Horticulture Specialist Advisory Group

Convenor: Richard Rowe, Melbourne Zoo

Photo: Richard Rowe

The Horticulture Specialist Advisory Group has existed since 1994. Communication through email, telephone linkups and face to face at conferences enables members to keep in touch. The group meets on an annual basis, most recently at the Perth Zoo and Aquarium Association conference.
 

The primary aims of the group are to provide a central point of coordination and communication for issues relating to plants, landscapes and habitat, and to maximize the contribution of horticulture to zoos parks and aquaria.

As well as supporting the Zoo and Aquarium Association through advice on policy and accreditation, areas of interest for the group are:

Presentation and risk management

• Supporting the visitor experience through the development of landscapes that deliver interpretive goals.
• Ensuring that landscapes are maintained and developed with minimal risk to staff and visitors.
• Presenting high quality landscapes for visitor enjoyment.

Sustainable landscapes and landscaping techniques

• Photo: Richard Rowe

  Providing knowledge resources for effective use of irrigation and reclaimed/recycled water.
• Advice on effective physical and human resource use.
• Species and native habitat protection and enhancement.
• Plant collection and weed management plans.
• Landscape management plans.

The group supports members through:

• Staff development opportunities.
• Databases and plant inventories 
• Developments in animal food production and behavioral enrichment.
• Links to other groups.
• Examples of connecting with our local communities.
• This web page!

Useful Horticulture Links

• Association of Zoological Horticulture dedicated to the advancement of horticulture in zoological parks, gardens and aquariums.
• Australian Network for Plant Conservation
• Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture. This excellent site has links to a huge range of other horticulture related sites.
• The directory of Australian Botanic Gardens
• Weeds Australia

Animal Records Keeping Specialist Advisory Group
Education, Interpretation and Visitor Services Specialist Advisory Group
Human Resources Specialist Advisory Group
Marketing Specialist Advisory Group
Research Specialist Advisory Group

Taxonomy Specialist Advisory Group
Veterinary Specialist Advisory Group