Public Gardens Research Articles

EVALUATION OF THERMAL COMFORT IN OPEN GREEN SPACES USING THE ENVI-MET PROGRAM

The paper introduces a thermal comfort examination executed in a public garden located innew Damietta city. The aim of this study is to find the optimum land cover and vegetationoptions of the study area by means of numerical simulations. For this evaluation the modelledmicro- and bio-climatological conditions of a typical summer day (15th July 2017) wereanalyzed. The thermal and radiation environments of the playground were quantified by oneof the most popular bio-climatological comfort index Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and theMean Radiant Temperature (Tmrt). The simulations of the Achieved parameters were done bythe microclimate model ENVI-met. The results were received proved that the modelled areaSubmitted a variety of thermal conditions for the visitors due to the different land covers.Furthermore this paper confirms the important effect of the vegetation on the human thermalsensation.

First Report of Rust Caused by Puccinia oxalidis on Oxalis debilis var. corymbosa in Korea

Pink woodsorrel, Oxalis debilis var. corymbosa (DC.) Lourteig (syn. O. corymbosa DC.), is native to South America and, given its showy flowers, is a popular plant within the horticultural trade worldwide. In Korea, this plant has been naturalized in the southern part of the Korean peninsula including Jeju Island and is also valued as an ornamental garden plant. In May 2012, we observed several hundred severely rust-infected pink woodsorrel (100% disease incidence) in a public garden located within the city of Seogwipo on Jeju Island, Korea (33°14′20″N, 126°32′40″E). Similar signs with typical rust pustules on this plant species have been frequently found at many localities on Jeju Island as well as mainland South Korea in the city of Mokpo (34°47′51″N, 126°22′30″E). The abaxial surfaces of the infected leaves were covered with powdery golden yellow to orange yellow pustules, markedly detracting from the aesthetic value of the plants and suppressing the plant growth. Severely infected leaves soon withered and died. Twelve voucher specimens were deposited in the Korea University herbarium (KUS), Seoul, Korea. Two representative specimens, KUS-F27920 (Korea, Jeju Island, Seogwipo, 17 July 2014, leg. H. D. Shin) and KUS-F28585 (Korea, Jeju Island, Jeju, 9 December 2014, leg. H.D. Shin) were used for microscopy and molecular analysis. Uredinia (n = 20) were hypophyllous, occasionally cauligenous, orange-yellow, erumpent, and 200 to 350 μm in diameter. About 10 to 30 uredinia were clustered to form a colony of 2 to 5 or up to 8 mm in diameter. Urediniospores (n = 20) were subglobose to ellipsoid but somewhat irregular and variable in shape, yellow-orange, finely echinulate, and 16 to 24 × 14 to 20 μm including 2 μm in wall thickness. The telial stage was not found at sites examined throughout the course of this study, May 2012 to April 2018. Based on morphology, the rust fungus was identified to be Puccinia oxalidis Dietel & Ellis (Hiratsuka et al. 1992). To confirm the morphological identification, genomic DNA was extracted from urediniospores taken from two dried herbarium specimens, and the complete internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and partial 28S were polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified using Rust2inv (Aime et al. 2006) and LR6 primers (Vilgalys and Hester 1990). PCR products were sequenced and deposited in GenBank (MH325473 and MH325474). A BLASTn search revealed that the ITS2-28S sequences resulted in 99 to 100% nucleotide similarity with 28S sequences of P. oxalidis obtained from O. latifolia (KY798348) and an Oxalis sp. (EU851130). P. oxalidis historically has been reported to occur on woodsorrels throughout countries of the western hemisphere and, more recently, has been found in Australia, China, India, Japan, and New Zealand (Farr and Rossman 2018). However, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of P. oxalidis infecting an Oxalis (O. debilis var. corymbosa) in Korea. This rust fungus reportedly host-alternates to and produces aecia on Mahonia repens (Lindl.) G. Don (Berberidaceae) in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico (Long and Harsch 1918). Because the alternate host M. repens is outside East Asia, this rust fungus is supposed to survive in the uredinial state in Korea.

