Bill Dixon has cultivated a rainforest garden on a ridge in South Springwood. He talks about how growing rainforest species can be an adaptive response to local climate conditions.
Key Points:
Bill Dixon, a Blue Mountains resident with expertise in natural systems management, has a garden filled with rainforest species.
Bill believes rainforest gardens can be an adaptation strategy for a changing climate, providing shade and cooler temperatures.
Rainforest species may also help mitigate against ember attack in bushfires due to their dense foliage and less flammable leaves.
Bill Dixon has spent a lifetime involved with biology and natural systems management. He and his family have lived in the Blue Mountains for more than 25 years. Before they moved to Springwood, they lived near Excelsior Reserve in Northmead. Their block faced north and it was hot, so Bill started to plant rainforest species โto air condition the jointโ. By the time they left, he had amassed over 150 different species.
In Springwood, he has 84 species growing. In the front garden these are mainly shrub level, but there are also mid-canopy species such as tulip wood, white cedar and Lepiderema pulchella, commonly known as fine-leaved tuckeroo. There are various edible species such as native peach, native guava, lilly pillies and citrus, including finger limes. Itโs a hot day, but the air is cool and moist under the shade of the tulip woods.
Mature tulip woods (centre).
Bill brought some rainforest species form Northmead and planted them in 1996/97, such as the tulip woods on the drive. Most of the species in his current garden come from NSW, but there are a few from Queensland. Plants have also been sourced locally from the Glenbrook Australia Plant Society Nursery and Plant Rescue in Katoomba. Bill has germinated a wide variety of plants too.
The risk of fire
Like many of us in the Mountains, Bill is aware of the potential for fire. He says that when it comes to the destruction of homes, around 80% are lost through ember attack. Other causes include radiant heat from fire, direct flame contact, heat that creates differences in pressure inside and outside a building and strong winds.
Architect and fire expert Nigel Bell says there are various ways that embers can lead to ignition. These include direct contact with combustible materials, entry through small gaps in a buildingโs structure, the lighting of nearby materials and sparks entering roof cavities from gutters and at the eaves.
Various techniques can be used to mitigate against these causes. These include installing gutter guards that keep leaves from accumulating and ember guards that cover small entry points, particularly those that enable sparks or embers to enter roof cavities.
Nigel recommends that separating the most flammable vegetation (including trees) away from the house is a key firewise garden strategy.
For more information about how to prepare your home for fire check out the fact sheets on the RFS website here
Experimenting with rainforest planting
Bill tells me his rainforest garden is an experiment. In Springwood heโs learned how to grow rainforest species on a sandstone ridge. Heโs also been thinking for some time about the relationship between fire factors such as ember attack and vegetation species near or around buildings.
His views have been developed over decades. Theyโre informed by his scientific background, witnessing the 2001, 2013 and 2019/20 fires and his work history, notably seven years as Manager at Local Land Services.
Billโs expertise is highly sought after. He is currently the Chair of National Parks and Wildlife Serviceโs Regional Advisory Committee (Blue Mountains Branch), also sitting on their World Heritage Advisory Committee and on the Advisory Committee of Blue Mountains City Councilโs Planetary Health Initiative.
Fire resistance of rainforest species
He thinks that rainforest plantings can in some circumstances mitigate against fire, mainly ember attack. โRainforest canopy species have densely packed foliage and less flammable leaves than eucalypts. In general, this makes them more effective ember screens.โ
Bill tells me that rainforest leaves are less woody than eucalypt species. โThey transpire more vigorously and are more water rich.โ he says. This means they can absorb greater radiant heat than dry sclerophyll species before they burn, resisting fire for longer.โ
One of the ways embers start localised fires is by igniting combustible materials. Bill says that rainforest species combined with planting arrangements can reduce the amount of combustible matter and increase the water content of what remains.
โBecause rainforest species are densely packed – sometimes more than one plant per square metre โ they can reduce the ability of embers getting into the leaf litter. Rainforest leaf litter is also quite different and less flammable than dry sclerophyll species.โ
A combination of eucalypt, but predominantly rainforest leaf litter.
Compared to rainforest leaf litter, eucalypt species drop leaves that are woody and form loose piles. Bill says this means itโs more difficult for decomposers such fungi to break them down. There is more oxygen available in the litter to feed fire too.
Many rainforest species drop and rapidly regrow leaves all year round. Because they are less woody and not so nutrient rich, they decompose more easily. This reduces the amount of fuel on the ground and keeps the soil moist.
