Your Sustainable Garden

CASEY.VIC.GOV.
AU
Your
Sustainable
Garden
Gardening Mindfully
Contents
INTRODUCTION 2
GARDEN DESIGN 4
GARDEN MAINTENANCE 15
GARDEN HEALTH 36
PRODUCT SELECTION 40
GROW YOUR OWN 42
PLANTING FOR WILDLIFE 46
INDIGENOUS PLANTS 59
WEEDS 65
KIDS IN THE GARDEN 71

• Plant indigenous plants that are
Garden design and
Introduction
naturally adapted to your local soil
and climate. Many native birds, plant selection vary
reptiles, frogs, mammals and insects
rely on these plants for food and tremendously
shelter and will be attracted to an depending on individual
indigenous plant garden.
• Avoid plants that are known invasive
taste and lifestyle. This
species in our bushland and booklet provides general
A sustainable garden wetlands. These garden escapees
have the potential to smother and
out-compete indigenous plants
sustainable gardening
information applicable to
enhances the natural resulting in a loss of biodiversity
in our nature reserves.
• Regardless of water restrictions,
any garden. It will
provide you with local
environment. practise water conservation in the
garden to have a positive impact on
water levels in our reservoirs.
information and
inspiration to create a
Gardening is about creating a beautiful and Avoid using synthetic fertilisers and
pesticides that can harm beneficial beautiful garden that
interesting space that we can enjoy with insects in our garden and potentially
respects your local
leach into our waterways resulting in
our family and friends. It’s easy to garden nutrient blooms or an excess of environment.
sustainably for the health and well-being of aquatic weeds.
• Purchase garden products made
our family and the environment. To create a from recycled or renewable
sustainable garden you need to incorporate all resources. Buying recycled products
reduces the amount of raw materials
or at least some of the following elements. extracted and energy used
compared to making new products.
• Grow your own fresh, delicious
produce and reduce food miles!
2 | Your Sustainable Garden Your Sustainable Garden | 3

Garden
Example of Site Analysis
design
Start small but plan BIG!
Site Analysis
If you are starting from scratch or redesigning an existing garden, one of the best
things you can do is observe your garden’s characteristics. Try to get a picture of
your garden during all four seasons and make note of how light, shade and
moisture can vary. Regardless of whether you have the patience to do this or
not, the starting point with garden design is to do a site analysis of your available
space. It allows you to identify the pros and cons, limitations and possibilities for
your garden. It is important to work with your site. If you know a section of your
garden is shady and damp, select plants that are suited to those conditions
rather than trying to change the site.
Step 1
What exists
Create a scaled drawing of your Do you have a large paved area near
property, either on graph paper the windows on the north side of your
or sketch paper. Mark in the main house that reflects the hot summer
structural and environmental features. sun into your house? Do you have any
Fences, pathways, shed, outdoor drainage issues where the ground is
taps, clothesline, patio, rainwater often too wet or dry?
tank, garden beds, major trees and
lawn areas. Where are your sunny and
shady areas in summer and winter?

Step 2
What are your needs?
Step 3
Look at your plants
Step 4
What is your style?
Create a
wish list
Create a wish list. Do you want Remember to work with your site. If Decide if you want a low maintenance
more space for the kids? A private you know a section of your garden is garden or do you enjoy working in the
reading nook? A more inviting outside shady and damp, select plants that are garden regularly? Do you prefer a simple or
entertainment area? A front yard that suited to those conditions. Are your complex garden? Open or private? Pretty
complements the architecture of plants a mix of natives (low nutrient and neat? Dramatic and structural? Natural
the house? A herb garden near the needs) and exotics (high nutrient looking? How do you want your garden to Herb garden
back door? More birds visiting? Do needs)? Are your plants layered with feel? Look through gardening magazines or
you need a deciduous tree or vine to the smallest at the front of your garden your neighbourhood gardens. Make notes Attra ct birds
provide summer shade? Do you need beds rising to taller plants at the back? on what appeals to you.
screening to provide more privacy? Have they been grouped according
to their water needs? Do you have
Spa ce for kids
Do you want to reduce or remove your
lawn? Make a note of the initial major any trees that may need attention? If
you have a lawn do you want to keep
Priva cy
work that would need to be done with
each option e.g. garden bed edges it or reduce it? Do you want to grow
vegetables?
Compost area
curved out; relocate clothesline; break
up concrete slab. Summ er shade
In digen ous plants
Vegie b eds

Step 5 Step 6 Example of a Garden Plan
The research Develop a plan
N
Create a list of the plants you need to Once you have decided on what you
create the style of garden you desire. want and what you can realistically
What sort of cost are you looking at? achieve and afford, you can play with
Remember you can save money if your garden plan exploring different
you buy plants as young tubestock. options. Tracing paper overlay can
List down any major structures you work well at this stage. Decide what
want. Can you do it yourself, or will needs to be done first i.e. the big
you need a professional builder or jobs such as reworking your garden
plumber? Make an estimate of the bed edges or breaking up a slab of
cost of materials such as pavers, concrete. Focus on one area at a
rainwater tanks, raised vegie beds. time so you are not overwhelmed.
Can you afford to install and maintain Remember it doesn’t all have to be
your garden or do you need to look at done immediately but rather according Deciduous
Tree
alternatives or a staged approach? to a well thought out garden plan. Patio
HOUSE
Shed
Decide what
needs to be
done first.
Gardening in small spaces Produce
If you have an enclosed courtyard area, balcony or a small Many gardeners want to incorporate growing their own
space, you can still have a vibrant garden, grow your own delicious produce in their garden. Growing your own food
produce and attract wildlife. However, you need to take into is a great way to get fresh air and exercise, while providing
account the following issues when developing a plan. fresh and healthy food for your family. It also helps reduce
food packaging, transportation and chemical use.
• Courtyards, balconies and small • When your space for a garden is
spaces often have limited access limited, you can create an illusion of From a design point of view you need to Location of produce beds is important.
to sunlight. If this is the case, select a larger space by using mirrors and think about what you would like to grow Vegetables generally need a minimum of
shade tolerant plants or use pots that layering plants. Think about using your in your garden. Do you want fruit trees? 5 to 6 hours sunlight a day. Grow your
can be moved about easily. If you vertical spaces by espaliering trees on Do you have the space for raised vegie produce in a nice, sunny spot and they
have a south facing area you will need a wall, tiered shelving, hanging baskets beds, or would you prefer to combine will thrive.
shade tolerant plants. North facing or window boxes. productive plants in your ornamental
areas will require sun tolerant plants. If you have limited space an option for
• The use of pots and containers are beds? Do you just want pots of herbs
Most plant labels will indicate the sun/ you may be to join a local community
effective for growing when it comes close to the kitchen?
shade preference of a plant. garden. They are a great place to meet
to courtyard gardens, small space In general, you have four options as to new people and share knowledge and
• Courtyards tend to be paved and gardens and balconies. Containers where you can grow your own fruit and experience.
enclosed and that can create quite hot look great when they are grouped vegetables at home. You can add to
conditions. While plants will help to together, with pots of all different your ornamental garden beds, grow in
cool the area, make sure you include shapes and sizes closely clustered. Be containers, build dedicated vegie beds
an efficient watering system as their careful not to put too many large pots or, join a local community garden.
water requirements may be high. on your balcony, they will get heavier
when you water them!
• Poor drainage and flooding can be
problematic with courtyards that
are mainly paved surfaces and if
you are watering on a balcony, you
many need to be cautious of water
cascading down onto your neighbours
when you are watering. To help with
these issues, use container pots
with saucers and don’t overwater.
However, also keep in mind, potted
plants can dry out quickly, consider
self-watering pots.

