Wave Rock – Bush Regeneration

Wave Rock bush regeneration site is in the grounds of Marrickville Golf Course. The site is adjacent to the 17th fairway and runs alongside the river. It’s defining feature is a large exposed sandstone outcrop in the shape of a wave. Over the years the initial plantings have taken off and we now have a Cumberland floodplain/heath habitat with typical trees, shrubs and ground layer plants.

Site Map

Plan

As the site has been worked on for many years we are now in a phase of maintenance. This largely involves regular weeding and replacement of natives. This site is managed by Inner West Council.

We have experimented with “halo” plantings on this site – the close grouping a few different species and performing regular weeding around them.

The team is also extending the site towards the east.

Native Plantings and Regenerations

Hakeas
Acacias
Grevilleas
Solanum (Kangaroo Apple)
Omalanthus (Bleeding heart)
Breynia
Indigofera
Microlaena (Weeping Grass)
Lomandra
Cymbopogon
Dianella
Persicaria
Plectranthus
Wahlenbergia gracilis (Native Bluebell)
Commelina
Themeda (Kangaroo Grass)
Oplismenus (Basket grass)
Pratia
Dichondra
Tetragonia (Warrigal Cabbage)
Juncus
Sedges
Mangroves
Phragmites

Weeds & Removal Strategy

Predominant weeds we are targeting include:
Kikuyu
Ehrharta
Couch
Tradescantia
Bidens
Paddys Lucerne
Bromus spp.
Plantain

These weeds can largely be managed via hand weeding. We try to get to them before they throw seed. As many are annuals, we can interrupt the seeding cycle and significantly reduce their impact and give the native plants an advantage.

Kikuyu is a particularly challenging weed along the river as it is very vigorous and spreads quickly in optimal conditions. IWC contractors have used steam wands along the top of the site to inhibit the spread but follow-up weeding is vital to stop it reclaiming the site. This virulent weed species continues to be a primary focus at this site and other sites along the river.

Some Photos from the early days:

Recent Photos