Colour returns to Dandenong parks

Key points

• Greater Dandenong Council's Woody Meadow garden beds are brightening parks while creating habitat for insects and other wildlife. The low-maintenance gardens have been planted since 2021 as part of a trial with the University of Melbourne.
• Council's Environmental Engagement Team Leader Patrick Cazaly says the dense plantings discourage weeds and reduce work for the horticulture team. The beds are coppiced every two years to encourage healthy regrowth.
• Three Woody Meadows are located at Burden Park, Ross Reserve and Dandenong Park, and were pruned in May.