Thurs 28 September @1pm AEST – BCARM September Forum

Caring for our landscape soils, the foundation of plant collections, presenter Simon Leake

Simon will present on some of the issues we face with navigating the complex world under our collections and has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field to share with us.

The presentation will focus on the widespread prevalence of nutrient deficiencies and his experience using soil and plant tissue testing to diagnose horticultural problems in botanic gardens.

Also emphasised is the importance of understanding soil profile morphology and distribution in botanic gardens and the opportunities and limitations it imposes on plant distribution. 

Simon graduated in 1981 with first class honours in agricultural science majoring in soil science.

He established SESL Australia in 1984 offering agricultural analysis and consulting to farmers, landscape technologists and architects.

Simon has been a strong supporter of botanic gardens and urban parks and has provided consulting advice to RBG Sydney and Melbourne, Cranbourne, Geelong Botanic Garden, National Botanic Gardens Canberra, Singapore Botanic Gardens and Kings Park.  

A Certified Practicing Soil Scientist, Simon Leake is an expert in soil/vegetation rehabilitation such as mine sites and urban renewal projects.

Simon was integral in pioneering organic waste-to-land application; and an expert in soil, waste and composting science – frequently providing expert witness on such matters in legal proceedings.

Simon’s most recent and noteworthy project is the Barangaroo Headland Park and construction of King Salman Park in Saudi Arabia. 

Simon is a frequent lecturer to various universities including University of Technology Sydney, University of NSW, University of Sydney, and TAFE.

He has been published multiple times via CSIRO including developing, “Soils for Landscape Development”, a practical guide for future development of landscape soil technology and the specification of soil and growing media, which received the 2015 Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Literature for publications from the Australian Institute of Horticulture Inc. (AIH). 

Simon’s work has been recognised through numerous industry awards Horticulturist of the Year for soil works at Barangaroo – 2016 (AIH), the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) 2021 Award for the Glenugie Bypass landscape rehabilitation works.

To join the meeting via MS Teams, click here.

The forum will be recorded if you can’t join us on the day.

To view the recording, click here.

Contact: Sheree Parker, Chair, BCARM, SParker2@geelongcity.vic.gov.au