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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.
Fruit tree netting
Under Victorian regulations introduced in 2021, it is illegal in Victoria to use or sell household fruit tree netting with a mesh size larger than 5mm by 5mm.
This is because larger mesh netting is more likely to entangle, distress and injure or kill animals.
Community members may unknowingly be using illegal netting for their household fruit trees.
How can I tell if my fruit tree netting is legal?
Fruit tree netting must have a mesh size no larger than 5mm by 5mm.
If a finger can pass through your mesh, it is too large and your netting is illegal. You must replace it.
Victoria’s Net Swap pilot program
We are partnering in a net swap program with the Conservation Regulator, wildlife organisations including Zoos Victoria and RSPCA, and 4 other local councils.
The program aims to educate about the dangers of illegal netting to wildlife. It also gives community members an opportunity to swap illegal netting for a legal alternative.
How the net swap program works
- Drop off your illegal netting during the opening hours below at Kew Depot Recycling Drop-off Centre.
- Monday to Friday: 8 am to 4 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 10 am to 2 pm.
- While stocks last, receive a replacement legal fruit tree net for free (one net per household).
- Surrendered netting will be collected and recycled by our project partner Upparel.
This program runs from Thursday 23 October 2025 to March 2026. You'll need to show ID that you are a Boroondara resident.
For more information, email us at [email protected].
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:
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.