Enhancing Curb Appeal: Transforming the Nature Strip into an Ornamental Paradise
Transforming Nature Strips into Thriving Gardens: A Guide to Verge Gardening in Melbourne
In the city of Melbourne, Victoria, a new trend is blooming – verge gardening. This practice, which involves transforming the nature strip (the area between the footpath and road) into a vibrant garden, has become increasingly popular in recent years. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the rules and benefits of verge gardening in Melbourne.
Growing in the Sun
Herbs like thyme, lavender, and rosemary, as well as cottage-style plants such as salvias, iris, daisies, plectranthus, lamb's ears, and convolvulus, grow exceptionally well in sunny spots. These plants can even be grown in dwarf versions, making them ideal for nature strip gardening. These plants not only beautify the area but also attract bees and butterflies, contributing to a thriving ecosystem.
Rules and Regulations
While permits are generally not required to plant or landscape the nature strip in Melbourne, councils still regulate activities on nature strips to ensure public safety and accessibility. Key rules include maintaining public cleanliness and order, ensuring plants do not obstruct pedestrian pathways or visibility for traffic safety, and complying with local council bylaws, which can vary by municipality.
Installation of artificial grass or synthetic turf may require formal approval from the council, as these strips are often regulated public spaces. Site plans and lists of proposed plants/modifications may also be required to show avoidance of invasive weeds and ensuring safety for pedestrians and motorists.
Embracing the Trend
Many councils have embraced the verge gardening trend and have issued guidelines for maintaining a nature strip garden. However, it's important to check local regulations, as bylaws vary across Victoria. By 2019, Dr Adrian Marshall found that verge gardening occurred in almost a quarter of verges and in almost every block in every neighborhood in Melbourne.
Native Plants and Wildlife
Native plants, particularly those local to the area, offer the best habitat for wildlife and often outcompete weeds in poor soils. Native grasses such as wallaby or weeping grass can be used as a lawn replacement, while taller, ornamental species can serve as a feature. Soft-leafed, pink-flowered Pelargonium australe is native to most of Victoria and self-seeds easily.
Creative Landscaping
Succulents, such as Blue Chalk Sticks, do well on verges, grow easily and quickly from cuttings, and lend themselves to creative landscaping. If you're looking to replace your lawn, consider native grasses or even a raised bed for your herbs. If there's a street tree, a low-raised bed can provide more root space while ensuring car doors can still open.
Meeting Neighbors and Building Community
The nature strip not only serves as a display of individualism but also a show of community spirit. By gardening your nature strip, you can meet your neighbors and contribute to a more beautiful and vibrant city. Just remember to keep public safety and council regulations in mind, especially for hard landscaping or synthetic surfaces.
In summary, verge gardening in Melbourne is a wonderful way to transform your nature strip into a thriving garden, attract wildlife, and build community. Always check your specific local council’s guidelines to ensure you're compliant with regulations, and enjoy the process of creating a beautiful, sustainable, and community-focused garden.
[1] Council of the City of Melbourne. (2021). Verge Gardening Guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/buildings-and-development/planning-and-building/planning-and-design-standards/verge-gardening-guidelines.htm [3] Moreland City Council. (2021). Verge Gardening. Retrieved from https://www.moreland.vic.gov.au/living/gardens-and-nature/verge-gardening [5] City of Yarra. (2021). Verge Gardening. Retrieved from https://www.yarra.vic.gov.au/home/living/verge-gardening
- By choosing native plants and embracing creative landscaping strategies like raised beds and succulents, home-and-garden enthusiasts in Melbourne can transform their nature strips into thriving, lifestyle-enhancing gardens,while contributing to a vibrant home-and-garden culture within the city.
- While regulatory requirements may vary by council, each council in Melbourne, such as the City of Melbourne, Moreland City Council, and City of Yarra, offers guidelines to help residents understand the rules surrounding verge gardening, ensuring both public safety and the growth of beautiful, thriving home-and-garden spaces.
