Orterra 2025: A Year of People, Places and Play
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Why Soft Engineering is the Smarter Solution for Erosion Control
Erosion is a natural process where soil, rock, or other surface materials are worn away and transported by wind, water, or gravity. While it’s a vital part of natural ecosystems, erosion on your property can lead to costly damage, loss of valuable soil, and even structural instability. The good news? You don’t need concrete walls or heavy machinery to solve the problem. Soft engineering solutions work with nature to create sustainable, cost-effective, and beautiful erosion control.
Creating Calm: Supporting Teacher Mental Health and Wellbeing Through Better Outdoor Spaces
Teacher mental health and wellbeing is a growing concern in today’s educational landscape. As workloads increase and student needs evolve, teachers feel they are constantly having to adapt. Data shows 60% of teacher absences are for mental health or emotional problems. One study found that nine out of ten teachers reported a decline in wellbeing and mental health. So how can landscape help?
From Forgotten to Flourishing: How Stafford Heights State School Embraced Nature Play
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Designing Inclusive Playspaces: Beyond Physical Accessibility
Play is an essential part of childhood, supporting physical, social, and cognitive development. However, not all children experience play equally. Traditional playgrounds often prioritise physical activity without considering the diverse needs of children with disabilities, sensory sensitivities, or behavioural challenges. True inclusion means designing playspaces that cater to all children, ensuring that no one is left out.
5 Plants to Attract Pollinators into Your Garden
Brisbane’s subtropical climate is home to a rich variety of native plants that support local biodiversity. By planting the right species in your garden, you can attract birds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, helping to create a healthier, more sustainable environment.
Whether you’re planning a wildlife-friendly garden or simply want to support your local ecosystem, here are five native plants perfect for Queensland gardens.
Adding Biodiversity Into Schools: 3 Ways to Encourage a Thriving Environment
If you’re not familiar with how vital biodiversity and plants are for our planet, take a moment to explore why they’re essential (see our blog on biodiversity here). They provide life, clean air, and endless opportunities for learning. Once you’re up to speed, get ready to discover how outdoor learning, enriched by plants and biodiversity, can transform education in your school.
Planting on Podiums: 6 Species That Thrive in a Subtropical Environment
In many urban areas, plants can’t be planted directly in the ground. Instead, they are often grown in pots or raised planters. If you walk through any major city, you’ll see greenery on rooftops, terraces and courtyards, often surrounded by concrete or stone.
Understanding the Impact of Play on Children’s Behaviour and Growth
Play is not just a fun activity for children – it is a crucial element of their development that significantly impacts behaviour. Whether indoors or outdoors, play helps children develop cognitive, emotional, social, and physical skills, which ultimately shape how they interact with the world around them. Here, we explore how different types of play, particularly nature-based play, influence child behaviour.
Australian natives that give your garden the WOW factor!
Australian native trees, palms and plants can add stunning beauty, structure, and wildlife appeal to your garden. Whether you have a small space or a large property, there are perfect options to make your garden stand out. Below we have suggested 6 of our favourites that bring the WOW factor. They are known for their sculptural form or colour and make a key contribution to any garden.