Nestled in the heart of Melbourne’s vibrant arts scene, a pop-up Test Garden at Federation Square is providing a living preview of Laak Boorndap – the 18,000-square-metre urban garden poised to transform the Melbourne Arts Precinct.
Part of the broader Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation project, Laak Boorndap promises to be a lush, multi-layered sanctuary for nature, art, and performance, bringing biodiversity to the city’s doorstep.
The Test Garden is a collaborative effort by Hassell, Super Bloom, James Hitchmough, and Nigel Dunnett, with research from the University of Melbourne’s Burnley campus, and showcases innovative planting techniques designed to thrive in a changing climate.
Filled with resilient plant species that flourish with minimal intervention, this garden is not just a space to admire but a hub for research and conversations about ecology and climate resilience.
Visitors can witness the Test Garden evolve with the seasons, participate in workshops, and explore the science behind cultivating climate-adaptable urban ecosystems.
By addressing critical issues like biodiversity loss and climate adaptation, the project offers a roadmap for rethinking urban landscapes. Laak Boorndap aims to foster a thriving ecosystem for birds, bees, and other wildlife while reshaping our connection with nature in the heart of Melbourne.
The Test Garden is located at the Skyline carpark, Federation Square.
