Woody Meadows and Flowery Swards
DEMONSTRATION GARDEN
NATURE: Demonstration Garden, Engagement
SCOPE: Planting design, engagement, media
TIMELINE: 2023 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show
DESIGN PARTNERS: University of Melbourne, Hassell, Evergreen Infrastructure.
Super Bloom collaborated with Hassell and The University of Melbourne on a large-scale public planting installation presented at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show 2023. The project explored the role of planting design within public space, positioning living systems and ecological diversity at the centre of the visitor experience.
Super Bloom contributed key expertise in planting design development, with a focus on expanding the diversity of species and plant life forms used throughout the installation. The planting approach prioritised layered seasonal expression, incorporating large numbers of annuals grown specifically to bring luminosity, movement, and intensity to the space.
Working closely with The University of Melbourne, Super Bloom played an active role in propagation and plant production, growing a significant portion of the planting palette from seed. This collaborative growing process enabled greater experimentation, species diversity, and responsiveness within the final composition, while also supporting knowledge exchange between academic, horticultural, and design disciplines.
The project was delivered through a highly collaborative process involving landscape architects, growers, designers, fabricators, and construction teams working within an accelerated delivery timeframe. Super Bloom contributed both horticultural expertise and practical production knowledge, helping coordinate the realities of plant growth, seasonal timing, and installation logistics within a complex live project environment.
Beyond the physical installation, Super Bloom also played a key role in amplifying the project’s public and industry profile through established media and cultural networks. Coverage across outlets including Gardening Australia, The Age, and international architecture and design publications helped position the project within broader conversations around public planting, ecological design, and the future of urban landscapes.
The installation represented a significant contribution to the evolution of public gardens at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show, foregrounding planting systems and ecological thinking as central design elements within a major public-facing cultural event.
Listen to Jac Semmler (Super Bloom) and Claire Farrell (University of Melbourne) discuss the research and behind the scenes of the project for Horticultural Media Association Australia. Watch here.
CULTIVATED VALUE
Collaborative Innovation in Planting Design
Super Bloom played a key role in the development of Woody Meadows and Flowering Swords in collaboration with Hassell and the University of Melbourne, contributing innovative planting design ideas that expanded the diversity of life forms and species within the project.
Specialist Propagation & Horticultural Expertise
Super Bloom was heavily involved in the cultivation and propagation of planting material, including growing large quantities of annuals and propagating species from seed alongside the University of Melbourne team, helping bring richness, seasonality and ecological value to the installation.
Industry Influence & Public Realm Leadership
The project demonstrated leadership in public realm planting at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, helping position public planting and ecological landscape thinking at the forefront of a major horticultural platform through strong industry contribution and advocacy.
Media Reach & Story Amplification
Super Bloom helped amplify the visibility and influence of Woody Meadows through extensive media and industry engagement, including features through Gardening Australia and coverage in major publications and design media, broadening public awareness and professional interest in the project.
Collaborative Delivery Under Tight Timeframes
Super Bloom worked closely with a diverse team of designers, constructors, growers and collaborators to successfully deliver the project within a condensed timeframe, contributing strong coordination, adaptability and practical horticultural knowledge throughout the process.
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Woody Meadows and Flowering Swards on Gardening Australia
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Six things to learn from the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show - The Age
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Collaboration designs interactive garden - Architecture & Design
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Create your own patch of diversity - Organic Gardener
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Climate appropriate planting - World Landscape Architecture
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Attractive plantings can improve city liveability - Green Magazine