Permaculture Some simple ways to incorporate some of the
What is Permaculture? ideas into your garden:
Permaculture is a method for designing sustainable, Making full use of space Grow a variety
human-supporting landscapes that mimics natural A small garden can yield a lot of food Growing a lot of one type of plant gives
ecosystems. Permaculture focuses on designing for a if you consider the space in three pests and disease an opportunity to
dimensions. Growing food in the take hold. It also means, that if it’s a
whole system, whether it be your house and garden, a ground is one option, but growing in bad year for that plant, then the whole
large food forest, or even a whole community. The focus is containers or growing up walls and effort is wasted. Growing a variety
on designing to reduce inputs, and aiming to reduce your fences, with climbing plants or growing of plants means that the bugs can’t
fruit trees flat on the walls - using always find what they’re looking for,
effort as well.
espalier techniques - means a lot of because it’s disguised by other smells
For some, permaculture means a backyard garden that for food can be grown in a very small and shapes, and if it’s a bad year for
space. tomatoes, you still have a lot of other
relatively little work supplies an abundance of organically things growing to make up for it.
produced food all year round. Observe
Take the time to observe the space Compost
For others, permaculture means a drought and flood-proof Composting is central to Permaculture.
before you design, construct and
rural property ensuring food, water and energy security plant your garden. Taking the time to Use your food and garden waste to
into the coming decades. observe first will mean you won’t have make your own compost. This way, you
to redesign and replant later. Note are putting to use items that otherwise
where the sun shines at different times would have been wasted, you don’t
of year, how much shade trees and have to drive anywhere to buy the
neighbouring houses provide, which compost, and you can then use it in
way the hot and cold winds blow. your own garden to improve the soil
These will all impact what you want to and grow more.
plant, and where. Make sure to utilise
water off your roof for growing. Want more information?
Greater South Eastern Permaculture
Plant things conveniently Group:
Plant your vegetables and herbs gsepg1@gmail.com
somewhere near the house, ideally near David Holmgren:
a door or walkway you use often. This www.holmgren.com.au
way, you’re always checking on them,
and notice if something is awry. It also Permaculture Melbourne:
means you’re more likely to use/eat www.permaculturemelbourne.org.au
them.

Garden
Community gardens at Myuna Farm
The City of Casey encourages Myuna Farm staff use the community
participation in Myuna Farm’s gardens as part of their education
community gardens as they help programs, which are focused on
maintenance
build strong communities and social sustainability and ‘paddock to plate’.
connection. They also have positive The gardens are an important part of
environmental, educational and the farming cycle, with green waste
health impacts. The gardens foster generated from the garden added to
partnerships, co-operation and the Myuna Farm compost system.
communication. The community The compost is also made up of animal
gardens at Myuna Farm provides a manure and bedding, the compost
great example of these benefits. is used in the community gardens to
These community gardens were
established over 20 years ago.
Consisting of originally 12 garden plots,
replenish the soil.
Online resources
Good gardening practices
the community gardens have now
grown to over 30 plots, with most of
the plot holders being City of Casey
For information about community
gardens and a link to Council’s
Community Gardens Policy visit: www.
save you time and money.
residents. There is a high degree of casey.vic.gov.au/community-gardens
cultural diversity amongst these plot
For more information about Myuna
holders with many having European,
Farm or their Produce Swap:
Eastern or Asian backgrounds. This has
www.casey.vic.gov.au/myunafarm
resulted in a unique variety of plants
being grown.
Any surplus vegetables grown in the
gardens can be traded at Myuna
Farm’s monthly, no money exchanged
‘produce swap’, which is open to
everyone.

Soil Soil tips
• Don’t dig up your soil unless it is very between 6.5 to 7.5 and is suitable
Clearing of native grasslands and forests has disrupted the compacted. Digging destroys the soil for vegetables, seedlings and most
natural nutrient cycle of our soils. This is why it is important structure resulting in collapsed air plants. If the pH is low, (pH between
to add organic matter back into the soil regardless of soil holes and drainage spaces. 4 and 6), your soil is acidic; it can
be neutralised with an application
type. Organic matter will improve soil structure and nutrient • Use drip line irrigation or a trigger
of lime. If the pH is high, (pH 7.5
hose with a spray setting.
levels, which encourages micro-organisms and worms to to 8.5), your soil is alkaline; it can
• Spreading compost on your soil
aerate the soil. This allows water to percolate down into the be lowered by adding sulphur.
(before mulching) will encourage However, altering pH takes time,
soil to be available for your plants, helping them to thrive. worms in your garden and will so don’t expect immediate results.
improve the soil structure. Alternatively, instead of neutralising
Soils are broadly classified by the they have dried out they can become
• Plants grow best when the soil is your soil, you can also find specific
size of the particles they contain and water repellent and water will bead on
within a certain pH range that they plants that suit the different pH levels.
whether they are sand, loam or clay (and the surface rather than soaking in. To
have evolved to grow in. Existing For example, Thyme, Rosemary, Fig,
variations of these e.g. sandy loam). To improve a sandy soil, regularly apply
soil nutrients can be made more Lavender, Agave and Acacias all
work out your garden soil type, simply organic matter and mulch.
available by regulating the soil pH. grow well in alkaline soil. Indigenous
take a handful of slightly moist soil and
Loam soils fall in between sand and clay plants, Blueberries, Camellias and
squeeze it. If it forms a smooth ball, it’s Invest in a pH testing kit from your
and are a mixture of fine and coarse Azaleas grow well in acidic soil.
a clay soil. If it does not hold form and local garden centre and routinely
particles. Loam soils drain well and have
simply falls apart, it’s a sandy soil. If it test your garden soil at various
a good nutrient base for gardening. Add
roughly holds together, but falls apart locations. Neutral soil has pH levels
organic matter and mulch to replenish
readily when squeezed, it’s a loam soil.
nutrients taken up by your plants.
Clay soil consists of very fine particles
In relation to your soil type you need to
that stick together. They tend to hold
take into account that the topsoil and
water and nutrients well. The downside
underlying sub-soil you plant into may
of clay soils is that they can hold water
be completely different i.e. a loam topsoil
a little too well, creating poor drainage.
sitting on a clay base. Regardless of the
Also, when they dry out they can
type, adding organic matter (including
become hard, making it difficult for water
aged manure, compost and mulch) can
to penetrate. The solution is to make
be of benefit in improving the quality.
them more friable by adding a dusting
of gypsum and organic matter such
as aged animal manure, mulch and
compost.
Sandy soils consist of large particles
that allow water to drain freely. This
can mean plants dry out quickly and
nutrients are leached away. A potential
problem with sandy soils is that once

Mulch • Bush mulch is not just
ideal for native habitat
• Many habitat gardeners • Use pine bark and
mulch quite deep to needles if you have
garden, but all types of a depth of 10-15 cm alkaline soil or plants
Mulch is an important component of a garden because gardens. When spread to encourage that are acid loving.
it helps to smother weeds and hold water in the organic on your garden it will invertebrate life.
matter and soil. As some mulch layers break down, they create a natural leaf litter
look and provide habitat
also add nutrients to the soil. Very fine mulches are to for insects and lizards to
be avoided as they can compact and not allow water to shelter and feed. It will
penetrate the soil beneath. Their fineness also means they break down with time
are capable of holding a lot of water, once again preventing to improve the quality of
the soil. Erect Guinea-flower
it from infiltrating the soil beneath. Good organic mulch is
one that is a mix of fine and coarse particles. Avoid using How to mulch
grass clipping as a mulch as they tend to increase weed
1. Remove weeds from your soil. 4. Keep the area directly around
levels in your garden. Better to compost them or spread
2. Moisten the soil thoroughly. Ensure each plant mulch-free, as contact
them lightly over your lawn. the water is penetrating the soil. can occasionally lead to disease
If the water is running off the soil, such as collar-rot.
There are different types of mulch that should be used with different gardens. fork through some compost to aid 5. Top up as your mulch breaks
• Straw-based mulches • Bark/Bush mulch is • Stone/pebble mulch is water retention. down. Generally twice a year
are ideal for sandy soils, useful for weed suitable in areas of high 3. Spread your mulch to a depth of for fine mulches and once every
vegetable gardens and suppression. Bark mulch traffic or succulent 3-10 cm. couple of years for coarse mulches.
fruit trees. They break is longer lasting than plant beds. Make sure
down quickly returning straw-based mulches. your stones are
nutrients to the soil. sourced sustainably
(refer page 36).
Bush mulched garden bed

