Create a wildlife-friendly garden

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Victorian Net Swap pilot program in Boroondara over the summer period. Share your feedback about the pilot program with the Victorian Government in a short survey by Sunday 24 May.

With a little planning and the right plants, you can become a wildlife gardener.

Our vision is for Boroondara to be known for sustainable gardens, rich in wildlife and local flora.

Return your illegal fruit tree netting

We were pleased to participate in the Victorian net swap pilot program and education campaign over the October 2025 to March 2026 period with the Conservation Regulator, RSPCA Victoria, Zoos Victoria, Wildlife Victoria and Animal Welfare Victoria and 4 other local councils.

After the popularity of last summer’s net swap pilot, we’re continuing to collect illegal nets at both depots and send these off for recycling.

You can drop off your illegal nets at:

• Boroondara Recycling and Waste Centre
  648 Riversdale Road, Camberwell 3124
  Monday to Friday: 1 to 4 pm
  Saturday: 8 am to 4 pm
• Kew Depot
  31 Hutchinson Drive, Kew 3101
  Monday to Friday: 8 am to 4 pm
  Saturday and Sunday: 10 am to 2 pm
  We accept surrendered nets from any municipality.

For more details email [email protected]

What net should I use?

In Victoria, regulations introduced in 2021 made it illegal to use or sell household fruit tree netting with mesh larger than 5mm by 5mm. This is because it can harm wildlife and some community members may unknowingly still be using it.

A simple way to check compliance is the ‘finger poke test’. If you can push your finger through the net, the netting is illegal.

• Illegal netting: Mesh size greater than 5 mm x 5 mm at full stretch.
• Legal netting: Mesh size smaller than 5 mm x 5 mm

Top tips when using fruit nets

• Use a white coloured net to help with visibility to wildlife
• Tightly secure your net to a frame or tree
• Check the net daily just in case any wildlife have been tangled or trapped.

You can also consider alternatives to nets. You can use individual fruit bags or sleeves to protect fruit on trees, while sharing the rest with flying-foxes and other wildlife.

Backyard Biodiversity Project 

Registrations are now open for the 2026 backyard biodiversity course running from 7 May to 30 May 2026 

Register for the Backyard Biodiversity Project

When you join Backyard Biodiversity you will:

• attend a series of workshops
• learn how to turn your garden into a safe haven for animals
• receive landscape gardening advice from a landscape designer
• receive free native plants.

This project responds to an action in our Climate Action Plan, to deliver education workshops and programs that support the protection and enhancement of our biodiversity. Find out more about our Climate Action Plan.

For more information on our upcoming autumn program, please email [email protected] .

What to include in your garden

Consider planting:

• a clump of dense shrubs where birds can shelter
• nectar plants for honeyeaters
• daisies for butterflies
• native grasses and groundcovers instead of lawns.

Include:

• a patch of natural mulch or leaf litter for beetles and worms
• a bird bath in a high, sheltered location
• a pond for frogs
• a warm, sheltered corner with rocks in the sun for lizards.

Avoid using chemicals and insecticides.

Native bees

Watch these webinars to learn how to create a habitat for native bees in your garden:

• An introduction to the world of native bees
• How to make seed bombs.

The webinars are hosted by Katrina Forstner from Buzz and Dig.

Planting on your nature strip

You need a Nature Strip Renovation Permit to do works on your nature strip, such as planting, mulching or landscaping. Find out more about planting on nature strips.

You don't need a permit to maintain, mow or plant grass on your nature strip.

Protect wildlife

Keep cats in at night to protect birds, reptiles and native mammals.

Find out more about cats on your property.

Provide water and shade in summer heat

High temperatures pose a serious threat to local wildlife.

• Leave shallow dishes of clean water in shady locations at different heights.
• Place a few stones or sticks in the dish so that small creatures can escape if they fall in.
• Provide shade for wildlife that may visit your yard.

Heat-stressed wildlife

Heat-stressed wildlife often behave differently to how they normally act.

If you see wildlife experiencing heat stress, call Wildlife Victoria on (03) 8400 7300 or contact your local vet for help.

Signs that possums may be heat-stressed:

• out during the day
• being on the ground rather than in a tree
• unresponsive or have a lethargic appearance.

Signs that birds may be heat-stressed:

• beaks open or panting
• wings spread
• not flying away when approached.

More information

• Email [email protected]
• Watch our Backyard Biodiversity project video on Youtube.
• Subscribe to Living for our Future newsletter for updates on sustainability resources, workshops and events.
• Learn about how to manage weeds in your garden.