Temporal Variations in Fungal Bioaerosols in Outdoor Environment: A Three Year Study at Four Different Locations in Gwalior, Central India

Abstract Airborne fungi may cause a variety of health problems in human and animals. In this study, a survey of fungal bioaerosols was done for three years during 2007-2009 in Central India. Air samples were collected from four different locations at Gwalior, Central India on monthly basis. Results showed that fungal bioaerosols concentrationranged from 550 to 7363 CFU/m3 at different sites. Significant higher bioaerosols content was observed during the year 2008 and 2009 than 2007. Highest mean fungal concentration (2687.86 CFU/m3) was found at a public garden, whereas lowest mean concentration (1722.72 CFU/m3) was observed at civil hospital. A seasonal rhythm was observed in the level of airborne fungi. Maximal fungal count was observed in winter followed by monsoon and lowest in summers. Among meteorological factors, statistically significant negative correlation was found with temperature and wind speed. During the study, a total of 41 fungal species belonging to 21 genera were identified. Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Fusarium, Penicillium, Phoma and Trichothecium were the dominated genera. Several identified fungal species viz. Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger,Penicillium citrinum, Penicillium chrysogenum, Fusarium moniliforme, Trichoderma harzianum and Rhizopus stolonifer from the studied area are well known for causing allergy or production of mycotoxin.

A GIS data model for public gardens

An enterprise GIS data model was developed for use in public gardens, which includes botanical gardens, arboreta, and zoos. The data model defines the representation of geographical phenomena, the attributes of each feature, and the relationships between them in order to support information management and analysis within public gardens. The data model was developed using a three-stage process consisting of conceptual, logical, and physical design, each guided by stakeholder workshops and software testing. The data model includes the attributes of features necessary to create collection maps and perform collection analysis, and is designed to link to existing plant and animal records management systems (BG-BASE and ZIMS) through a common key. The Public Garden Data Model consists of three modules (Base Map, Facilities and Infrastructure, and Basic Plant Records), unified into one comprehensive spatial data model for public gardens, and contains 59 feature classes and tables connected by 49 relationship classes.

Use of Flaming to Control Weeds in ‘Patriot’ Hybrid Bermudagrass

Flaming could be an alternative to the use of chemical herbicides for controlling weeds in turfgrass. In fact, the European Union has stipulated that chemical herbicides should be minimized or prohibited in public parks and gardens, sports and recreational areas, school gardens, and children’s playgrounds. The aim of this research was to test different doses of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to find the optimal flaming dose that keeps a ‘Patriot’ hybrid bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon × Cynodon transvaalensis) turf free of weeds during spring green-up, but also avoids damaging the grass. Five LPG doses (0, 29, 48, 71, and 100 kg·ha–1) were applied in a broadcast manner over the turf experimental units using a self-propelled flaming machine. This equipment is commercially available and usable by turfgrass managers. Treatments were applied three times during the spring to allow the maximum removal of weeds from the turfgrass. Data on weed coverage, density, biomass, and turfgrass green-up were collected and analyzed. Results showed that 3 weeks after the last flaming, the greatest LPG doses used (i.e., 71 and 100 kg·ha–1) ensured the least amount of weeds (range, 5–16 weeds/m2) of low weight (range, 7–60 g·m–2) and a low weed cover percentage (range, 1% to 5%), whereas the green turfgrass coverage was high (range, 82% to 94%). At the end of the experiment, the main weed species were horseweed (Conyza canadensis), field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), narrow-leaved aster (Aster squamatus), and black medic (Medicago lupulina). Flame weed control is a promising technique to conduct weed control in turfgrass. Further studies could be conducted to investigate the use of flaming in other species of warm-season turfgrasses.

