207-206 Management of Urban Vegetation

Upon completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• recognise the need to utilise both ecological and technological principles in the development of sustainable urban horticulture systems;

• demonstrate understanding of the principles and practices involved in establishing and managing vegetation in a variety of naturally-occurring and 'built' environments;

• demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between design, implementation and after-use of selected landscape elements; and

• identify and discuss the management of a range of plants used in urban landscapes.

Topics include:

• the development of sustainable urban horticulture systems;

• water and weed control as case studies of sustainability;

• the use of plant selection as a tool in landscape design and management;

• the specific management of a range of urban landscape elements such as trees, ground cover and shrub mass, turf, seasonal colour plantings, natural and nature-like plantings;

• specialist applications of horticultural techniques such as roof gardens, indoor landscapes, wetlands and the development of contaminated sites; and

• plant material for urban landscapes.

A 90-minute examination 35% (due end of the semester), four practical reports 40% and a group based seminar of 20 minutes during the semester (25%). Each student works in a small group of approximately three or four people. Each group is assigned a topic. Each group will present the topic to the class as if presenting a lecture. Each member of the group will address the class outlining an aspect of the topic and demonstrating that all of the members have participated in the work. Each group must demonstrate comprehension of the topic. There are three components of assessment and the seminar is marked by two academics according to the following criteria: presentation (5%), knowledge of the topic (15%), and preparation, planning and participation (5%).