisy (Brachyscome diversifolia), poking through the guard, September 2024.
We returned to the site for our October 2024 working bee
October 2024, we extended our planting further into the patch of established wattles. We used jute squares for weed control as we have not had the chance to mulch in this area yet.
November 2024, we further extended the planting area in and around the existing patch of wattles.
November 2024, we celebrated the end of a great year with a wonderful BBQ lunch hosted by two of our volunteer group members Julia and Simon.
December 2024, panorama view of the planting area taken from the other side of the river in Plenty Gorge Park.