Soil CO2 emission, microbial biomass, and microbial respiration of woody and grassy areas in Moscow (Russia)

Urbanization significantly changes the carbon balance of the terrestrial ecosystem, an important component of which is soil CO2 emission. One of the main sources of soil CO2 emission is microbial decomposition of soil organic matter. In this regard, we hypothesized a relationship between soil CO2 emission and soil microbial properties (biomass, respiratory activity) in Moscow megapolis areas. Soil CO2 emission was measured monthly (May–October) from the surface (or soil respiration, RS) and after the sequential removal of the two top 10-cm soil layers at woody (forest park, public garden) and grassy (grassland, arable) areas. Soil temperature (ST) and soil water content were recorded in 0–10-, 10–20-, and 20–30-cm layers, from which samples were taken to measure microbial biomass carbon (Cmic) and basal (microbial) respiration (BR). RS ranged from 0.3 to 14.7 μmol СО2 m−2 s−1, with average values of 1.0, 5.4, 7.5, and 8.8 μmol СО2 m−2 s−1 for arable, forest park, public garden, and grassland, respectively. Removing the topsoil layer in woody areas resulted in higher CO2 release to the atmosphere than in grassy ones. Topsoil Cmic was on average 110, 331, 517, and 549 μg C g−1 and BR was 0.42, 0.87, 0.47, and 0.92 μg C-СО2 g−1 h−1 for arable, forest park, public garden, and grassland, respectively. Subsoil Cmic and BR were 1.5–3 times and 30–62% lower than in topsoil. RS in woody areas was more strongly dependent on ST than in grassy areas. Strong positive correlation between RS and topsoil Сmic and Corg (R2 = 0.98–0.99) was found. The RS of different Moscow’s areas might be predicted on the base of soil Cmic or Corg experimental data.

Species, size, and location of “giant trees” in Tokyo’s urban area and western suburbs

ABSTRACTThe Japanese landscape has been characterised by the occurrence of ancient, massive trees described here as “giant trees”, and many of these have had major historic, cultural, and religious significance. However, modern Japan has experienced significant and rapid urbanisation and in relation to ancient woods and trees, “cultural severance” too. This study identified the species, size, and locations of the giant trees growing in Tokyo’s urban centre and its western suburbs, by conducting field surveys and collecting data from published studies. Classification of sites according to tree girth, with giant trees, revealed six broad locations: (1) forest and agricultural lands of managed secondary and later abandoned woodland with deciduous, broad-leaved trees; (2) public gardens, comprising useful and ornamental plants introduced from southern Japan; (3) parks, including mostly exotic species; (4) shrine sites, including Zelkova serrata, conifers, and evergreen broad-leaved trees; (5) temple sites, including many Torreya nucifera; and (6) Imperial lands, with rare species of trees in low numbers. The highest percentage of giant trees (36%) were found in parks, followed by temple and shrine sites (32%), whereas only 10% were found in other historical places. This study highlights the importance of studying giant tree habitats and history and identifying the relationships between human activities and living trees.

Paiement Pour Services Ecosystemiques, Instrument D’incitation Au Developpement Des Jardins Publics Et Prives Dans Les Communes De Cocody Et Du Plateau (Abidjan – Côte d’Ivoire)

The public and private green spaces of the communes of Cocody and Plateau of Abidjan city are deteriorating because of lack of financial means for their maintenance. The overall objective of this study is to demonstrate the importance of payments for ecosystem services (PES) in their self-financing. To carry out this study, a survey was conducted among users of 3 public gardens in the Plateau and private garden owners in Cocody. It aimed to identify the willingness to pay (CAP) of users of public gardens for their management and to identify incentives for the creation of private gardens in their own concessions. Analysis of the data reveals a PAC in the form of visiting tax or voluntary donation ranging from 100 FCFA (0.15 €) to 2000 FCFA (3.07 €). Respondents who declare a visiting tax between 100 FCFA and 500 FCFA are the most numerous with a percentage of 92.95. Students, students and unemployed visitors are on the sidelines of visitors who refuse to pay for the management of public gardens. If we stick to the visit fees proposed by the majority of the interviewees, it would be possible to collect 79,800 FCFA (122.76 €) per day for 339,000 FCFA (521.53 €) for all 3 public gardens. With regard to the creation of private gardens, a financial subsidy mechanism could motivate the population. This study demonstrates that the introduction of payments for ecosystem services could be an incentive for the development of green spaces in urban areas.