Fertiliser Organic waste and composting
Plants such as vegetables have high nutrient requirements When organic (food and garden) waste rots in landfill
and may require supplementary feeding. Most other anaerobically (without oxygen), gases are produced as a by-
plants do not (provided they have the right soil pH, water, product. Landfill gas is approximately 40% carbon dioxide,
mulch and light). If your plants are showing signs of a 55% methane and 5% nitrogen and other gases.
nutrient deficiency, you may wish to consider a fertiliser. Methane is a greenhouse gas that has landfill, you help reduce pollution.
When feeding plants with supplementary fertilisers, follow 21 times more warming potential than And your soil will love you!
the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide.
instructions carefully, and do not overdo it, otherwise you Composting food scraps, lawn and
When organic waste breaks down
may kill your plants with kindness! in your compost bin aerobically (with
garden clippings can provide your
garden with an excellent source of food.
oxygen), methane gas production is
Choose an organic liquid fertiliser such Only apply as much fertiliser as your Compost does not have to be dug
minimised. If you compost your organic
as worm tea, seaweed solution or fish plants need. Over-application is an into the soil. The micro-organisms and
waste at home rather than send it to
emulsions. You can also make your own added cost and can result in excess worms will do that for you.
organic fertiliser by soaking aged animal fertiliser washing out of the soil and into
manure, comfrey leaves or garden our waterways. Excess nutrients can
weeds in a bucket of water for a couple contribute to blue-green algae outbreaks ADD TO YOUR COMPOST KEEP OUT OF YOUR COMPOST
of weeks. Strain and use the liquid to that are harmful to the environment.
make up a fertiliser tea. Be sure to dilute Remember, that you are feeding the soil • Fruit and vegie scraps • Meat and fish scraps
with water to a ‘weak tea’ colour to not the plants, add organic matter and – they can attract vermin
• Coffee grounds
avoid over-fertilising. let nature do the work! • Dairy
• Tea bags
Avoid synthetic fertilisers, these often Indigenous plants generally do not – again they attract vermin
• Herbs
have synthetic nitrogen and heavy require fertilising as they have evolved • Office paper
• Leaves
– bleached or glossy
metals, and the salt content can burn to suit our nutrient poor soils. • Egg shells – crushed
young plants and change the soil pH. • Weed seeds and bulbs
• Pizza containers – you will only spread
• Egg cartons them around your garden
The best way to fertilise

• Vacuum cleaner dust • Bird, dog and cat poo
• Onion – outer skin – can be a health risk
• Finely chopped citrus peel • Large tree branches
– unless you’ve put them
• Grass clippings
through a chipper
your garden is to make

– thin layers 3 to 4cm
• Citrus fruit
• Chopped prunings
– too acidic in large quantities,
• Weeds okay in small quantities
– not bulbs or seed heads
• Diseased plants
your own compost.

• Shredded newspapers – spreads disease
• Fresh manure
• Spoilt hay

Kitchen Compost bins Compost heaps Worm farms
fermentation kits Compost bins are a This is an open system Worm farms are a great Food flies. Likewise if you find
Specially designed bench compact closed system. that requires more space. option if you have limited When you introduce drowned worms at the
kits are a convenient They work best if located The system needs to be a space and predominantly worms to your worm bottom of your worm
way to break down in a sunny position during minimum of 1m³ in order want to dispose of food farm they may take a farm your system is too
kitchen waste. These winter and a shaded to generate enough heat scraps. So if you live in few weeks to start eating wet. Add some shredded
kits are a fermentation position during summer. to work. This can be on a flat or a house with a and slowly build up their newspaper to absorb the
system that converts Place them on soil so soil or on a hard surface. small backyard, worm appetite. Add fruit and excess moisture.
waste to a nutrient rich that liquid drains well Alternate your organic farms are ideal. Worms vegetable scraps, cut up
and worms can enter the materials between high produce rich, inexpensive as small as possible. Avoid Temperature
soil conditioner for your
garden. The system is air bin to aid composting. nitrogen (e.g. garden garden fertiliser, called meat, bread, onions and Worms stop eating if
tight and requires you to Add alternate layers of cuttings, kitchen waste, worm castings and liquid citrus. If you are adding they are too cold and will
sprinkle a handful of the high nitrogen ingredients lawn clippings and aged worm tea. more food than the worms die if they are too hot.
manufacturer’s rice husk (e.g. food scraps, animal manures) and Worm farms can be can eat, your worm farm They perform best at
and wheat bran that has manure, grass clippings, low nitrogen (e.g. dry purchased from garden may become smelly as temperatures 18 - 24°C
been infused with micro- soft prunings) to low leaves, straw, shredded centres and hardware the food is rotting. Be sure so it is important to keep
organisms over a layer of nitrogen ingredients newspaper) with each stores, and come with to monitor and adjust the your worms in a shady
kitchen waste to rapidly (e.g. dry leaves, straw, layer being 10-20cm instructions and bedding amount of food you are place out of direct sunlight
break down food scraps. garden waste, shredded deep. As you build, spray material. There are giving your worms. in summer.
The fermented product newspaper). Keep moist each layer so that the specific worms that eat
is then dug into the soil but not too wet. Cover materials are moist but Moisture Using your worm
kitchen scraps only and
where it continues to with a layer of hessian to not saturated. Cover these are different from In order to breathe, worms castings and tea
break down. retain heat and moisture. your finished heap with the earthworms you need to keep their skin Worm castings will not
The compost should be hessian and secure. Try encounter in the garden. moist and cool. Keep burn your plants and can
ready in as little as 16 to turn your heap as often Examples of composting a few moist layers of be mixed directly into
weeks when full. as possible. A full heap worms are Tiger Worms, newspaper or hessian the soil before adding
should generate enough Red Wrigglers and Indian over the top of your seedlings. Use as much
heat to obtain compost in Blues. These can be worms before placing the as you like! Worm tea
5-7 weeks. purchased by the box and lid on your worm farm. on the other hand is a
you should start with a strong nutrient boost for
Do not flood your worms
minimum of 1,000 worms. your plants and needs to
and take care not to
be diluted at a ratio of 1
leave your worm farm
part tea to 10 parts water
uncovered if it rains.
before you water the base
A sign of a worm farm
of your plants.
being too wet is a large
number of small vinegar
Worm
farm

