Working Wetlands is an innovative water management project which is currently underway at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.
The project is the second stage of the Gardens’ water management program. The first stage, Guilfoyle’s Volcano, was completed in March 2010.
Working Wetlands aims to revitalise the lake system and, ultimately, reduce the Gardens’ reliance on potable water for irrigation. A healthy lake system will help protect the Gardens’ priceless plant collections for future generations to enjoy.
What is going on with the algal blooms. the lower lake is choked
Hi Shirlie, sorry for the delay in replying to your message. Since March 2012, the lakes at the Gardens have experienced a remarkable growth of a native fern called Azolla, which has made it look like there’s a green carpet on the surface of the water. This is quite different to an algal bloom and can actually provide a food source for the lake’s resident ducks, eels, turtles and fish. There’s a great article in The Age today that explains more: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/native-floating-fern-rolls-out-the-green-carpet-20120501-1xx42.html
Kind regards,
Katie
RBG Marketing team