Bill has a mix of rainforest and dry sclerophyll canopy species in his garden including bloodwoods and eucalypts. Heโs noticed that rainforest leaf litter aids in breaking down woodier leaves. Heโs very clear though that the best method of reducing leaf litter ignition is to remove it all together.
He says one of the interesting features of rainforest plantings is how they create their own microclimate. Shade and evaporative cooling increase humidity and decrease temperature. This can increase soil moisture.
On balance, these factors make rainforest species more resilient against bushfire than forests consisting of species such as eucalyptus, tea trees, banksias and grasses. On a larger scale, this could mean rainforest better resist flame and radiant heat attack. On a smaller scale it might limit the extent of ember incursions and point at which materials ignite.
Densely packed rainforest species. 22 in a 6m by 3m plot.
Bill thinks that in our evolving fire landscape we should look at all the ways we can mitigate against the impacts of bushfire. He doesnโt think that planting rainforest species alone is the solution, or that we should not use traditional methods of fire prevention. The combination of water tanks and a generator/pump to wet down property and extinguish spot fires or gutter guards are tested measures to prevent and defend.
Further discussion
Billโs views are supported by academic research and experts in the field of fire management and mitigation. One of these is Chris Brack, Associate professor (Honorary) at Fenner School of Environment & Society, Australian National University.
Chris says that tree โscreensโ can be very effective wind breaks and so slow down or block wind-blown embers. โThese screens are ideally semi-porous, so they donโt cause chaotic turbulence on the down-wind side but still cause any airborne embers to fall early. This works when the trees are far enough away from the buildings.โ
He also thinks that keeping trees watered can be an effective fire mitigator. Greywater is an excellent source of water for this purpose. Chris says, โWatering can reduce the quantity of dead and dry leaves that can become fuel. It may increase decomposition of ground litter and may increase the relative humidity (RH) as the trees can continue to transpire.โ
He continues, โHigh RH is one of the factors that results in a hot fire. Rainforest species donโt tend to stop transpiring even under harsh conditions that may lead to death, but if the water can be kept up it will also reduce the harshness of those conditions. So, a forest barrier of well-watered rainforest species may improve things with little risk of making them worse.โ The caveat is trees that are consumed by a ladder fire that has made it into the canopy. When a fire is big enough and hot enough, the options to fight it are limited.
Bill agrees. โWhen thinking about the effectiveness of fire mitigation strategies, itโs important to know what kind of fire exposure is being discussed. For example, a screen of rainforest trees might be effective at catching embers of a particular size, but might burn if exposed directly to a sclerophyll-fuelled crown fire.โ
Climate change hope
Bill says that climate change will be characterised by persistence as much as loss. He says we need to focus on minimising loss, but that change is inevitable. โWe have to focus on what quality can be retained that still makes natural systems really worthwhile to work with, even if we lose iconic things.โ
While at Land Services he ran workshops about climate change adaptability for policy makers. He says management is intrinsically conservative and based on best practice, but this is problematic when it comes to climate change. โWeโre going into uncharted territory, so we need to look to the future and think about potential solutions.โ
He gives the example of being a proponent of only revegetating with provenance species. โClimate change means climate zones are moving. Mixing up plant genetics by anticipating future change is an adaptation strategy. In fact, the CSIRO has a climate projection tool. It enables you to put in a date and location and it will provide you with a comparable current location.โ
Bill knows from experience that growing rainforest species on the Blue Mountains plateau requires care, but he says that humans have always grown plants for their own uses. โLook at the gardens in Leura and peopleโs vegetable patches. We donโt think twice about augmenting the local growing conditions whether itโs nutrients or water. Itโs just that using plants and landscape design to mitigate against bushfire risk is a relatively new idea in the public consciousness, but itโs something we should explore.โ
Understanding the flammability of different plants
Consider planting suitable rainforest plants that can create a cooler microclimate and potentially offer some fire mitigation benefits, especially from embers. Bill Dixon’s experience shows it can be done even in non-rainforest areas with proper care.
Learn more about fire mitigation strategies for your region – research and implement a variety of fire mitigation strategies based on your specific area’s recommendations.
Find out about the best native plants for bushfire prone locations with this BMCC resource
This story has been produced as part of a Bioregional Collaboration for Planetary Health and is supported by the Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (DRRF). The DRRF is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments.
