A resilient and biodiverse 'wild Australia' is fundamental to our health and well being as humans
living on this remarkable southern continent.
The long term sustainability of our society is arguably linked to three critical supporting principles, sometimes called ‘the triple bottom line’; economic security, social harmony and a healthy ecology.
This website explores ways to keep our natural ecology healthy and thriving for future generations.
living on this remarkable southern continent.
The long term sustainability of our society is arguably linked to three critical supporting principles, sometimes called ‘the triple bottom line’; economic security, social harmony and a healthy ecology.
This website explores ways to keep our natural ecology healthy and thriving for future generations.
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Most of us do what we can and try to reduce our ecological footprint by making lifestyle choices that are softer on our planet. But it's not easy, as each of our daily choices like our morning coffee, the clothes we buy, the food we eat and the houses we build make demands on the natural environment.
And it seems that our thirst for new technology is widening the divide between how we live and our connection with the natural world that underpins and resources our lifestyles. But there's another way to support nature and all that she provides; |
What value do you put on the enjoyment and the emotional healing gained from an encounter with nature?
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Recreating the Country (RtC) will help you connect with nature through stories about our indigenous plants and animals.
RtC will keep you informed about environmental issues, local and Australia wide, through a monthly blog>.
RtC will also challenge you to explore a new way of designing landscapes that mimic nature and bring biodiversity back to your gardens and back paddocks. These rural and urban copies of nature are referred to as 'Sustainable Biorich Landscapes'.
Sustainable Biorich Landscapes are biodiverse, resilient and sustainable - click here to read more>. They can also generate income without decreasing biodiversity. Read more about adding profit to biodiversity in designing for profit>
I hope to entertain, inform and challenge you to take a longer look at the sensational plants and animals that are part of our wonderful heritage. Congratulations on taking this first step to reconnecting with nature.
Your next step is just a scroll or a click away.
RtC will keep you informed about environmental issues, local and Australia wide, through a monthly blog>.
RtC will also challenge you to explore a new way of designing landscapes that mimic nature and bring biodiversity back to your gardens and back paddocks. These rural and urban copies of nature are referred to as 'Sustainable Biorich Landscapes'.
Sustainable Biorich Landscapes are biodiverse, resilient and sustainable - click here to read more>. They can also generate income without decreasing biodiversity. Read more about adding profit to biodiversity in designing for profit>
I hope to entertain, inform and challenge you to take a longer look at the sensational plants and animals that are part of our wonderful heritage. Congratulations on taking this first step to reconnecting with nature.
Your next step is just a scroll or a click away.
A new sustainable biorich planting on the Warrambine Ck valley near Shelford, Victoria. There are over 20 species of shrub, understorey and canopy trees in the white tree guards.
Photo taken in July 2014 by Chris Callahan, 'Tree Management Services'.
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The same location showing the emerging woodland. The grass will start thinning because of competition from trees and shrubs in the next few years. Photo taken on May 10th 2017
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Discover more about this web site and it's 5 pathways;
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1. be challenged > Design landscapes that are rich in wildlife, are sustainable and productive ; You will be challenged to turn back the clock on wildlife extinctions and discover how to design landscapes and gardens that will bring back an abundance of wildlife, with the option of generating income for your farm. If you're planting an urban backyard or nature-strip many of the same principles can be applied to attract insects and birdlife. ....read more about two new articles on design (the value of plantation dimensions and layering) and just added, articles on the importance of making vegetation links and connections .......read more |
Tree planting on a steep escarpment near the Barwon River, Winchelsea, Victoria. The 'Pottiputki' , made in Finland, makes planting quick and prevents back soreness. The 'hip carrier' adds efficiency to mass planting
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Sweet Bursaria is a beautiful small tree that flowers at Christmas.
It also offers biological pest control. Click on image to read the amazing Sweet Bursaria story
A healthy ecology of tussock grass, bottlebrush, teatree and River Red Gum on the Barwon River near Inverleigh.
A male Drooping Sheoak with yellow tassels. Click on the image to read about these remarkable 'trees without leaves'.
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 A River Bottlebrush in flower
2. be informed >
Have a light and easy read while you learn about the Indigenous Flora of the Geelong District> Read about other more diverse topics - inspiring projects, the environment and ecology in Nurseryman's Diary> ..read more in three new articles; 1. Eucalypts and parrots - a truly remarkable relationship. 2. A very tough and long lived indigenous shrub called Moonah. 3. Very new is Small riparian myrtles > the 'wet feet' specialists is all about our local Bottlebrush & Teatrees  Wildflowers are now a feature of Neds Corner. It was a degraded sheep station just 15 years ago.
