What is Gardens for Wildlife?

Gardens for Wildlife (G4W) is a free program to promote caring for nature through habitat gardening and community building. The program sees councils working with volunteers to offer support and advice to gardeners to enhance the habitat value in their backyard.

G4W is suitable for all backyard types, whether you have a big backyard or a small balcony. There are many ways to provide shelter, nesting habitat, and natural food and water sources in your garden. The G4W program offers support and resources for wildlife gardening at home.

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. Our gardens make a valuable contribution to enhancing the biodiversity of our city.

Through urbanisation, suitable habitat for native animals has decreased and become fragmented. This results in the decline of many animal and plant species.

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

Gardens for Wildlife will involve building a community of volunteer gardeners. These volunteers will work together with Council to protect wildlife and enhance biodiversity in Merri-bek. We’d like your input in developing what this program will look like.

Community workshops will be available for those interested in shaping what Gardens for Wildlife will look like in Merri-bek. We want to design a program that will meet our communities’ capabilities, and that takes into consideration their time and resources.

These workshops will allow you to have your say on how you’d like to be involved and how the program will be delivered.

In person workshops

Wednesday 15 March 2023 (registrations are now closed as the venue has reached max capacity)

Coburg Senior Citizens Centre

21 Harding Street, Coburg

6:30pm - 8:30pm

Saturday 18 March 2023 (registration is now closed)

Fawkner Senior Citizens Centre

77 Jukes Road, Fawkner

2:00 pm - 4:00pm

Register your details below by the 10th March if you would like to attend the workshop

If you’re unable to make the workshop, but would like to contribute to the discussion, please contact our Conservation Programs Officer on nature@merri-bek.vic.gov.au