Sustainable gardens can be waterwise, cooling, firewise, budget-friendly and support local biodiversity.
By choosing the right plants, improving soil health and using water wisely, you can create a garden that thrives in our local climate. Sustainable gardening also helps reduce waste, protect wildlife and create comfortable outdoor spaces for your household.
Explore tips, programs and resources below to help you grow a more sustainable garden.
My garden and verge
- Avoid cutting down mature trees
- Grow native trees, especially those with thick foliage
- Request a street tree here.
- Plant local native species to provide food and habitat for black cockatoos
- All planting of black cockatoo food trees near roads should include appropriate setback distances, so birds can access the trees safely.
- Create a space of at least 10 metres from your house to support firefighting operations and reduce the risk of direct flame contact, radiant heat, and ember attack
- Reduce the amount of fuel available, including vegetation, combustible materials and objects
- Keep vegetation moist by watering plants regularly, and choose plants with higher moisture content to reduce the risk of ignition and sustained combustion
- Break up continuous vegetation by creating islands of separated trees and shrubs, divided by low-fuel areas such as paths, driveways, mown grass, and pools
- Include a variety of firewise plants to increase biodiversity
- Small bodies of water like garden ponds can act as non-combustible barriers and provide a range of biodiversity benefits.
This information comes from Firewise Gardening in Western Australia, Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Bushfire Centre of Excellence.
For more information, please read the City of Swan Annual Fire Season Guide.
The City of Swan has a dedicated Fire Hazard Inspection Officer who can visit your property and help you develop a plan to manage the risk on your land. This service is reserved for rural properties in fire-prone areas. For more information, please contact (08) 9267 9022.
Control weeds on your property to reduce fire hazards and to support local biodiversity by preventing environmental weeds. For more information, read our Plants out of Place flyer on the website.
- Choose waterwise plants using Water Corporation’s A-Z guide to native species
- Apply an even layer of mulch, about 10cm, to reduce evaporation, add nutrients to the soil, and reduce weed growth. When choosing mulch, go for a coarse, chunky type as it breaks down slowly and boosts drainage.
Consider the water requirements of your plants to avoid overwatering and keep them in good condition. For more information, visit Water Corporation.
- Fertilise only when there are signs of nutrient deficiency, such as yellowing. In most cases, yellowing requires a small application of nitrogen
- If fertiliser is needed, apply in small quantities during spring
- Avoid fertilising lawns just before or during winter, as they are dormant, and the fertiliser will be wasted and washed away by rain or sprinklers
- Adding organic matter such as compost to your garden improves the soil’s ability to bind phosphorus, helping reduce fertiliser waste
- Use slow-release fertilisers suitable for native plants
- Use worm farm products, including worm leachate and worm vermicompost.
