Gardens for wildlife
Gardens for Wildlife is a free program that helps people in Darebin create gardens that support local wildlife.
Whether you have a backyard, courtyard, balcony or even a few pots, you can make a difference.
About the program
Gardens for Wildlife is a partnership between Darebin City Council and a team of trained local volunteers called Garden Guides.
Garden Guides visit your space and provide simple, practical advice to help you create a wildlife-friendly garden.
A wildlife-friendly garden includes one or more of these elements:
- indigenous plants
- shelter like rocks or logs
- water sources such as bird baths
- nest boxes.
These elements help wildlife find food, water and safe places to live.
Why it matters
Wildlife in cities is under pressure from development, pollution, invasive species, and climate change.
The good news? You can help. With most of Darebin made up of private land, your garden can help create safe, connected habitat, while boosting your wellbeing and connection to nature.
Who can join?
Anyone in Darebin can take part, including residents, schools, businesses, and community groups. No matter the size, your garden can become a home for wildlife.
How to get involved?
1. Book a garden visit
When you sign up for a garden visit, a Garden Guide volunteer will contact you to arrange a time.
Our visits are run by volunteers, so places are limited and open in small rounds. When all spots are filled, registrations will close.
You can register your interest to be notified when they reopen.
Register your interest for Gardens for Wildlife
2. Get personalised advice
During the visit, your Garden Guide will offer tailored, practical tips for your space.
After the visit, you’ll also receive:
- A personalised garden report
- The Darebin Gardens for Wildlife booklet
- A letterbox sticker featuring the Eastern Spinebill
- A voucher for 10 free tube stock plants from a local indigenous nursery
3. Get your free plants
Visit one of our partner nurseries where you can get additional expert plant advice:
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.