We are Nature, and the more intimately we connect with the living world around us, the more alive we are. Hone your observations and connect more deeply in an inspiring nature journalling workshop led by Anna Barnes from @ArtFoodCultureNature on Saturday 28 February at the Planetary Health Wellness Weekend. Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/planetary-health-wellness-weekend
โWhen we see with clear eyes, we know that we are surrounded by beauty. Let yourself fall in love with your life by paying attentionโ. John Muir Laws
How can we engage our hearing to connect more deeply to nature around us? Join us at the Planetary Health Wellness Weekend on 28 February and 1st March to hear from one of the most inspiring and engaging presenters weโve ever had at the Planetary Health Centre. Author and acoustic ecologist Andrew Skeoch will guide us into hearing the languages of nature. Learn how we can develop our auditory awareness, identify species by ear, recognise behaviours and repertoire, and find empathy with the voices of other beings. Andrewโs presentations are an immersive weaving of evocative recordings, fascinating spectrogram analysis and original ideas. Youโll hear the natural environment around you in a whole new way. Each morning at the Wellness Weekend Andrew will also lead Deep Listening Immersive Field Workshops demonstrating how to increase your sensitive auditory perceptions of the extraordinary natural world around us. Tickets available here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/planetary-health-wellness-weekend
This event has been made possible because of the generous support of Greater Blue Mountains Rotary and the Katoomba and Upper Blue Mountains Bendigo Community Bank.
We are looking forward to this (Em)power(ing) tools presentation being delivered by Robyn Catchlove, Sherlie McMillan, Suzie van Opdorp and Teja Brooks Pribac at our Planetary Health Day on Sat 28 Feb. It`s free but you need to register to attend here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/planetary-health-wellness-weekend
This interactive presentation explores an unexpected but deeply empowering practice: using power tools. With the help of co-presenters and their favourite tools, the session demystifies DIY and shows how accessible practical skills really are. Beyond the satisfaction of building and repairing, working with power tools fosters confidence, patience, and problem-solving skills. It can also be financially empowering, reducing dependence on paid labour, and reinforces the belief that challengesโpractical and personal alikeโcan be worked through with focus, persistence, and curiosity. This session invites participants to reconsider what empowerment can look like, and how hands-on making can translate into resilience in everyday life.
It`s one of many events during our Planetary Health Wellness Weekend at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba on 28 Feb and 1 March and has been organised in collaboration with Rotarians 4 Planetary Health and Greater Blue Mountains Rotary
Medicine and healthcare is changing. Join Dr Madhu Tamilarasan, a Lithgow based GP and sports medicine doctor on Sat 28 Feb at our Planetary Health Day and Wellness Weekend, for a conversation about Lifestyle Medicine. The tagline for her practice is "General practice done differently". The practice is encouraging physical activity in the community because research clearly shows that going from no exercise to just 10 minutes of physical activity per day is where the biggest health benefits come from. Any patient who attends an appointment by "active transport" - such as walking, running, cycling - instead of by motorised transport, receives a small discount on their consultation fee that day. Lifestyle medicine focuses on treating the root causes of disease rather than just managing symptoms. Register here to attend Dr Tamilarasan`s session to learn more about its benefits for individuals, community and globally (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/planetary-health-wellness-weekend
Places are booking out quickly for the inspiring talks and workshops at the Planetary Health Wellness Weekend in Katoomba on Sat 28 Feb and Sun 1 March. View the full program and register to attend here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/planetary-health-wellness-weekend
Each morning, you have the chance to join Andrew Skeoch, renowned wildlife sound recordist and author of `Deep Listening to Nature`, for an immersive workshop and walk to hear the intricate conversations happening in the natural world around us.
There will also be: โข nature journalling โข mindfulness โข creativity โข (Em)power(ing) tools โข Ikebana โข Shared Reading โข Tai Chi and Qigong โข Chair Yoga โข Mental Health First Aid โข exercise, sleep and your health โข how to share loss and grieving for and with animals โข and a celebration of the many faith-based groups in the Blue Mountains focused on healing our land, healing ourselves.
A huge thank you to Greater Blue Mountains Rotary and Katoomba and Upper Blue Mountains Bendigo Community Bank for sponsoring this wonderful weekend.
Weโd love you to join the Planetary Health Centre for an inspiring Planetary Health Wellness Weekend on Saturday 28 February and Sunday 1st March in Katoomba! Weโve collaborated with Rotarians 4 Planetary Health (part of Greater Blue Mountains Rotary) and the Blue Mountains Interfaith Group, to create a program focused on the many ways we can improve our physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health in a weekend of community and nature connection, talks, workshops, stalls and delicious food.
The weekend kicks off with our third Planetary Health Day on Saturday and finishes with an Interfaith Gathering on Sunday.
Each morning, you have the chance to join Andrew Skeoch, renowned wildlife sound recordist and author of `Deep Listening to Nature`, for an immersive workshop and walk to hear the intricate conversations happening in the natural world around us.
