The Island
See also: wood-duck-meadows
The Island is a man made island crafted by the property's dam and the earthworks that direct run-off into the dam. It is at least 500 square metres.
A previous owner had spent had placed irrigation on the island and planted numerous plants including: a Bunya pine; Maruritius-hemp; bamboo, and, a Paperbark tree amongst other things. However, for sometime the island had been ignored and suffered during drought seasons. The bamboo and paperbark have died. With climbing asparagus having taken over most of the island and making it all but impassable.
Current status
We're embarking on a regeneration project for the island.
Design ideation#
Early thoughts include:
- A focus on native plants creating a habitat for local wildlife.
- Increased blocking of the neighbours and the highway.
- Providing a space for sitting to look back at the house.
- Creating a dry-rainforest like setting in the middle of the island for shade and the ecosystem benefits.
Clearing weeds and unwanted vegetation#
The first step was getting rid of the climbing asparagus and other unwanted plants. Mostly done by hand.
Following image shows progress from an early stage where some bamboo and Asparagus fern had been removed. Though with large amounts still visible climbing up the trees and just about anything else. In the how it's going image the house and the Mauritius hemp are now visible.
