Margaret was a foundational figure in plant science. With 40 years of experience, including 35 years at the University of Technology Sydney, she helped establish the field of indoor phytoremediation as a legitimate area of scientific inquiry, and her work continues to underpin this growing field of research around the world.

She is perhaps best known for her work on indoor plants and air pollution removal from 1994–2008, where the benchmark research she published with Drs Ronald Wood, Ralph Orwell (both dec.), Jane Tarran and Associate Professor Fraser Torpy became the highest cited papers in the field, and remain so today. It is largely because of Meg’s work with major industry partners including Ambius, the Dutch Flower Foundation, HortInnovation and a long standing partnership with the Interior Plantscapers’ Association that indoor plants are today seen as a legitimate means by which to improve air quality and make the urban environment a healthier and more sustainable place.

Margaret also made significant contributions to aquatic and coastal ecology, including work on mangroves and saltmarsh species, as well as the wetland rehabilitation program at the Sydney Olympics 2000 site at Homebush Bay; with ten engineered landfills remediated and transformed into open space and parklands on lands that are now within Sydney Olympic Park. Meg also made major contributions to the operation of UTS, including periods as Head of School, Deputy Dean, and as the director of many Centres and courses. Meg continued with her research calmly, efficiently and expertly until well into her 80’s, long into retirement.

Meg passed away on June 5^th, 2026, just short of her 92^nd birthday. She will be sadly missed by us continuing her legacy at UTS, and all those in horticultural science.

NB: This information was provided to AIH by Associate Professor Fraser Torpy and Dr Peter Irga, Plants and Environmental Quality Research Group, UTS (University of Technology Sydney).