As autarquias e a promoção da acessibilidade arquitetónica

Background: Architectural barriers have a significant impact on the daily activities of people with reduced mobility. Objectives: To understand the weaknesses and/or opportunities in the responses of local authorities to eliminate the architectural barriers for people with reduced mobility in their social and residential context. Methodology: A descriptive, exploratory study was conducted with a sample of 21 parish council presidents from two municipalities using an accidental non-probabilistic sampling method. Results: In this sample, 76.2% of parish council presidents do not know how many people with disabilities live in their parish. The elimination of architectural barriers focused on accessible sidewalks and pedestrian routes (80%), pedestrian crossings (75%), access to public parks and gardens (70%), and access to cemeteries and markets (70%). Other equipment, even educational ones, represent less than 50%. Conclusion: Some public spaces still have architectural barriers. There is little cooperation between health professionals and society to promote accessibility

Choosing Exercise Cadence on the Outdoor Stepper for Various Exercise Intensity

Public parks and gardens are gaining numerous outdoor fitness equipment (OFE), easily accessed by the public. Most people use this equipment without any guidance and thus there is a need for basic guidelines on how to use the equipment. This study offers a practical guideline for exercising on one of the most widely used pieces of OFE, the outdoor stepping machine (OSM). Thirty-four healthy adults (nine females, 25 males) participated in workouts of three separate stepping exercises at different intensities, controlled by stepping cadence. At each 5-minute phase, rated perceived exertion (RPE), oxygen consumption (VO2), metabolic equivalent of task (MET) and heart rate (HR) were measured. Corresponding MET values of exercise cadences were calculated to be 5.3 at 80 steps.min−1, 6.0 at 96 steps.min−1 and 6.6 at 112 steps.min−1. Mean values for RPE at each stepping cadence were 9.1 (very light), 11.9 (moderate) and 14.8 (difficult), respectively. In conclusion, when the ACSM’s guidelines for indoor stepper machine (ISM) were taken as a reference, 80 steps.min−1 were suitable for warm-up, 96 and 112 steps.min−1 were appropriate for moderate exercise. People exercising on OSMs could easily use the cadence or the RPE scale as a guideline to exercise at the desired intensity.

The effects of climate warming and urbanised areas on the future distribution of Cortaderia selloana, pampas grass, in France

SummaryThe spread of many invasive plants could be facilitated by their presence in urban areas that may act as dispersal centres and by climate warming. Cortaderia selloana, pampas grass, is native to South America and raises considerable concern worldwide as an introduction. We used Maxent niche modelling, based on occurrence records and on a set of simulated occurrence points with high probability of presence in urbanised areas in France, where the species was introduced and is still planted. We calibrated the model with current climate data coupled with several habitat variables and used it to predict range shifts of C. selloana under four climate change scenarios (RCP) for 2060. The results were consistent with the known ecology of the species and showed that the most important variables that explain the current distribution in the introduced area were mean annual minimum temperatures, sandy habitats, disturbed habitats and urbanised areas. While the species already occupies large areas along the western and Mediterranean coasts, the models predicted an expansion northward and inland to the east under future climates. The area of suitable habitats could increase by up to 69% under the RCP 8.5 climate scenario in 2060 and by 116% with the extra occurrences in urban/suburban areas. This latter scenario suggests that areas like public and private gardens or urban parks, where the species is currently cultivated, could contribute to increase the invasion risk under climate warming. The results provide predictions of potential environments for the species, which can be helpful for anticipating its spread.

Downy Mildew Disease of New England Aster Caused by Basidiophora simplex in New York.

