Since its opening in 8 May 1997, Melbourne’s Crown Entertainment Centre, better known as the Crown Casino, has received a lot of publicity yet one of its most interesting features is a well kept secret. Lawns, massed plantings and pools adorn the roof of the fourth and fifth levels of the casino creating a superb multi-level garden.
The area is hot from both direct and reflected heat, and is exposed to the wind and salt spray. As well the plants are all grown either in large tubs or in garden beds with as little as 150mm (6″) soil depth. All these factors combine to create a very difficult environment in which to grow plants.
Plant selection
Due to the harsh environment of this roof top, plants selected for this garden are a good guide for any gardener who is gardening in a harsh, exposed or seaside environment.
Many of the plants selected are Mediterranean in origin such as lavenders, daisies and other silver leaf plants. The plants are massed to create bold patterns and shapes in the garden design. The plants are interspersed with large expanses of lawn (Kentucky bluegrass) which softens the plantings. Plants used include:
photinia (Photinia glabra ‘Rubens’)
white Flower Carpet roses
Marguerite daisies
clipped conifers (Thuja plicata ‘Zebrina’)
New Zealand Christmas bush (Metrosideros excelsa)
Hill’s weeping fig (Ficus microcarpa var.hillii)
golden diosma (Coleonema pulchrum ‘Sunset Gold’)
Other solutions to the problems of the harsh conditions were:
the installation of an extensive irrigation system.
the use of artificial plantings in areas too difficult or dangerous for staff to reach. One area of rooftop was too difficult to irrigate and maintain, but still visible to guests in the hotel. Here artificial trees have been installed to give the green orchard-like appearance from above without posing a risk to maintenance staff.
larger plantings in planter boxes that are heavy and can’t be displaced by the wind.
the use of coloured gravels for patterning and decoration.
Did you know?
The rooftop garden at Melbourne’s Crown Casino used more than 70,000 plants and took approximately 18 months to complete.
The garden can be used by hotel guests with access from the fourth floor. It is overlooked from rooms within the casino and hotel.
The Crown Entertainment Complex is at 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank, 3006. Phone: (03) 9292 8888.