A couple from Western Australia, Mel and James Logozzo, are dedicated to rejuvenating a 150-acre property that was previously used for agriculture and horse training. Over the past week, they embarked on a significant rewilding project, planting approximately 4,800 native plants on their land located in the Wheatbelt region. Their mission reflects a growing commitment to restoring natural ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity.
Mel Logozzo, a resident of the coast south of Perth, explained that her partner, James, a plant mechanic, initially purchased the property to store farming equipment. The couple had no plans to continue its agricultural legacy. Instead, they decided to focus on healing the land that had suffered from previous agricultural practices. “The plan was just to watch the land, see what it does every year, see what comes back on its own,” Mel stated in an interview.
Their rewilding journey accelerated after a friend announced the availability of thousands of free seedlings. Seizing the opportunity, Mel and James began their planting project, despite facing challenges. “We didn’t plan on doing it by hand,” she admitted. The couple had intended to use a tractor for trenching but had to resort to manual labor when the equipment malfunctioned.
Over two-and-a-half days, they worked under both heat and rain, retreating to their caravan at night for rest. They planted a variety of seedlings, including mallee eucalypts and swamp she-oaks, which are well-suited to the region’s saline conditions and clay soil. The couple hopes that the majority of these plants will thrive in the arid climate they are working to restore.
Transforming Gardens and Ecosystems
Mel Logozzo’s journey into gardening began eight years ago when she moved into her suburban property near Fremantle. Initially discontent with the sterile, paved landscape, she gradually transformed her garden into a thriving ecosystem. “Over the last few years, I started growing food at home and then using rewilding techniques as my pest control,” she explained.
Today, her 78 square meter garden is filled with native plants, which she does not water, allowing the ecosystem to maintain itself. The wildlife attracted to her garden, including native bees and frogs, plays a crucial role in pest management, creating a balanced environment. “I went from the odd lizards and house flies to native bees, wasps, birds, and frogs,” she noted.
Mel has also shared her experiences with a broad audience, documenting her rewilding journey online and hosting workshops to help others create similar transformations in their gardens. Her efforts mirror a broader trend across Australia, where there is a growing appreciation for native plants and a shift away from traditional ornamental species, which are often invasive.
Environmental educator Clancy Lester highlighted this trend, noting that native plants are increasingly being embraced in gardens nationwide. “There is a massive rise in native plants and a trend in appreciating our native plants,” Lester remarked, emphasizing the importance of moving away from colonial gardening practices that harm local ecosystems.
Tips for Successful Rewilding
For those interested in rewilding their gardens, Mel offers essential advice:
– **Be observant**: Spend time observing your garden to understand its unique ecosystem. You can learn a lot by simply watching how different elements interact.
– **Plant for biodiversity**: Focus on planting species that are endemic to your region. This not only boosts local biodiversity but also ensures that the plants thrive in their natural conditions.
– **Consider invertebrates**: Often overlooked, invertebrates are vital to ecosystems. Their presence supports the entire food chain and contributes to a healthy garden.
As Mel and James continue their mission to restore their 150-acre property, their journey serves as an inspiring example of how individuals can positively impact the environment. By prioritizing native flora and fostering biodiversity, they are contributing to a broader movement aimed at nurturing Australia’s natural landscapes.