The native perennial New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae; syn. = Aster novae-angliae) is ubiquitous throughout most of the United States, because it self-seeds and is well-adapted to many environments. New England asters are valued for their prominent dense clusters of purple flowers that attract monarch butterflies (Brouillet et al. 2006). In July 2017, all (n = 25) New England asters grown in a public garden in Nassau County, NY, exhibited symptoms resembling downy mildew disease. Symptoms included small rectangular chlorotic lesions on the upper leaf surface. Many small lesions occurred close together, forming large chlorotic areas on the leaf, eventually leading to patches of necrosis. Abaxial lesions displayed white mycelial growth. Microscopic inspection revealed abundant hyaline, unbranched sporangiophores, slightly curved and club-like, 192.9 to 261.1 µm long (x¯ = 227.7 µm) and 6.6 to 13.6 µm wide (x¯ = 10.1 µm), having a wide, rounded apex 11.7 to 28.1 µm wide (x¯ = 22.5 µm) that held 8 to 14 straight projections, 7.0 to 12.2 µm long (x¯ = 9.8 µm), and 1.5 to 2.9 µm wide (x¯ = 2.2 µm). Smooth, colorless sporangia 22.3 to 31.7 × 20.3 to 30.0 µm (x¯ = 25.4 × 26.7 µm) ranged from globose to broadly ellipsoidal. Zoospores and oospores were not observed. The morphology is characteristic of the genus Basidiophora (Barreto and Dick 1991). All previous reports of downy mildew on Symphyotrichum are attributed to B. entospora sensu lato (Farr and Rossman 2017) or B. simplex (Sokucu and Thines 2014). DNA was extracted (BPI 910619), and polymerase chain reaction products were amplified with cox2 primers (Choi et al. 2015) and then bidirectionally sequenced. NCBI BLAST searches showed the sequence (MH187901) had 100% identity to B. simplex (e.g., KM087770) and 93% identity with B. enterospora (e.g., DQ365699). Phylogenetic affinities also supported identification as B. simplex. Following the usage of Sokucu and Thines (2014), and based on host association, cox2 sequence, and morphology, we identified this organism as a Basidiophora, most likely B. simplex. However, the original 1877 description of B. simplex deviates from our sample by large differences in sporangiophore length: 104 to 156 µm (Barreto and Dick 1991) versus our average of 227.7 µm. It is unknown whether this difference is significant. Although recent taxonomic work with B. simplex did not connect molecular data with morphology and excluded the type specimen (Sokucu and Thines 2014), the identification in that study and herein provides a solid working definition for the pathogen that will be helpful until the significance of morphological differences and/or host preference for species discrimination in this genus is resolved. To our knowledge, this is the first report of B. simplex in the state of New York since the species was originally described over 140 years ago. This pathogen poses a potential threat to the health and production of New England aster, a common wildflower and popular ornamental. It will be important to learn whether it can affect a wider group of plants in the Asteraceae.

The Gardens of Singapore

Singapore has several public gardens of which two, Singapore Botanic Gardens and Gardens by the Bay, are of particular national and international renown. These two gardens have contrasting but complementary ways of enthusing and educating the public about plants and of gaining their support for horticultural excellence, botanical research and conservation. Founded in 1859, Singapore Botanic Gardens is an old and established garden with a long history of horticultural and botanical research, plant exploration and conservation. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2015, the world’s first tropical botanic garden to receive this accolade. Gardens by the Bay opened in 2012 and its focus is on large-scale displays in spectacular settings, thereby attracting huge numbers of visitors since its opening. In their contrasting ways, both gardens enthuse and educate the public about plants and the natural world. This work lays the foundations for public advocacy of conservation efforts in Singapore, resulting in a very high level of public support for greening efforts and the protection of natural areas in land-scarce Singapore.

