Boroondara residents enjoy a unique natural environment, surrounded on three sides with waterways and brimming with native fauna and flora.

The City of Boroondara is home to a strong north-south corridor along the Outer Circle Linear Park and the Alamein Railway Line, which provides an area for wildlife to live and travel through.

To experience nature in your backyard, Council encourages residents to plant a range of indigenous plants in their gardens.

Here are some of tips to help maintain your garden with native plants and help local wildlife flourish:

• Plant a variety of trees, shrubs and grasses that provide nectar, seeds, berries, shelter and safe perches for indigenous birds.
• Keep cats in at night to protect nesting birds, reptiles and small animals.
• A shallow dish of water located in a high, safe place will provide birds with a permanent drinking and bathing place.
• Plants with dense leaves or prickles can provide birds with much needed shelter and safe nesting sites.
• Butterflies and moths can add colour and life to your garden and are important for pollination - plant open flowers for landing and feeding platforms for butterflies.
• Avoid using chemical sprays and insecticides.
• Plant fragrant, cream and white flowers to attract moths.
• Buy or make your own nesting box to replicate old tree hallows.
• Cover compost and litter bins to avoid attracting foxes.

For more information:

• the Victorian Indigenous Nursery Co-operative (www.vinc.net.au) can provide plants and information
• nest boxes can be purchased from Keelbundoora Nursery (La Trobe University)
• websites such as Sustainable Gardening Australia (www.sga.org.au) and Flora for Fauna (www.floraforfauna.com.au) offer useful tips and ideas on wildlife-attracting plants.