This ABC RN Life Matters topic has some important ideas for greening and cooing our urban landscapes. Listen here.

What does it mean for the livability of our communities if backyards become a rarity? 

How can we make better use of our backyards and the broader urban environment?

Guests

• Costa Georgiadis, landscape architect and host of Gardening Australia.
• Prof. Joe Hurley, Centre for Urban Research at RMIT University.
• Dr Thami Croeser, Deputy Associate Director, Regenerative Environments & Climate Action at RMIT University.

From the Gardening Australia Archive with Costa, Starting Your Own Verge Garden.

​(Also see below - Andie Guerin, 'Nature Strips')

Andie Guerin, Project Coordinator at the Regent Honeyeater Project, was the guest speaker at our general meeting held on Thursday March 14.  The theme for Andie's talk was ideas for planting on your nature strip.

Andie began his talk with information about the Regent Honeyeater Project and the extensive conservation plantings the project has completed for many years around Lurg, Winton Wetlands, Chesney Vale and the Warby Ranges, https://www.regenthoneyeater.org.au/.  The project relies on volunteers for many of its projects. ​

​Andie presented and discussed information to consider if you intend to plant on the strip of land you mow outside your property.  Andie used photos from his hometown of Violet Town to show things to consider particularly as your plants mature.  Andie’s PowerPoint can be viewed and downloaded below.

There are many things to consider, including pitfalls, if you are thinking about planting on the verge such as trip hazards and access to the curb from parked cars.  How does your neighbour feel about your plants and is traffic visible when you, or your neighbour enter the street.  Can the postie access your letterbox?  Power-lines, underground cables and drains.

Andie also recommended list of plants, including his favourites.  Consider plant characteristics in the longer term, how big they will grow and maintenance requirements.  Will they need pruning, is the foliage likely to cause irritation or injury.  Moisture requirements.

Nature strips can play a crucial role in keeping our neighbourhoods healthy and attractive.  By carefully considering all aspects of planting on your verge you can enhance habitat, increase urban biodiversity, help mitigate climate change and beautify your street.

Andie concluded his presentation with information on volunteering, bird surveys, and other Regent Honeyeater Project activities.

View and download Andie's Presentation below.

BSFG's 'Greening Benalla - Greening and Cooling our Urban Spaces' action group invite you to attend our BSFG General Meeting at 7:30 - 9:30 pm on Thursday 14th March at the Benalla Uniting Church meeting room, opposite the Coles Car Park. This time includes a light supper at the end of the evening.

The meeting part will be brief and the main focus is our guest speaker: 

Andie Guerin, Environmental Consultant from the Regent Honeyeater Project 

The theme for Andie's talk is ideas for planting on your Nature Strip.

Andie will share his knowledge on local plants that would be suitable for planting on our nature strips, and what conditions we need to consider when selecting plants. Many of these plants will be ideal for our gardens too. 

Background: Nature Strips

Nature strips are the area of public land that lies between the boundary of private property and the road kerb. They soften and enhance the streetscape by providing a ‘green’ zone and a buffer between pedestrians and vehicles. Nature strips play a crucial role in keeping our neighbourhoods healthy and attractive.  
​
Your nature strip can be more than just grass, it can be a beautiful garden right outside your front fence. Planting up this area will also enhance habitat, increase urban biodiversity, help mitigate climate change and beautify your street. Plus reduce the time you spend mowing!
While your nature strip may not appear large enough to make a difference, small areas of biodiversity can have a valuable, cumulative effect on species diversity in urbanised environments.
 
BSFG is keen to work with our community to develop our nature strips into beautiful gardens for all of us to enjoy.

Please RSVP your attendance to [email protected]   We hope to see you there,

Judy Schwarzman,
Secretary, BSFG

Event details:

Thursday 22nd February 2024
7.30pm - 9.30pm, including supper
Meeting Room, Benalla Uniting Church.
Opposite the Coles Car Park