…if your council allows it
Why are we talking about this?
Most Australians walk past their nature strip every day without realising one thing:
You might actually be allowed to turn it into a garden.
Not just any garden - a beautiful, low-maintenance native garden that:
• Supports pollinators
• Reduces water use
• Improves street appeal
• And even grows your local plant community
But here’s the catch:
Every council has different rules.
Some actively encourage verge gardens. Some allow them with conditions. And some… still say no.
So before you grab a shovel, here’s what you need to know across Australia.
THE GOLDEN RULE (ALL STATES)
Across Australia, nature strips:
• Are owned by the council
• Are maintained by residents (in most cases)
• Must remain safe for pedestrians, drivers & utilities
Almost all councils require:
• Clear pedestrian access (usually 1–1.5 m)
• Low-growing plants (often under 50 cm)
• No obstruction of visibility
• No interference with underground services
• No hard structures (in many cases)
NEW SOUTH WALES (NSW)
Allowed (with guidelines): Randwick City Council
This example is spot on and actually one of the clearer frameworks.
Residents can create a nature strip garden under the Street Garden Policy.
Key points:
• Application/approval required
• Must consider pedestrians, parking, drainage
• Ongoing maintenance is your responsibility
• Council supports well-designed, safe gardens
💡 Good plant choices (NSW coastal):
• Native violets
• Lomandra
• Myoporum
• Low-growing Grevilleas
Restrictive councils (examples):
• Some inner Sydney councils still limit planting or require strict approvals
• In certain areas, only turf is officially accepted
QUEENSLAND (QLD)
Allowed (with conditions): Brisbane City Council
Brisbane supports verge gardens but with clear rules.
Key points:
• Residents maintain the verge
• Must leave 1.2–1.5m pedestrian access
• Plants usually under 50 cm height
• No hard landscaping (rocks, sleepers often restricted)
• Must check underground services
Perfect QLD natives:
• Dianella
• Lomandra
• Native grasses (Themeda, Poa)
• Groundcover Grevilleas
More restrictive:
• Some councils (or zones) limit changes to:
o Turf only
o Minimal planting without approval
VICTORIA (VIC)
Allowed: City of Darebin / City of Yarra (examples)
Many VIC councils are actually quite progressive.
Key points:
• Permit often required
• Strong focus on:
o Biodiversity
o Water-wise planting
• Edible gardens sometimes allowed
Great choices:
• Brachyscome (native daisy)
• Kangaroo grass
• Saltbush
• Creeping boobialla
Restrictions:
• Some councils:
o Require formal permits
o Limit plant types heavily
SOUTH AUSTRALIA (SA)
Allowed: City of Unley / City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters
SA councils often encourage verge gardens.
Key points:
• Application required
• Strong encouragement of water-wise natives
• Clear access and safety rules apply
Ideal plants:
• Eremophila (low forms)
• Native grasses
• Carpobrotus (pigface)
• Scaevola
Restrictions:
• Some councils still prefer:
o Lawn-only verges
o Limited planting without approval
WESTERN AUSTRALIA (WA)
Allowed: City of Vincent / City of Fremantle
WA is one of the most verge-garden-friendly states.
Key points:
• Verge transformation widely supported
• Focus on:
o Waterwise gardening
o Native biodiversity
• Some rebates/incentives available
Top WA natives:
• Kangaroo paw
• Grevillea groundcovers
• Native rosemary (Westringia)
• Everlasting daisies
Restrictions:
• A few councils still:
o Limit structure use
o Require strict design compliance
TASMANIA (TAS)
Allowed (case-by-case): City of Hobart
More cautious but still possible.
Key points:
• Approval required
• Focus on:
o Safety
o Cold-climate suitability
Good options:
• Native violets
• Correa
• Low grasses
NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT)
Limited / Case-by-case
Fewer formal verge garden policies.
Key points:
• Must seek council approval
• Climate plays a major role
Suitable plants:
• Hardy natives
• Drought-tolerant groundcovers
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY (ACT)
Generally restricted
ACT tends to be stricter.
Key points:
• Nature strips are tightly managed
• Modifications usually require approval
• Turf is still the standard
WHAT ACTUALLY WORKS (PLANTING SMART)
If your council allows it, the winning formula is simple:
Go LOW
Avoid anything that blocks visibility
• Think groundcovers & compact shrubs
Go NATIVE
• Better survival, less maintenance, supports wildlife
Go TOUGH
• Nature strips are harsh environments:
• Heat
• Foot traffic
• Poor soil
WHY THIS MATTERS (PlantArk angle)
Nature strip gardening is more than just a trend.
It’s a massive opportunity:
• Turn unused space into something beautiful
• Grow your own plants - divide & sell
• Connect with local growers
• Support native biodiversity
FINAL TIP
Before planting:
• Always check your local council website
• Look for “verge garden” or “nature strip policy”
• Or contact them directly
Because the difference between:
a thriving street garden
and
a council removal notice
…is usually just one quick check.
