The site chosen for the display garden has aspects that had to be taken into account with respect to the choice of plants:
¨ The garden plot is open to the east, but is sheltered on the three other sides.
¨ Indigenous species close to the site, particularly Acacias and Eucalypts, produce much leaf litter, which will form part of the garden.
¨ The drainage system from the fire station and the surrounding grounds flows into the site at the east entry point.
Given the above constraints, plants were selected that would be suitable for:
¨ A site that has filtered light for much of the day.
¨ A garden that will have flammable material in the form of constant leaf fall.
¨ A section that often receives excess water from roof flow and the washing of CFA vehicles.
Local species of plants were chosen, because:
¨ The garden will have minimal maintenance.
¨ Fern species will make use of drainage water.
¨ The plants had qualities that have a limiting effect on wildfire,
a) leaves that contain a lot of sap,e.g. Viola hederacea,
b) leaves that shrivel quickly,e.g. Pomaderris aspera and fern species,
c) leaves that are fine and produce little heat, e.g. Hakea decurrens,
d) leaves that are dense and shield against radiation, e.g. Goodenia ovata
Ground covers:
Brachyscome multifida Cut Leaf Daisy
Bulbine bulbosa Bulbine Lily
Centella cordifolia Swamp Pennywort
Clematis aristata Austral clematis
Dianella revoluta Black Anther Flax-lily
Dichondra repens Kidney Weed
Goodenia lanata Woolly Goodenia
Imperata cylindrica Blady Grass
Lomandra filiformis Wattle Mat-rush
Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush
Microlaena stipoides Weeping Grass
Stylidium graminifolium Trigger Plant
Viola hederacea Native Violet
Small shrubs:
Correa reflexa Native Fuchsia
Dianella tasmanica Tasman Flax-lily
Goodenia ovata Hop Goodenia
Pultenaea gunnii Golden Bush-pea
:
Acacia genistifolia Spreading Wattle
Acacia verticillata Prickly Moses
Banksia spinulosa Hairpin Banksia
Bursaria spinosa Sweet Bursaria
Coprosma quadrifida Prickly Currant Bush
Goodia lotifolia Golden Tip
Hakea decurrens Silky Hakea
Olearia argophylla Musk Daisy-bush
Pomaderris aspera Hazel Pomaderris
Solanum lacianatum Large Kangaroo Apple
Adiantum aethiopicum Common Maidenhair
Blechnum cartilagineum Gristle Fern
Blechnum nudum Fishbone Water Fern
Calochlaena dubia False Bracken
Cyathea australis Rough Tree Fern
Polystichum proliferum Mother Shield Fern
References:
Encyclopaedia of Australian Plants, Elliot & Jones, vols. 1-8
Flora of Melbourne, Australian Plants Society, Maroondah, 3rd edition
Flora of Victoria, Walsh & Entwistle, vols. 1-4
Montrose Fire Safety Display Garden, Plant Listing