Ecological Plasticity of the Photosynthetic Apparatus of Hibiscus syriacus L. under Pressure of High Temperature, Insolation, and Air Pollution

This paper describes the integrated effect of high summer temperature, intensive insolation, gas pollution, and dust in the air on the pigment content and net oxygen production (apparent photosynthesis) and dark respiration rates of common hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus L.) leaves. The study included three observation sites: Tashkent Botanical Garden (Academy of Sciences, the Republic of Uzbekistan), the public garden in the central part of the city of Tashkent, and a mountain holiday camp. The research was carried out in 2017 during the period of active vegetation. The results of experiments showed a high adaptive potential of H. syriacus L., as well as its adaptiveness to stress environmental factors of the semiarid zone, provided a sufficient level of its irrigation. The ecological plasticity of the photosynthetic apparatus of hibiscus plays a key role in species adaptation to environmental conditions. It has been revealed that the growth of the plants of the Tashkent Botanical Garden under shading conditions leads to the formation of large, wide, thin, shade leaf blades, which can be considered as the manifestation of sciomorphosis. Heliomorphosis features of hibiscus leaves were identified in mountains, where sun leaves with significantly smaller, thickened, and compacted blades are formed under high insolation. The adaptive significance of these structural leaf modifications is to strengthen photosynthetic capacity for compensating the deficiency in sunlight (in the case of sciomorphosis), and, on the contrary, to provide mutual shading for photosynthetic elements as a measure of protection against the damaging effect of redundant solar radiation (in the case of heliomorphosis). This provides carbon dioxide assimilation and organic matter production for maintaining the constant energy balance for the plant under different environmental conditions. The study of the temperature correlation of dark respiration and net oxygen production rates has shown that these processes are more resistant to temperature injuries under more extreme environmental conditions. In addition, mature H. syriacus leaves have a higher resistance than young leaves; i.e., the plant adapts to possible temperature drops in the process of its ontogenesis. Taking into account the optimal measuring conditions, the net oxygen production rate of H. syriacus during the period of active vegetation is approximately at the same level under different growing conditions (0.20 ± 0.05 μmol of O2/(dm2 s)); this is considered a norm of reaction of the net production (apparent photosynthesis) rate of H. syriacus and determines the specific features of its photosynthetic apparatus.

Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Soil: Exposure and Health Risk

AbstractThe paper presents an original research regarding the risk for human health in the area of Ploiesti city using SADA software - Spatial Analysis and Decision Assistance. Due to the high level of toxicity, international legislation provides the list of PCBs compounds to be monitored: PCB28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, 180. Sample collection was made in 22 points including public green gardens, residential areas, roadsides and industrial areas. The chemical analyses were conducted in the Laboratory of National Research and Development Institute for Soil Science, Agro-Chemistry and Environment from Bucharest, according to an own analytical method adapted after EPA. According to the Romanian standards, PCBs were elevated across industrial regions near urban and industrial sources. The concentrations of PCBs overcome the normal values in the most sampling points and the area presents a potential of risk for people. Local authorities should address the human health threats from urban and industrial soils in Ploiesti city.

Index for evaluation of public parks and gardens proximity based on the mobility network: A case study of Braga, Braganza and Viana do Castelo (Portugal) and Lugo and Pontevedra (Spain)

Urban green space (UGS) indices are increasingly used and are mentioned by many authors. However, while indices relating to the amount of green space are widespread, other important information about UGSs (including proximity) is somehow disregarded. This is noticeable in the Iberian Peninsula, for which studies relating to proximity of public parks and gardens (PG) are not easily found.The aim of this study is to quantify proximity as a percentage of the mobility network served (MNS%) and to use MNS% as a comparison index for five cities located in the north-west of the Iberian Peninsula. The MNS% index allows an easier comparison between case studies and an assessment of the current situation in cities. It is important to encourage policymakers to use proximity indexes.The results present the PG size categories that provide a proximity service in the five studied cities: Braga, Braganza, Lugo, Pontevedra and Viana do Castelo. The MNS% values found were low in all the cities (all lower than 50%). In addition, large areas were found with no UGS proximity.

High-quality assembly of the reference genome for scarlet sage, Salvia splendens, an economically important ornamental plant.