Green cone Watering
The Green Cone is into the Green Cone. It
an in-ground system is low maintenance as Australia is a dry continent and our gardens have suffered
where your food waste the internal warmth, soil through some very extreme dry periods. Climate change
constantly breaks down bacteria and worms do modelling suggests we can expect more extreme weather
and releases nutrient-rich the job for you. Green
liquid into the soil. Once Cones should be located conditions in the future.
the system has been set next to heavy feeders
Approximately 35% of household water
up in the ground it remains in a sunny position with
use is for the garden. Soil improvement
in that location until the good drainage. It is ideal if
and mulching help save water. If you
scraps have broken you have limited need for
don’t already, you should consider using
down. Simply fill a kitchen garden compost. It is not
alternative water sources, rather than
container with food suitable for garden waste.
mains (tap) water for your garden. In your
waste and empty directly
garden, significant water savings can be
made by:
Gardening with chickens - installing rainwater tanks
Chickens will eat most in pest control as they
- fitting greywater diverters
kitchen scraps and can love feeding on common
be a great addition to garden insects. However, - using Class A recycled water
your home composting! if chickens are on the (if available)
Not only beneficial to hunt for insects, the
- building raingardens
your composting, they seedlings may not survive
will also be helpful at the digging and scratching, - directing surface water onto the garden
end of growing seasons so keep this in mind - installing efficient irrigation systems
if you have a garden before letting them have
bed or vegie patch that free rein. Temporary - planting water efficient plants. Raingarden
needs turning over. They fencing or a well thought
will scratch around,
pulling out plants, and
out enclosure leaves
you the perfect garden Most indigenous plants (unless they are
provide the soil with a companions with the
high nitrogen fertiliser
(chicken manure).Their
bonus of fresh eggs!
For local laws around
wetland plants) are suited to dry conditions.
manure can also be
added to your compost
keeping poultry visit
www.casey.vic.gov.au
They generally do not need additional
pile. They can be helpful
watering once they are established. Monitor
For more information contact Council on 9705 5200 or see the Casey
them during heat waves and give them a
Composting Guide www.casey.vic.gov.au/composting
deep soaking if they show signs of wilting.
Alternative water sources Raingardens
A raingarden is a gravel filled trench Raingardens consist of layers of soil for
Rainwater Recycled water Greywater
designed to receive stormwater directly filtration, gravel for drainage, and plants
Collecting rainwater Recycled water is one Greywater is domestic from a disconnected downpipe or runoff that can tolerate both extreme wet and
from your roof can be of the alternative water wastewater, excluding from surrounding hard surfaces. Water dry conditions. There are many different
an easy way to reduce supplies available to us. toilet waste. This can be entering a raingarden passively irrigates types of raingardens, from planter boxes
mains water use for Recycled water is treated an excellent alternative the garden and is slowed and filtered, to trenches.
your garden. The ideal and purified wastewater source of temporary water helping to protect our waterways.
tank size depends on (sewage). In Victoria, for the garden. Greywater
the size of your garden, Class A is the highest contains a number of
roof catchment and local class of recycled water bacteria and viruses,
rainfall patterns. and is safe to use for a as well as chemicals
range of non-drinking from cleaning agents so
The size of rainwater
purposes including remember to take care
tanks for a garden usually
irrigation of your garden. when using it. If greywater
ranges from 2,000 to
is to be applied to the
10,000 litres. Tanks Water corporations and
garden, low phosphorous
need to be installed by water retailers treat and
and sodium washing
a licensed plumber on a supply Class A recycled
powders need to be used.
firm base at least 1m from water through purple
Greywater from your
the property boundary. pipes to residential areas
washing machine rinse
A pump may be needed in Victoria. Check if
cycle and bathroom hand
to move water around recycled water is available
basin, shower and bath
your garden. The cost of in your area by contacting
can be used. Greywater
rainwater tanks depend your water retailer.
can only be stored for 24
on size, shape and
hours, must be applied
materials.
sub-surface and cannot
flow from your property
or enter the stormwater
system.
Greywater cannot be
used to water vegetables
and produce, other than
fruit trees. When applying
it to your garden, rotate
the areas where it is being
applied and ‘flush’ the soil
periodically with mains or Diagram courtesy of
tank water to prevent a Melbourne Water
build up in the soil.

Downpipe diversion Irrigation practices for saving
By diverting one or more downpipes around your
water
property you can direct stormwater onto your garden How water is delivered to your plants is
beds or lawn, utilising a valuable resource and allowing very important. Use a drip line watering
that water to slow and filter before seeping back into system which reduces waste by ensuring
the groundwater table. A downpipe diversion can easily that the water only goes to the roots of
be fitted to your downpipe by a licensed plumber. your plants where it is needed. Check and
clean your irrigation system every spring
to ensure it is working efficiently. Install
garden tap timers to reduce over-watering
and monitor. Use a rain sensor so that
watering doesn’t occur automatically and
Swale ensure the system is turned off if rain is

predicted. Water in the early morning so
your plants are not distressed through
Tap timer
the heat of the day, this may also work
to reduce the impact of fungal diseases
and moulds. Give your plants long, deep
watering and make sure they are grouped
according to their water needs. Use a
trigger nozzle hose when watering for
extra savings!
Porous paving
Landscaping improvements for passive irrigation of your garden

Stormwater can be directed onto your If you are laying pavers, consider creating
garden beds for passive irrigation by a space between that will enable water
gently sloping the surface of driveways to percolate into the soil. There are also
and patios. This stormwater runoff from commercial concrete grids and modular
hard surfaces can be collected in a recycled plastic blocks for paving Trigger nozzle with adjustable spray control Dripline irrigation
swale, which is essentially a shallow, available. Granitic and sand paths require
mounded ditch laid across a contour more maintenance than concrete but will
with a shallow gradient directing run-off allow water to seep into the ground. For information on current permanent water use rules and rebates contact
towards your garden or a small wetland. your water retailer.

Planting Planting out
1. Give your potted plant a good soak in 6. Backfill loose soil around the plant,
The most important first step is to ensure you have the right a bucket of water prior to planting. ensuring no weed material and press
plant for the right spot. Make sure you know the conditions 2. Dig a sloping, shallow hole 2 to 3
down firmly.
where you are planting (e.g. full sun, sandy soil) and then times the width of the root ball and as 7. Fashion a circle of raised soil around
find a plant that will thrive in those conditions. deep. the edge of the root ball to form a
watering basin.
3. Fill the hole with water and allow it to
Buy from a reputable nursery to ensure stock in tubes (tubestock) is better as
drain before planting. 8. Water thoroughly to settle the soil
the foliage and roots are well formed and the roots are less likely to girdle and
around the plant.
free from pests and diseases. the plant establishes more readily. 4. Upend your pot. Any roots protruding
Tubestock is also a cheaper option than through the bottom can be pruned 9. Mulch up to the edge of the root ball.
You can plant into your garden with
most potted plants. before removing from the pot. Remove Do not mulch up to the stem as this
seeds, cuttings or potted plants of
the plant from the pot by holding it may cause collar rot.
various ages. In general, buying younger
upside down and gently tap it.
Staking 5. Place the plant in the hole so that the
top of the root ball is flush with the
A plant will grow with greater strength
surface level.
if it is not tied to a stake. When a plant
is blown around by the wind the plant
responds by developing a stronger root
system. Plants only need to be staked
if they are in danger of toppling over.
If staking is required, ensure that the
ties allow for some movement - three
stakes in a triangle formation work
best for advanced plants. Add a tree
guard if pests or active pets are a likely
problem. Remove the tree guard once
the plant has become established.
Mulch
Rootball
Planting indigenous
plants after the first
rainfall in autumn
generally works best. Tree guard
Backfill

