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City of Wollongong

Planting the seeds for a greener Wollongong

Friday 5 March 2021

Twelve successful applicants for Council’s special round of Connecting Neighbours Grants are set to receive a $250 voucher to help fund new verge gardens for their community.

The Connecting Neighbours Grant – Verge Gardens Pilot is a trial program that encourages residents to green the Council-owned land between people’s property and the adjacent kerb and build positive community connections.

The program will fund 12 low-cost demonstration projects to inspire other residents to create their own verge gardens that contribute to the city’s sustainability. These gardens will join three existing demonstration gardens established by Wollongong City Council.

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said that he hoped to see many more verge gardens pop up around the city.

“Last year, we released the new verge garden guidelines as part of Council’s Urban Greening Strategy. These guidelines support residents who want to create appropriate and successful gardens. These pleasant spaces add to the vibrancy of Wollongong,” said Cr Bradbery.

“Planting shrubs, vegetables, herbs, flowers and ground covers on verges is a simple way to make our communities more liveable and offer opportunities for people to connect with their neighbours.

“All 12 applications to the Verge Gardens Pilot propose creative opportunities to bring much needed greenery to their front yards that would benefit their community.”

The trial program aims to achieve key goals laid out in Council’s Our Wollongong 2028 community strategic plan to value and protect our environment and connect with our community.

“We want to make Wollongong a beautiful and liveable place that’s attractive for everyone,” said Cr Bradbery.

“Adding plants to the space between your house and the street is a great way to help keep our streets cool in the summer, use less water and provide habitats for native birds, insect and lizards.”

Wollongong Botanic Garden holds regular Native Plant Sales for Wollongong residents to purchase a wide range of ground covers, grasses and shrubs native to the Wollongong area. Their next sale is Saturday 6 March and is held at the Botanic Garden Nursery at 65 Northfields Avenue, Keiraville.

To purchase a plant, simply bring your current rates notice as proof that you’re a resident of the Wollongong City Council area.

Find out more about our Greenplan Plant Sales by visiting the Wollongong Botanic Garden website.


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