On Sir Garnet Road in Surrey Hills there is a unique section of nature strip which is:

  • large in size
  • clear of assets, such as overhead powerlines.

Some local community members have requested that we plant more trees in this nature strip space.

Through the Boroondara Community Plan 2021-31, we heard from our community that parks and green spaces are a priority, and that investigating more green spaces is important to you. You also told us through the Climate Action Plan that environmental sustainability is important to you, with biodiversity and trees being key themes.

We have identified an opportunity to improve this unique nature strip and would like to transform a section of it into a new informal garden area the local community can enjoy.

Our design

During our community consultation period (July - August 2023), we developed a draft design for the new nature strip garden which aimed to:

  • Build on and enhance what the local community had already started planting in the area
  • improve the open space offering for the local community and provide a place where locals can rest and connect with nature
  • provide more shade and urban cooling through new, healthy canopy trees.

Our proposed design included:

  • Grassed areas for informal recreation
  • garden bed plantings
  • new seating
  • a gravel pathway.

We have also included plant and tree species that will suit the climate now and into the future, and provide habitat to support local wildlife.

Map of the area alongside Sir Garnet Road in Surrey Hills which we are proposing become a new, informal garden area for the community to enjoy.

Planting palette

Native planting palette (majority Australian native species)
A series of images of native plants (majority Australian native species)

What we heard during consultation on the draft design

During community consultation, we asked you for your feedback on the planting palette and what you would like to see in our proposed design. We received 10 responses to the survey. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback.

Feedback we received through our survey

Through the survey, we heard that:

  • Majority of respondents were in favour of enhancing local biodiversity as a key objective and supported this initiative
  • 40% of respondents favoured a native plant palette, another 40% preferred a cottage-style palette with colourful flowering plants, and 20% chose a mix of native and exotic plants.

Other ideas shared through the survey included:

  • Some individuals suggested the exclusion of seating and paths, advocating for increased plant coverage
  • A suggestion was made for implementing a small 'Miyawaki' method forest (i.e. restoration via dense tree planting), especially considering the conversion from grass to garden
  • A suggestion was made for more initiatives like pollinator pathways and a reduction in lawn areas
  • Some concerns raised about the potential negative impacts of the garden on rear access and safety of adjoining lots.

Feedback we received through on-site workshops

During the face-to-face workshop held on15 July 2023, the following feedback and suggestions were provided by approximately 10 attendees:

  • Those who attended the workshop generally expressed full support for the proposal and hoped for similar initiatives from Boroondara in the future.
  • There was a strong preference expressed for native plant species to enhance local biodiversity and the need for understorey vegetation to provide habitat for small birds.
  • There were concerns raised about the potential negative impacts of the garden on rear access and safety of adjoining lots.
  • The value of a tree planting was expressed, with preference for larger trees over smaller ones where possible.
  • Attendees emphasised the importance of maintenance, particularly during summer.
  • Attendees cautioned about potential maintenance issues if areas for mowing are left in the design.

Next steps

We are proceeding with this initiative with the following key observations in mind:

  • Based on the feedback received online and in-person, we are proceeding with planting a native garden bed with 100% Australian native plants.
  • We will allow the standard clearance requirements for a rear crossover and driveway. Please be aware that this does not grant permission to install a crossover. Any such installation would require adherence to Council’s Vehicle Crossing Permit processes. More information on permit applications can be found at Vehicle Crossing Permit | City of Boroondara.
  • We intend to plant one Agonis flexuosa (Willow Myrtle), as well as 2 Hymenosporum flavum (Native Frangipani).
  • We intend to install a gravel path, however the alignment and extent will be improved for better access and connectivity.
  • Recognising that there will be ample seating opportunities on existing logs, we will no longer install a formal seat.

Construction is expected to start on Monday 26 August 2024 and take approximately 2 weeks. We do not anticipate any disruptions, however, the works may cause some noise. Access to some areas will be limited during this time.

Community planting day

We are excited to invite the community to join us for a planting day from 12pm on Monday 16 September 2024, as we celebrate the upcoming opening of this new open space. The event offers a wonderful opportunity for everyone to contribute to the beautification of our shared space. We encourage you to participate and help us create a vibrant and welcoming environment.

A selection of small plants (tubestock) will be available for planting, and we’ll also be offering free tea and biscuits. Gloves, water, and soap will be provided, but feel free to bring your own gloves and any other gardening equipment.

Please note that the event is subject to weather conditions and may be postponed.