Videos
Introduction
Entitled ‘Transitions’, the Landcare Research exhibit will feature a shop frontage, with green roof and living wall, looking out onto a pocket park, an attractive way of bringing nature into the confined spaces of a central city.
Water Treatment
Demonstration water treatment train – a scaled down version of what has been proposed for the city – will also be displayed. As Christchurch has grown, the amount of impervious surface area such as roofs and car parks that channel water straight into the stormwater system has increased. The water treatment train will demonstrate how plants and substrates can be used to detain, filter and reduce the amount of stormwater and suspended contaminants that flow into the drains and waterways.
Green Roof
A green roof reduces stormwater run-off, provides energy savings through the insulating effect of the growing medium and plants, is unaffected by UV, provides a habitat and food for insects, lizards, plants and birds, moderates the urban heat island effect, and muffles noise within the building. Because of the low rainfall, Christchurch doesn’t have as many green roofs or living walls as some other New Zealand cities. But, the display will demonstrate examples that work based on our research into appropriate plants and substrates for the local Christchurch environment.
Green tram tracks and paths
A concept taking off in European and North American cities, green tracks enable plant life to snake up through the crushed brick or other pervious substrate. Green paving enables an array of herbaceous indigenous plants to thrive under foot. Illustrating attractive alternatives to surface areas paved with asphalt or concrete that provide cooler surfaces making them more pleasant to walk on in summer, as well as fostering herbaceous plant and invertebrate life with pervious surfaces that allow rain to soak in.
Pocket Parks
Prior to human settlement, Christchurch had a wealth of native plants and wildlife. We can now restore some of what has been lost. Our city could attract eco-tourists as well as those passionate about our exotic gardens.
Green Rubble
Heritage rubble as a substrate for rare riverbed and cliff plants. A sympathetic yet poignant way of commemorating the devastating earthquakes.