Pruning Trees
Giving your plants a light prune after flowering encourages There are an estimated 250,000 trees growing in Council
them to invest energy into new and healthy growth rather streets and reserves and an equivalent amount on private
than seed production. land across the municipality. Casey is committed to the
preservation and expansion of its urban forests, which
Pruning prevents plants from getting
leggy and untidy. Some plants may have includes the City’s streets, reserves and trees on private land.
more specific pruning requirements than
others. Avoid plants that require frequent Trees at home
pruning as they will be high maintenance
Trees provide shade, homes for wildlife, • does it flower or fruit?
and will result in the generation of
reduce the impact of sun and wind, and
excessive green waste. • will it impact the neighbours?
clean the soil, air and water. They soften
Many habitat gardeners want the natural the built environment and add economic Remember to ‘Dial before you Dig’
look and do not bother with pruning, value to properties. Trees provide flowers, to make sure the area is clear of
other than the odd trim of plants growing seasonal change, scent, colour, texture underground services to your home.
over a path. Some indigenous plants and food. On a broader level trees supply
respond well to heavy pruning, while so much that we take for granted in our Do you need an arborist?
others can suffer from a light trim. It is daily lives such as shelter, timber, fuel,
Arborists are professionals who can
always best to check with nursery staff or paper and oxygen.
help with tree pruning, pest and disease
a landscaper about individual species.
When choosing a tree for your home management and if required, tree
However, as a general rule of thumb garden there are a few things to consider removal. They are trained and equipped
most trees, bushes and shrubby plants first: to work at height without causing
(such as Correas and Hibbertias) can be unnecessary damage to your garden
• how high and wide will it grow? Ensure
trimmed lightly during their early growing or home. If your tree needs pruning or
your tree is not planted too close to
years. Many can be gently shaped into Pruned Rock Correas removal you should ensure they are
buildings or under powerlines
hedges or attractive feature plants. It’s suitably qualified and insured. Also
best to prune lightly after flowering. Small • is the soil in good condition? contact Council to see if you need a
daisies such as Chrysocephalum and
Xerochrysum species respond well to a
heavy pruning after flowering. Grasses
Pruning also • will you be able to prune the tree as it
grows?
planning permit to prune or remove a
tree as you may be covered by planning
overlays that protect vegetation and fines
such as Poas, Weeping Grass and
Wallaby Grass respond well to a heavy
prevents plants • how much water will this tree need?
• is it deciduous (lose leaves over
can apply for their unlawful removal or
pruning.
prune (50%) shortly after seeding...
after all, that’s what the kangaroos and
wallabies do in the wild!
from getting winter)?
• do you want a deciduous tree to shade
leggy and untidy. your house in summer? If so, plant on

the north and/or west of your house
• do I want to attract wildlife?

Storm damage Significant Trees in Casey
Council staff will remove damaged trees • trees which are entangled in power
and debris from public areas on a priority lines will be cleared by the relevant Identified significant trees in Casey are protected by
basis after a storm. It is important to note power company planning scheme controls.
the following:
• debris from a Council tree which is on
• privately owned trees, affecting the ground but not causing immediate
This means that a planning permit will be Maintenance of trees on
required to remove, destroy or lop the private land
private property, are the residents’ problems, or trees fallen in parks, have
tree or to undertake buildings and works
responsibility – the SES should be a lower priority and this information
within the Tree Protection Zone of an
contacted if it is an emergency should be reported to Council Can Council maintain significant
identified tree. An arborist’s opinion may
trees on private land?
• Council will clear roads or footpaths • the middle of a storm event is not the also be required before Council makes a
blocked by private trees in an time for an inspection of an otherwise It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure
decision on any permit application.
emergency, but the removal of debris is healthy tree. that trees on private land are not safety
the residents’ responsibility hazards or cause nuisance.
The Casey Significant Tree Strategy is
an investigation into significant trees It is recommended that owners who
in Casey. The study was initiated as have concerns regarding trees on their
Street trees a response to the loss of many trees
through rapid urban development.
land contact Council to discuss potential
permit requirements.
Council maintains appropriate The Casey Significant Tree Study,

Owners who attempt removal/lopping
without a permit may be pursued with
tree management standards incorporating the Significant Tree enforcement action.
and contractors prune Casey’s Register, identified approximately
street trees on a three year 650 River Red Gums and 350 exotic
and other significant native trees.
cycle. Approximately 250 trees are located on
private property, the remainder being on
Residents can request Council undertake
public land, including Council land.
tree planting within their street. Council
officers will advise on the appropriateness
and priority for the request. They will then
designate suitable tree species based on
any relevant site masterplan or existing
street tree theme or according to the
opportunities and constraints presented
within a site. All enquiries regarding street
trees should be directed to City of Casey
Customer Service on 9705 5200.

Garden
Garden pests
Chewing, sap-sucking and rasping pests are part and
parcel of gardening. We can often tolerate a minor
Health
infestation, but need to take action if the pest is damaging
our plants. It is important to correctly identify the pest, its
consequences, the severity of the problem, the possibility
of natural predators keeping the pest under control, and
control techniques you can put in place. Actions that will
help minimise pest problems include:
• check your garden regularly for signs ladybirds, praying mantis, lacewings,
Prevention is better of infestations

• avoid using high nitrogen fertilisers
spiders, hover fly and dragonflies.
These ‘good guys’ are attracted to
plants such as Alyssum, Marigolds,
than the cure!

that produce soft, sappy growth that
Cosmos, Parsley, Coriander and Dill
attracts pests
• remove pests by hand (e.g. caterpillars
• ensure your plants are strong and
and snails) or spray with a jet of water
healthy. Stressed plants are more
Garden hygiene prone to infestation
(e.g. aphids)
• spray with botanical oils or natural
• attract predatory animals to your
There are some simple practices you can undertake to ensure your garden is as soaps. Home remedies can often be
garden. Not only do birds, bats, frogs
healthy as possible. very effective (e.g. linseed oil traps for
and lizards eat insects, but so do
earwigs).
• Buy your seeds and plants from a • Use a rag soaked with eucalyptus oil
reputable supplier, otherwise you to wipe down your secateurs blades
may inadvertently bring diseased between moving on to each plant.
plants into your garden.
• If you are treating a plant for a
• Space plants out to ensure good disease, make sure you collect any
ventilation to prevent disease. Make fallen leaves and put them in either your
sure your pruning tools are sharp to hot compost heap or green waste bin
avoid tearing stems and branches, (not your regular compost bin).
which could make the plant
• Pick up any fallen fruit. Don’t leave
susceptible to disease attack.
it to rot as it can attract pests and
• Prune back any dead or damaged disease.
parts of your plants as soon as you
notice a problem.
Ladybird eating aphids

8 Common Pests 8 Common Pests
APHIDS MITES
Aphids are sap Control: Mites are tiny spiders. Control:
sucking insects that • Squash aphids by hand. Empty egg casings • Hose with water jet
affect the growing • Hose off with a water jet on the underside of • Remove infected leaves and plant
tips of plants resulting • Spray with a homemade garlic leaves are easier to parts
in distorted leaves, and oil spray spot than the mites. • Use crop rotation
flowers and fruit, and • Use a botanical soap Webbing appears on • Clean up weeds and leaf litter
possibly yellowing and • Encourage predatory insects the tips of plants and around the plant base
wilting. and birds. silvering on the leaves. • Spray with botanical oils and
soaps.
CABBAGE WHITE BUTTERFLY CATERPILLAR SCALES

