SEMINAR – The Third F

Although little known, the roots of almost every plant in the Australian landscape are intimately entwined with fungi. These clandestine relationships extend beyond trees to include every orchid and most shrubs and grasses. Symbioses are the secret to success in our highly variable climate and nutrient-deficient soils.

Fungi not only help plants access water and nutrients, but also increase their resistance to drought and disease. They build architecture in soils, aerate them, and allow water to gently percolate to deeper horizons. Despite this, ‘the third F’ slips through ideas about nature and conservation that focus on flora and fauna.

In this talk, Alison will share her experiences and knowledge about the role of fungi in the Australian landscapes and gardens, in particular, how the unruly aesthetic of fungi reinforces trends of nativism and naturalism in gardens and the shift away from manicuring.

This talk is part of the 2025 Australian Landscape Conference run by Outlandish Ventures.