Gardens for wildlife
Get involved in the Gardens for Wildlife program to help create habitat gardens that our local animals and plants can thrive in.
About Gardens for Wildlife
Gardens for Wildlife is a free program that encourages and guides the Darebin community to create wildlife-friendly gardens.
A wildlife-friendly garden includes indigenous plants and other elements like rocks, ponds, and nest boxes to provide animals with everything they need to make a home.
The program is run in collaboration between Darebin and a team of knowledgeable and passionate local volunteers called Garden Guides.
How does it work?
We connect Darebin residents with trained Garden Guide volunteers who will arrange a visit to your garden to provide simple, practical advice to help you start your Gardens for Wildlife journey.
Who can sign up?
Anyone wanting to support wildlife in Darebin including residents, schools, businesses, and community groups.
Whether you have a big backyard, a small courtyard, a nature strip, a community garden, or pot plants on your balcony, everyone is encouraged to join Gardens for Wildlife!
Why is Gardens for Wildlife important?
Wildlife in cities is struggling to survive due to urbanization, pollution, litter, invasive plants and animals, and climate change.
The good news is that everyone in Darebin can make a meaningful contribution!
Private land makes up about two-thirds of Darebin, so every privately-owned garden, balcony, and courtyard plays a significant role in providing wildlife with safe spaces to create their home.
Why should I get involved?
Creating a wildlife-friendly garden helps Darebin maintain a healthy and connected environment for plants, animals, fungi, and people. It's also a great way to boost your physical and mental wellbeing, and connect with nature, neighbours, and the Gardens for Wildlife community.
How do I get involved?
1. Sign up for a garden visit:
Request a garden visit
Once registered, a Garden Guide will contact you to arrange a visit. Please be patient as our volunteer group is small.
2. During the garden visit:
Garden Guides will assess your garden and give you advice to help you create a beautiful wildlife habitat right on your doorstep.
As part of the visit, you will receive:
3. Get your plants:
After the garden visit, you will receive a voucher for 10 free tubestock plants to use at a local indigenous nursery.
These nurseries are great places to get further advice on the best plants for your garden. Check out our participating nurseries:
Nangak Tamboree La Trobe Indigenous Plant Nursery
Victorian Indigenous Nurseries Co-Op (VINC)
4. Explore other useful resources:
5. Share your journey:
We invite you to share your experiences, insights, and photos to inspire others to join Gardens for Wildlife. Your garden might even be featured on our social media.
Share your Gardens for Wildlife journey with us!
6. Join the Gardens for Wildlife Victoria Community:
Be inspired, ask for help and share your journey in the Gardens for Wildlife Facebook group with other passionate wildlife gardeners.
7. Volunteer as a Garden Guide:
Support Darebin community members in creating wildlife-friendly gardens by volunteering as a Garden Guide.
Although we are not recruiting new volunteers currently, you can email us at gardensforwildlife@darebin.vic.gov.au to receive information about future opportunities.
Our partners
We thank Gardens for Wildlife Victoria for the ongoing collaboration and support in setting up the program in Darebin, as well as Knox City Council and the Knox Environment Society for leading the way in establishing local Gardens for Wildlife programs.