View the full program and register to attend here (link in profile):
โข Deep Listening immersive field workshops โข Mental Health First Aid โข nature journalling โข mindfulness โข creativity โข (Em)power(ing) tools โข Ikebana โข Shared Reading โข Tai Chi and Qigong โข Chair Yoga โข exercise, sleep and your health โข how to share loss and grieving for and with animals โข and a celebration of the many faith-based groups in the Blue Mountains focused on healing our land, healing ourselves.
A huge thank you to Greater Blue Mountains Rotary and Katoomba and Upper Blue Mountains Bendigo Community Bank for sponsoring this wonderful weekend.
We had a thoroughly enjoyable final Skill Share Saturday for the year yesterday with Qigong, Fashion Upcycling, Seed Saving and Bushcare! We shared seeds from local gardens and harvested carrots, as well as Mizuna, Broad Bean, Daikon and Land Cress seeds from the Planetary Health garden. We then packaged up (and shared) our first Upper Mountains Seed Savers packs for our fledgling Seed Bank. In Bushcare it`s very exciting to see whole new areas of the Planetary Health Precinct open up as we remove invasive weeds. It`s been a year of great progress as we`ve restored habitat for wildlife and given local native plants the opportunity to flourish and re-establish on the site.
Join the Planetary Health Centre this Sat 6 Dec for the last Skill Share Saturday of the year: Qigong at 9am, Seed Saving & Gardening Group at 10am, and Bushcare at 1.30pm. One perfect day with great company, great coffee and food, and great steps for living a healthy balanced life, while also contributing to the health of our planet for present and future generations. All ages welcome!
Registration links in profile and below.
Register for Qigong here: https://bit.ly/48wlHjD Register for Seed Saving & Gardening here: https://bit.ly/4prcRe7 Register for Bushcare here: https://bit.ly/4oAFDrz
We have a rare opportunity to learn about the newest and best possible ways to support family and community members struggling with mental health issues, at a free talk and afternoon tea provided by Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise Rotary at the Planetary Health Centre at 2pm this Saturday 29 Nov. Hear from Peter Joseph AM, Chair of the Black Dog Institute, and Professor Helen Christensen AO, Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and former Executive Director and Chief Scientist at the Black Dog Institute. They`ll be in conversation with journalist Emma Rossi. Dr Christensen is a pioneer in using the internet to reach young people struggling with depression. Her digital mental health interventions are used by millions globally, delivering evidence-based therapy for depression, anxiety, and suicide prevention. Her research uses data from smartphones and wearables โ like movement, screen use, and sleep โ to detect early signs of mental health issues. Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4oOnYxz
This Saturday Sherlie McMillan from Rotarians 4 Planetary Health will be running a workshop on How to use a sewing machine from 9am at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba. Learn how to set up a machine, service it, troubleshoot when it`s not sewing correctly, and learn some basic sewing skills.
Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/how-to-use-your-sewing-machine
NB. This class is a prerequisite for our very popular Fashion Upcycling classes held once a month.
We`re thrilled to announce that Professor Helen Christensen, a pioneer in using the internet to reach young people struggling with depression, will be joining the conversation with Peter Joseph AM from the Black Dog Institute and journalist Emma Rossi at the Planetary Health Centre at 2pm this Saturday 29 November. Helen was the Executive Director and Chief Scientist for the Black Dog Institute for 10 years and has now been elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science. Her digital mental health interventions are used by millions globally, delivering evidence-based therapy for depression, anxiety, and suicide prevention. Her research uses data from smartphones and wearables โ like movement, screen use, and sleep โ to detect early signs of mental health issues. This free event is being co-hosted by Upper Blue Mountains Sunrise Rotary and the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative. Afternoon tea will be provided. Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4oOnYxz
Human composting is increasingly being legalised around the world. Read about it in Katoomba Area Local News here (link in profile): https://www.katoombalocalnews.com/legalising-human-composting/
If youโd like to see this option available in NSW you can now sign a live petition to the NSW Parliament here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/43QIHbz
Hamish Dunlop is a writer, visual artist and environmentalist. During his career he has worked in communications, as an academic at UNSW and ACU and more recently in the conservation space. He is currently completing a Diploma in Conservation and Ecosystems Management. He lives on the bush in Medlow Bath and is a passionate bush walker, gardener and cold-water enthusiast.
Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre will host the Disaster Risk Awareness Expo and Family Day on Saturday, 22 November, offering a fun and informative day focused on building safer, healthier and more resilient communities.
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