Caterpillars hide on Control : Sap-sucking scale Control:
leaf veins during the • Plant scented herbs e.g. mint lives beneath its own • Remove with a soft toothbrush or
day and feast on • Plant white violas or egg shells casing that appears by flicking off
seedlings by night. amongst seedlings to mimic on leaves and stems. • Spray with botanical oils or soaps
Typically caterpillars adult butterflies and act as a They feed on young • Cut off heavily infested plant parts
will completely strip deterrent plant tissue. and destroy
seedlings of all their • Remove by hand • Encourage predatory insects and
leaves. • Cover bed with wildlife-friendly small birds to your garden.
netting.
SNAILS AND SLUGS
CITRUS GALL WASP
These molluscs are Control:
The adult female wasp Control: active at night and • Hand removal
emerges from the gall • Avoid high nitrogen fertilisers in hide in moist, shady • Spray plants regularly with black
(calluses) in late winter late winter and spring places during the day. coffee
and lays her eggs in • Remove all newly formed galls They eat entire leaves • Sprinkle used coffee grinds around
the soft stem of the before the end of winter and seedlings. Large seedlings
same tree. The larvae • Hang yellow sticky traps on leaves have holes in • Place snail traps with beer or
grow in the stems infected trees in late winter them or are shredded. soapy water at soil level
until they pupate and • Burn or bag all infected stems. • Create barriers around plants with
reinfest the tree. an exclusion band of copper tape
• Encourage predatory insects and
EUROPEAN EARWIGS small birds to your garden.
Earwigs are active at Control:
night and hide in mulch • Fill upturned pots with scrunched WHITE FLY
during the day. They newspaper and empty each
Sap-sucking insects Control:
cause damage to the morning
that swarm about • Hang yellow sticky traps near
growing tips of plants • Place shallow container of fish or
when disturbed. infected plants
and strip seedlings to linseed oil in garden beds
Produce silvering on • Use botanical oils
bare stalks. Trapping • Put rolled up newspapers in
leaves, potentially • Encouraging predatory wasps.
earwigs is the most garden beds and empty daily.
leading to leaf curl and
effective control.
wilting.

Product
Sustainable products
Buying furniture, pots, timber and pebbles for the garden
can impact on environmental sustainability.
selection
With some thought we can support • Consider posts, sleepers and decking
more environmentally sound practices made from recycled plastic.
through the products we choose for our
• Choose timber sleepers treated with
gardens.
non-arsenic-based chemicals.
• Consider reusing or purchasing second
• Consider solar pumps and lights.
hand pavers, timber and bricks.
• Local gas-fired ceramic pots have
• Use recycled material for fill, such as
a lower environmental impact than
crushed bricks and concrete.
The products we choose to • If you cannot source recycled second

hand timber use Forest Stewardship
those fired using wood or coal and
transported from overseas.
• Reuse old pots or containers.
buy for our garden can have Council (FSC) certified plantation
timbers rather than other timbers.
an impact on the health of

our ecosystems.
Timbers to avoid Better alternatives
(rare or threatened species) (managed plantations)
Merbau (also called Kwila) FSC Plantation Eucalyptus
Burmese Teak Bamboo
Ramin FSC New Guinea Teak
Meranti Rubberwood
African Mahogany (including Sapele) FSC Tuan
For more information visit: www.goodwoodguide.org.au

Grow your
Soil
The most important part of growing
your own food is to look after your soil.
Organic matter, i.e. compost, animal
own
manures or green manure crops, is
an essential component regardless
of whether you have sandy or clay
soil. Organic matter, along with the
bugs and worms accompanying it, will
create healthy, active soil that will do
most of the work for you in terms of
nutrient supply to plants and control
of pest and diseases. For further
From a simple container to extensive garden information refer to page 16.
beds, you can grow seasonal fresh fruit,
Mulch
herbs and vegetables that taste delicious Mulching your vegetables is an
and are more nutritious. important part of success. Apply
straw-based mulches when day
time temperatures regularly exceed
25 degrees in spring and, to ensure
Vegetables Seed collecting
adequate soil temperatures for
Grow the vegetables you like to eat.
Collecting your own seeds from your your plants growth, remove mulch
There are generally two main planting
best producing vegies can be an in autumn when temperatures are
seasons, autumn and spring.
easy and cost effective way to grow regularly below 25 degrees.
Popular autumn seedlings include future crops. Vegies such as tomato, For further information refer to page 18.
peas, kale, Asian greens, Brussel pumpkin, pea, bean, lettuce, kale,
sprouts, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, radish and watermelon are great plants
Pests and diseases
cabbage, spinach, and onions. The to start with.
Pest and diseases will, from time to
makings of delicious winter soups!
time, be a problem when growing your
Produce for planting in spring own food. A small amount of damage
includes capsicum, chilli, eggplants, is inevitable when grown organically.
summer beans, carrots, cucumber, Having a balance of the good and bad
lettuce, beetroot, sweet corn, tomatoes guys in your garden is far better than
and zucchini. Summer salads galore! having to worry about control options.
Most insect pests can be controlled by
using simple organic control techniques.
Refer to pages 36-39 for more information.

Crop rotation Herbs
A huge range of herbs can be grown
When vegetables from the same plant
with minimal effort. Both annual and
family are planted in the same place
perennial herbs are generally suited to
year after year, they may gradually
neutral soils. Grow the herbs you use
strip the soil of nutrients needed by
most often. Planting herbs amongst
that crop. Pest and diseases can also
vegies can also provide pest deterrent
build up in the soil. Check to see which
benefits e.g. pairing tomato with basil.
family group your favourite vegetables
Some herbs, like Thyme, provide an
come from and rotate annually.
attractive aroma when brushed past on
paths or entrances, providing an added
bonus to their culinary uses.
Fruit trees
Family Type Nutrients Most fruiting plants, both trees and
canes, will thrive in neutral soils; but
Alliaceae Onion, garlic, shallot, chive and leek Light Feeder some, like blueberries will require
specific pH conditions. Check with
Amaranthaceae Spinach, chard and silverbeet Heavy Feeder your plant supplier prior to purchase
Carrot, coriander, parsley, parsnip, dill and to ensure success. Others like lemon
Apiaceae Light Feeder trees, may require annual treatments of
caraway
micro nutrients, e.g. magnesium to keep
Asteraceae Lettuce and artichoke Heavy Feeder them producing at their best for many
Asian greens, cabbage, broccoli, Brussel sprout, years.
Brassiaceae Heavy Feeder
cauliflower, turnip, mustard and radish
Chenopodiaceae Beetroot Light Feeder Excess produce

After successfully growing your own
Cucurbitaceae Pumpkin, zucchini, cucumber and melon Heavy Feeder food, you may find you have a surplus.
It’s a great problem to face. You can
Nitrogen either swap with other like-minded
Fabaceae Pea and bean (legumes)
Producer
growers near you, or start down an
Poaceae Sweetcorn and maize Heavy Feeder addictive path of preserving the produce
to be enjoyed well beyond the growing
Solanaceae Tomato, capsicum, chilli, potato, and eggplant Heavy Feeder season. The options are limitless. You
may wish to pickle, jam, freeze or store
in a pantry depending on the type of
Heavy feeders require Light feeders are Nitrogen producers are produce; for example, some varieties of
a lot of nutrients, and mainly root vegetables legumes (pea and bean)
pumpkins can be stored in a cool dark
will deplete the soil of that need little or no that put nitrogen back
place for more than 12 months.
nutrients to produce a fertiliser in good garden into the soil.
crop. soil.

