Putting nature into nature strips

Green thumbs are being encouraged to start verge gardens with a new set of resources from Moreton Bay City Council.

Residents can now access a suite of online information on Council’s website to put “nature back into nature strips.”

The Biodiverse Verge Garden Project aims to turn roadside strips into a haven for bees, lizards, birds and other wildlife using the area’s native plants.

Mayor Peter Flannery said 84 vegetation communities occurred naturally in the City and a verge garden will create urban biodiversity and wildlife connectivity.

“City of Moreton Bay’s urban environments play an important role in providing a series of interconnected stepping-stones for wildlife habitat across our landscape,” he said.

“These stepping-stones allow native flora and fauna to expand and move between larger areas of wildlife habitat.

“By reintroducing native plants that naturally occur in a specific location, residents are effectively letting nature do the work.”

Three verge garden demonstration sites have been set up at:

• 109 Sorrento Street, Margate
• 18 George Street, Deception Bay
• 33 Brendale Street, Brendale

“I visited the Margate verge garden demonstration site and was impressed with the diverse flora on display,” Mayor Flannery said.

“Through Council’s new resources and updated webpage, residents will have access to all the information they need to get started.

“You can download an information pack, view local law guidelines and complete a checklist to ensure your garden meets requirements.”

For more information visit www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/Roads/Road-Verge-Landscaping