Gardens for Wildlife

Tawny frogmouth in G4W logo

Gardens for Wildlife (G4W) is a free program run by volunteer garden guides that provides advice to households and businesses on how to create native habitats to enrich local biodiversity.

Developing outdoor spaces big and small builds social connections within our community, and the results create habitat stepping stones for local fauna.

How the program works

Step 1.Register for the program or to be a garden guide

Due to overwhelming community interest, new garden registrations are temporarily paused until early 2024.

Garden guide applications remain open for anybody who is passionate about nature, gardening and the conservation of our indigenous plants and wildlife (full support and training provided).

Register a garden or guide interest

Step 2.Assessment of your garden

Once registered, a garden guide will contact you to arrange an inspection time. 2 guides will then visit your outdoor space and provide advice on how to enhance habitat values for that area.

Advice will be non-judgmental, and guides will work with you to make suggestions on plants that attract local wildlife.

We will start the program with a limited number of gardens to be assessed, but we will assess all registered gardens once resources allow.

Step 3.Garden report

A report, based on the information discussed during the guides' visit, will be provided to get you started on what to do, what plants you will need and where to get them.

Step 4.Getting some plants

You will automatically be registered to receive up to 20 free plants through our indigenous plants voucher program at participating nurseries.

Step 5.Additional resources

You will also be provided with a resource book, links to resources on gardening and have access to the large network of G4W programs.

Step 6.Follow-up visits

Once your first project is complete, a follow-up visit from a garden guide can be requested by contacting environment@banyule.vic.gov.au and noting your G4W registration number (received when you first registered).

For more information, contact our Environment Team on 9490 4222 or at environment@banyule.vic.gov.au