New The remarkable story of Neds Corner - a Trust for Nature property >
Neds Corner a 30,000 ha old sheep station in the far north west of Victoria has gone through a dramatic evolution in recent times. |
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3. be entertained > Short stories about nature based on actual events and real people. Read a madcap story about how planting forestry trees could save your life in Richards Sweet Rewards > |
A scene from 'Richards Sweet Rewards'
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The spectacular rugged escarpment of the Leigh Gorge where the 'Seeds' - the chronicle, takes place
4. Be inspired - 'Seeds' the monthly chronicle > 'Two men separated by a generation but linked by blood and the spirit of the land, seek to find meaning in the healing of two degraded landscapes. Finding out the truth about a disturbing ancient past leads Tristan Grey on a remarkable journey that only he can take'
New 'Seeds'. Part 1 is now up to:
Chapter 6 - Visions in the woodland>
(Posted 19/2/18)
'Tristan is deeply shaken and exhausted by his experience at The Gorge. He finds support and insights after a long talk in the dark'
New 'Seeds'. Part 1 is now up to:
Chapter 6 - Visions in the woodland>
(Posted 19/2/18)
'Tristan is deeply shaken and exhausted by his experience at The Gorge. He finds support and insights after a long talk in the dark'
Fire Stick Farming is an ancient practice that is part of the solution to restore grasslands to a healthy diversity
5. Read my latest blogs
Managing Grasslands and Grassy Woodlands in temperate Australia
Part 3. The Wisdom of Indigenous Elders> (Posted 12/2/2018)
Cool burning is an ancient practice that has been used to maintain grassland health for over 60,000 years. Empowering Indigenous Australians to practice their traditional owner burns could restore grasslands and reconnect them with Country
- Part 2. who cares?> (Posted 6/1/2018) A change of Australian culture and our attitude toward the natural environment will be fundamental to a healthy future on this great southern land.
- Part 1. Why we are losing the battle to save them > (Posted 4/12/2017)
We’re losing a lot more than the wildflowers. We’re losing our irreplaceable, rich and complex grassland ecology as well, that is an integral part of our distinctive Australian heritage.
Managing Grasslands and Grassy Woodlands in temperate Australia
Part 3. The Wisdom of Indigenous Elders> (Posted 12/2/2018)
Cool burning is an ancient practice that has been used to maintain grassland health for over 60,000 years. Empowering Indigenous Australians to practice their traditional owner burns could restore grasslands and reconnect them with Country
- Part 2. who cares?> (Posted 6/1/2018) A change of Australian culture and our attitude toward the natural environment will be fundamental to a healthy future on this great southern land.
- Part 1. Why we are losing the battle to save them > (Posted 4/12/2017)
We’re losing a lot more than the wildflowers. We’re losing our irreplaceable, rich and complex grassland ecology as well, that is an integral part of our distinctive Australian heritage.
Painting of the Barrabool Hills looking back at Geelong from Ceres. Charles Norton 1846
Barrabool Hills vegetation.
Part 4 - Plant species, 'Drooping Sheoaks adorned the Hills'>
(Posted 13/11/2017)
Before the first white settlers began clearing trees and shrubs around Geelong, Drooping Sheoak, Allocasuarina verticillata was a widespread and distinctive feature of the Barrabool Hills and the Geelong region.
Part 4 - Plant species, 'Drooping Sheoaks adorned the Hills'>
(Posted 13/11/2017)
Before the first white settlers began clearing trees and shrubs around Geelong, Drooping Sheoak, Allocasuarina verticillata was a widespread and distinctive feature of the Barrabool Hills and the Geelong region.
Stephen Murphy
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My background
For the past thirty years as a Landcare nurseryman I have helped many landholders with designing plantations and choosing plant species for revegetation projects. As a founding member of three 'Friends groups' I gained valuable experience working as a volunteer in local flora and fauna reserves for over 25 years. Also as a committed member of Australian Landcare since 1989 I have been guest speaker and author of many newsletter articles on native plants and ecology. This combination of volunteering in reserves and consulting on farms has given my university training in Geology and Natural Resource Management a practical edge and important insights. ....read more To contact me with a question or for Sustainable Biorich Design consulting, send an email to stephenattreehome@gmail.com |