Planting for
Unfortunately under the pressure of urbanisation our forests and grasslands have
been cleared, natural wetlands drained and our waterways stressed by pollution
and erratic flows. Climate change now poses new threats with lower rainfall and
a predicted increase in heatwaves. Many species have disappeared or exist in
isolated pockets of land at risk of becoming locally extinct. We can all make a
wildlife
difference by creating habitat gardens: beautiful gardens that attract and nurture
our native fauna and/or become a Friends Group member of your local reserve!
The Growing a Green Web Program

Funded and administrated by the City great scope for extending the ‘green
of Casey, the program aims to link web’ into the numerous rivers,
corridors of indigenous vegetation creeks, drainage basins, roadsides
to form a ‘green’ network across the and recreation reserves within the
The removal and fragmentation of municipality – an area of 395 km2.
The program involves all levels of
City of Casey. Activities from previous
years have included seed collection,
habitat and the impact of feral the community in the rehabilitation

of indigenous vegetation, and Casey
revegetation, weed control, plant
propagation and environmental training
schools and community groups have days and plant giveaways. To find out
animals and invasive plants has had a planted over 300,000 plants so far!
Local community participation is
more on the program, contact the
City of Casey Customer Service on
integral to the success of the Growing 9705 5200.
substantial impact on our biodiversity. a Green Web program and provides
Before development, your local area

had a very rich and diverse range
of native plants and animals. Each
species played a specific and integral
role in maintaining a balanced natural
ecosystem.
What and how to plant?
Attracting birds to your garden
While not essential, a garden of trees, shrubs of varying height, grasses
Australia has a rich and diverse range of bird species found nowhere else in
indigenous plants is best as this and groundcovers. Habitat gardens
the world. According to the Australian Wildlife Conservancy 15% of Australian
vegetation was traditionally used by the do not have to look messy! Indigenous
bird species are threatened with extinction. City of Casey is home to over 150
animals in the area and is suited to the plants can be pruned to create neat
species of birds, including migratory species from across the globe. Gardens
conditions of the site. A key to creating gardens. Pruning also encourages a
can provide a safe haven for native birds to thrive. Many bird species will prey
a habitat garden is to create structural much denser growth pattern, which
on garden pests such as aphids, caterpillars and scale, contributing to non-
diversity – lots of plants and lots of provides good protection for small birds.
chemical pest control in the garden. To create a bird attracting garden consider
different layers. Aim to create a mix of
the following points.
Shelter ovata). Some birds, such as parrots

Birds need shelter from predators such and owls, like to nest in tree hollows.
as cats and Noisy Miners. By providing Hollows form in mature trees. Providing
prickly or dense plants at various levels a nest box in your garden is a good
in your garden you can create a safe substitute for a hollow. Nest boxes
haven for them to retreat to and safely come in a range of shapes and sizes to
locate their nesting sites. Dense shrubs suit the needs of different birds.
that provide good shelter include
Water
Prickly Currant-bush (Coprosma
A reliable water source, particularly
quadrifida), Hedge Wattle (Acacia
in summer, will attract birds to your
Spiny-headed Mat-rush paradoxa), Prickly Moses (Acacia
garden. A birdbath on a pedestal next
verticillata), Spreading Wattle (Acacia
to a dense or prickly shrub will help
genistifolia), Rock Correa (Correa
birds feel secure.
glabra) and Hop Goodenia (Goodenia
Cut-leaf Daisy Common Correa
Hedge Wattle White-eared Honeyeater

Plants to attract small birds Plants to attract honeyeaters Plants to attract parrots Plants to attract large birds
Superb Fairy-wren Eastern Yellow Robin New Holland Honeyeater Eastern Spinebill Musk Lorikeet King Parrot Kookaburra Tawny Frogmouth
Small birds, such as the Red-browed Honeyeaters such as the White- Parrots feed on a variety of food Birds such as Tawny Frogmouths,
Finch, Eastern Yellow Robin, Spotted eared Honeyeater, Eastern Spinebill, sources. Some such as Crimson Owls, Magpies, Kookaburras and
Pardolote, White-browed Scrubwren, Red Wattlebird and New Holland Rosellas, Rainbow Lorikeets, King Butcherbirds feed on small mammals,
Brown Thornbill, Grey Fantail and Honeyeater are attracted to the Parrots and Musk Lorikeets feed on lizards and large insects. Having
Superb Fairy-wren, forage in the flowers of plants that produce the flowers and seed of Eucalypts, large trees in your garden will provide
lower levels of the garden. They feed lots of nectar. They also include She-oaks and Bottlebrush. Red- roosting spots for the birds to rest
on insects, caterpillars and spiders insects and spiders in their diet. The rumped Parrots feed mainly on the and hunt from. The following will
and eat berries and seeds. The following indigenous plants will attract ground, eating indigenous grass attract large birds to your garden:
following indigenous plants will attract honeyeaters to your garden: seed. Long-billed Corellas dig for
Gums (including River Red, Swamp,
small birds to your garden: ground tubers and Yellow-tailed
Common Correa Yellow, Manna, Coastal Manna)
Black-Cockatoos love to find grubs
Common Tussock-grass (Correa reflexa) (Eucalyptus spp.)
hiding under tree bark. The following
(Poa labillardieri) Rock Correa indigenous plants will attract parrots
Kangaroo Grass (Correa glabra) to your garden:
(Themeda triandra) Mountain Grevillea Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon)
Wallaby Grass (Grevillea alpina)
Black She-oak (Allocasuarina littoralis)
(Rytidosperma spp.) River Bottlebrush
Lightwood (Acacia implexa)
Rough Spear-grass (Callistemon sieberi)
(Austostipa scabra) Gums (including River Red, Swamp,
Silver Banksia
Yellow, Manna, Coastal Manna)
Saltbush (Banksia marginata) Indian Myna
(Eucalyptus spp.)
(Atriplex spp.) rds. Generally
Avoid feeding bi ry
Teatree (Leptospermum spp.) ed supplementa
Black-anther Flax-lily they do not ne
trays tend to
(Dianella admixta) River Bottlebrush (Callistemon sieberi) feeding. Seed
e aggressive
attract the mor
Black-anther Flax-lily ced pest birds
(Dianella admixta) birds and introdu
an Myna love
such as the Indi
an an easy feed
Pale Flax-lily nothing more th
bowl. Feed pets
(Dianella laevis var. laevis) from a pet food
re birds cannot
Common Tussock-grass indoors or whe
odbowls.
(Poa labillardieri) access their fo
Black-anther Flax-lily Common Correa

Attracting invertebrates to your garden Attracting mammals to your garden
Native invertebrates such as butterflies, moths, wasps, bees, ladybirds, Casey is home to a diverse range of mammals. If you are lucky you may come
ants, gnats, beetles, stick insects, spiders, dragonflies, damselflies, crickets, across a Southern Brown Bandicoot, Echidna, Wombat or Koala in your garden.
lacewings (to mention but a few) benefit the environment in many ways. They More likely the mammals you will encounter are the Ringtail Possum, Brushtail
are some of our plant pollinators, our waste recyclers, our pest eaters and an Possum, Microbats and Grey-headed Flying-fox. While some gardeners despair
important source of food for many native birds, reptiles and mammals. Our when their roses and vegetable crops become the food source of possums, we
dislike of snails, slugs and caterpillars shouldn’t blind us to the habitat benefits do have to remember that urbanisation has replaced their natural habitat and they
of these amazingly diverse creatures in our garden. have adapted extremely well to our suburban properties that offer an abundance
of food and excellent nesting sites. Providing trees with hollows or species
specific nesting boxes, will encourage Possums, Gliders and Microbats to nest
Plants to attract invertebrates away from your roof, especially if you close up any entry points.
Plants to attract mammals