Background Salvia splendens Ker-Gawler, scarlet or tropical sage, is a tender herbaceous perennial widely introduced and seen in public gardens all over the world. With few molecular resources, breeding is still restricted to traditional phenotypic selection, and the genetic mechanisms underlying phenotypic variation remain unknown. Hence, a high-quality reference genome will be very valuable for marker-assisted breeding, genome editing, and molecular genetics.FindingsWe generated 66 Gb and 37 Gb of raw DNA sequences, respectively, from whole-genome sequencing of a largely homozygous scarlet sage inbred line using Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) single-molecule real-time and Illumina HiSeq sequencing platforms. The PacBio de novo assembly yielded a final genome with a scaffold N50 size of 3.12 Mb and a total length of 808 Mb. The repetitive sequences identified accounted for 57.52% of the genome sequence, and 54,008 protein-coding genes were predicted collectively with ab initio and homology-based gene prediction from the masked genome. The divergence time between S. splendens and Salvia miltiorrhiza was estimated at 28.21 million years ago (Mya). Moreover, 3,797 species-specific genes and 1,187 expanded gene families were identified for the scarlet sage genome.ConclusionsWe provide the first genome sequence and gene annotation for the scarlet sage. The availability of these resources will be of great importance for further breeding strategies, genome editing, and comparative genomics among related species.

Grassroots festival keeps city alive during severe drought

PurposeThis paper aims to discuss the role of a grassroots initiative in engaging local people in an innovative place-making fringe festival. Festivals such as the Carnival of Flowers are a major tourism event for regional cities like Toowoomba and contribute to place-making through marketing and engagement. Within the professional management of such events, there exists space for innovation and genuine community involvement, which can assist in authentically reflecting place identity. Avant Garden (2007-2008) models a successful grassroots fringe festival, initiated by community members in response to the challenge of long-term drought. Avant Garden engaged locals and tourists in a positive re-imagining of place via site-specific public artworks generated by the community.Design/methodology/approachA survey of 504 visitors to Toowoomba’s public gardens during the first weekend of the 2007 Carnival of Flowers examined how Avant Garden was received by the community.FindingsThe paper suggests that fringe festivals can provide place-making capacity in broadening festivals as an expression of local identity. Fringe festivals can allow authentic community engagement within a mainstream festival and can indicate longer-term innovations to place branding.Practical implicationsThe paper includes implications for festival managers about effective ways to engage community in grassroots initiatives which reflect innovation, authenticity and greater diversity.Originality/valueThe paper provides a study of a visual arts fringe festival in the context of place management. The project described allows a “bottom up” approach to engaging the local community which provides authenticity and broadens the scope of an existing mainstream garden festival.

FEASIBILITY OF SMARTPHONE BASED PHOTOGRAMMETRIC POINT CLOUDS FOR THE GENERATION OF ACCESSIBILITY MAPS

Abstract. Accessible cities with accessible services are an old claim of people with reduced mobility. But this demand is still far away of becoming a reality as lot of work is required to be done yet. First step towards accessible cities is to know about real situation of the cities and its pavement infrastructure. Detailed maps or databases on street slopes, access to sidewalks, mobility in public parks and gardens, etc. are required. In this paper, we propose to use smartphone based photogrammetric point clouds, as a starting point to create accessible maps or databases. This paper analyses the performance of these point clouds and the complexity of the image acquisition procedure required to obtain them. The paper proves, through two test cases, that smartphone technology is an economical and feasible solution to get the required information, which is quite often seek by city planners to generate accessible maps. The proposed approach paves the way to generate, in a near term, accessibility maps through the use of point clouds derived from crowdsourced smartphone imagery.

Sustainability as a motive for leisure-time gardening: a view from the ‘veggie patch’

There are many definitions of ‘sustainability’, but the term exists within social, economic and environmental contexts, the ‘three pillars’ of sustainability. Although governments, businesses and communities have embraced the concept, there appears to be limited understanding of it at the individual level. This paper reports a desktop survey to investigate the drivers of sustainability that motivate leisure-time gardening in private (backyard) and public (community) gardens. There was little mention of the ‘three pillars’ and they were seldom interlinked. A key element of ensuring sustainable futures is to engage individuals in behavioural change. It is necessary to raise awareness of sustainability in an individual’s everyday leisure activities. Leisure-time gardening is one way forward.