A willy wagtail perched on a flowering plant with Gardens for Wildlife text.

What is Gardens for Wildlife?

Gardens for Wildlife (G4W) is a free program to promote caring for nature through habitat gardening. Volunteers and Council work together to offer advice and resources for wildlife gardening at home.

There are many ways to provide shelter, nesting habitat, and natural food and water sources in your garden, whether you have a big backyard or a small balcony. This program can show you how with a visit from our trained volunteers.

We acknowledge the assistance of Gardens for Wildlife Victoria and founding program Knox Gardens for Wildlife.

Why Gardens for Wildlife?

Merri-bek has a remarkable diversity of indigenous flora and fauna, especially along our creeks and waterways. Private gardens are a significant part of green space in Merri-bek.

Through urbanisation, suitable habitat for native animals has decreased and become fragmented. This results in the decline of many animal and plant species. But our gardens can make a valuable contribution to enhancing the biodiversity of our city, and provide places of safety and refuge for wildlife.

By enhancing the habitat values of private gardens, we can link habitats and create places where our native wildlife can thrive.

How to get involved

Due to a high level of community interest, new garden visit registrations are temporarily paused. Our volunteers are working through currently registered gardens. Click the +Follow button above to get updated when new visits become available.

You can still register your interest in volunteering with us below!

Interested in volunteering?

If you are passionate about gardening for habitat and eager to share your knowledge with your community, volunteering with Gardens for Wildlife might be the opportunity you've been looking for.

Register your interest below and we'll get in touch when we're accepting new volunteers.

This form is closed temporarily for the caretaker period of Council Elections. We will reopen this form on Monday 28 October 2024. Find out more about the Council election caretaker period.