THE allegedly “green” wall in the Northbridge Piazza is ailing badly, turning yellowy brown even before the next scorching summer rolls through. It’s not predicted to survive.
Built around 2009 all the original plants on the 8m wall were pulled out because they’d become less “leafy green” and resembled a gnarled, creepy hedge.
In 2012 they were replaced with nonya and zuki bouganvilleaus but these have also failed to thrive. Instead of filling their cubes, they struggle weakly around the bottom, rarely raising above 30cm.
The matter’s deemed so serious it was discussed in secret, with Perth city council infrastructure director Doug Forster briefing councillors behind closed doors at an urban development committee meeting.
The Voice learned his troops have discovered the western-facing wall is “exposing the plants to the extreme summer heat and burning of foliage”.
Water restrictions are also taking their toll, with irrigation allowed just two days a week and no sprinklers at all from June to August.
Being in containers the plants can’t grow roots deep enough to suck up nutrients, and fools keep vandalising ground-level containers.
Staff recommend a few replacement options, including coloured translucent panels, artworks, historical photos of Northbridge or electronic displays for time, temperature and UV ratings.
Councillors asked for costings on the coloured panels option.
by DAVID BELL
Perth Voice Interactive 
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