Dragonfly Hoverfly Australian Painted Lady Butterfly
To encourage invertebrates into your garden leave a few logs around, plant trees
with shredding bark, mulch well, put out a dish of damp sand and a flat rock for
butterflies, create a small wetland with overhanging plants and consider planting
some of the following plants. Koala Wombat Echidna
Golden Wattle Button Everlasting Tufted Bluebell Silver Wattle (Acacia dealbata) Bushy Needlewood (Hakea decurrens)
(Acacia pycnantha) (Coronidium scorpioides) (Wahlenbergia Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsii) Burgan (Kunzea ericoides)
communuis)
Sweet Bursaria Clustered Everlasting Gums (Eucalyptus spp.) Coast Banksia (Banksia integrifolia)
(Bursaria spinosa) (Chrysocephalum Spiny-headed Mat-rush
semipapossum) (Lomandra longifolia) Pet animals
River Bottlebrush
Research by the Australian Wildlife and dogs, especially at night so they
(Callistemon sieberi) Cut-leaf Daisy Common Tussock-grass
Conservancy estimates that the don’t prey on native animals. Work with
(Brachyscome multifida) (Poa labillardieri)
Burgan average cat will kill from 5-30 native your neighbours to encourage them to
(Kunzea ericoides) Common Rice-flower Kangaroo Grass animals per day. Across the nation that also secure their pets either indoors or
(Pimelea humilis) (Themeda triandra) results in a staggering 75 million native in enclosures. Collar bells on cats have
Austral Indigo
(Indigofera australis) Austral Stork’s-bill animals killed daily! Secure your cats limited success.
(Pelargonium australe)
Grey Parrot-pea
(Dillwynia cinerascens) Yam Daisy
(Microseris aff. lanceolata)
Bush-pea
(Pultenea spp.) Common Apple-berry
(Billardiera scandens)
Hop Goodenia
(Goodenia ovata) Ladybird Golden Wattle Gum

Frogs Plants to attract frogs
Frog populations have undergone serious declines in recent decades with Eastern
Australia identified as a global hotspot of frog decline. Nine species have been
listed as extinct in the past 20 years. Not only are frogs vulnerable to the issues of
habitat loss and animal predation, they are also susceptible to disease, pollution,
pesticides and climate change. Casey is home to 12 species of frogs that you
can support by installing a frog pond in your garden, especially if you live near a Spotted Marsh Frog Striped Marsh Frog
wetland or waterway. It is illegal to collect frogs, tadpoles or their eggs from the
natural environment. You need to create a permanent frog-friendly garden and Damp zone: Shallow water Deep water Pond surround:
hope they move in. zone: zone:
Marsh Club-sedge Spiny-headed
(Bolboschoenus Common Spike- Water Millfoil Mat-rush
Building a frog pond
medianus) rush (Eleocharis (Myriophyllum (Lomandra
Locate your pond in a low-lying section point and a deeper section to place
acuta) crispatum) longifolia)
of the garden that has 60-70% shade. potted aquatic plants. Maximum depth Water Plantain
Shade from shrubs and small trees is should be between 20 and 30cm. Side (Alisma plantago- Common Sedge Nardoo (Marsilea Loose-flower Rush
preferable to large overhanging trees, shelves allow for additional variation aquatica) (Carex tereticaulis) drummondii) (Juncus
which may drop too many leaves and and a wider range of plants. Add rocks pauciflorus)
Swamp Stonecrop Tassel Sedge Running Marsh-
cause excessive nutrient loading in your and logs to create climbing spots. (Crassula helmsii) (Carex fascicularis) flower (Villarsia Black-anther
pond. You can buy ready-made ponds Cover the bottom of your pond with reniformis) Flax-lily
or dig your own and line it with heavy- washed gravel. Allow your pond to fill (Dianella admixta)
White Purslane
duty pond lining. An important factor is with rainwater or tap water. Remember (Neopaxia
to ensure your pond has varying depth frogs are very susceptible to chemicals. australasica)
that includes a ramped shallow entry Once your pond is full, add your plants. Essentials
A pump should not be necessary. plants such as Azolla and Duckweed
DAMP SHALLOW
DEEP WATER ZONE POND SURROUND Tadpoles and eggs tend to be fatalities as they can quickly cover the surface
ZONE WATER ZONE
to pumps and as long as you do not of your pond reducing light and oxygen
have an excess of leaf litter falling levels. Do not introduce fish into
into your pond that will result in a your frog pond as they will snack on
smothering layer of algal growth, you tadpoles.
should be fine. Avoid floating aquatic
ROCKS & LOGS

FOR SHELTER
r
WINTER DEEP ine
Sand WATER LEVEL ndl
SUMMER LOW Po
WATER LEVEL
SUBMERGED ROCKS & LOGS

FOR ALGAL GROWTH

Attracting lizards and skinks to your garden Living with wildlife
Small reptiles such as lizards and skinks have declined steadily from suburban
gardens because of lack of suitable habitat, dog and cat attack, lawn mower
As long as we have been gardening, birds, possums and
encounters and from eating snails poisoned by snail bait (even pet-friendly ones). bats have been helping themselves whenever possible. While
To encourage lizards and skinks into your garden provide some flat rocks, logs or most gardeners are happy to share some of their produce,
brick paving in a sunny spot to warm up, lots of leaf litter and mulch where they our wildlife is more inclined to feast on our roses and vegies,
can hunt for insects and tussock grasses for protection. leaving little behind.
There are a number of products available on the market to try
Plants to attract lizards and skinks to address this problem.
Chemical repellents: Scare devices: Fruit protection bags:
Whether they be High audio scare devices, These are available
homemade chilli/garlic roost inhibitors, plastic commercially or you
Blue Tongue Lizard Garden Skink
sprays or commercial owls, scarecrows, rubber can make your own
Common Tussock-grass Spiny-headed Mat-rush pest repellents, many snakes, CDs, plastic bags, with orange mesh bags.
(Poa labillardieri) (Lomandra longifolia) of them have limited whirligigs…there are a lot Use the bags to cover
Kangaroo Grass Nodding Saltbush results. It seems possums of devices out there that individual fruit and secure
(Themeda triandra) (Einadia nutans) develop a fondness for work to varying degrees. firmly to the tree branch.
chilli over time, and a The most important thing Remove after fruiting
Black-anther Flax-lily Berry Saltbush study by Deakin University is to move them about when they are no longer
(Dianella admixta) (Einadia hastate) revealed most possums regularly to avoid the required.
Snakes adapt very quickly to wildlife getting used to
commercial sprays. For them.
Snakes perform a vital role in the a snake in your garden do not try to
further information, contact
environment as one of our few native handle it yourself. Most bites occur
the Victorian government
predators. From time to time they may when people try to kill a snake. Not
environment department.
appear in a suburban garden looking only is this dangerous, but it is illegal to
for a meal. Snakes are shy and will kill a snake in Victoria. Instead contact
generally avoid a busy residential your Council to obtain the details of
garden. You can make your garden a professional snake handler who will
less appealing by ensuring you avoid relocate the snake to a safe place
having stacks of timber and tin lying for a fee.
around or long grass. If you do discover
Kangaroo Grass Spiny-headed Mat-rush Black-anther Flax-lily Brush-tail Possum

Indigenous
Fencing: Netting:
You can enclose your garden beds in a If you use netting you should buy
fence of floppy chicken wire with the top densely woven nets. Loosely woven
curved outwards. The wire roll should netting may trap birds, bats, reptiles and
be about 90cm high with the bottom mammals often resulting in their death.
Plants
20cm buried. String high tensile fencing As a rough guide, if you can insert your
wire between your posts and attach the finger through the netting it is capable of
chicken wire lose enough so that if an trapping wildlife. Choose netting with a
animal attempts to climb it the wire will mesh size less than 1cm². Ensure your
sway. For smaller areas you can build a netting is securely fixed to the ground or
portable wire frame to cover your plants. tied around the base of your tree above
ground level. Remove nets when they are
not required, e.g. after fruiting.
If you find an injured animal, call your local vet or Wildlife Victoria on 1300 094 535.
Plants that are native to a
If you use netting choose a densely woven
net with a mesh size less than 1cm².
specific area are known as
indigenous plants.
Grey-headed Flying Fox

20 Common Indigenous Plants
Indigenous plants Austral Stork’s-bill (Pelargonium australe)
• Sprawling plant with aromatic leaves, grows

Indigenous plants have been here since before European well in full sun.
settlement and are therefore adapted to the soils, • Prefers well-drained soils.
topography and climate of the local area. They tend to • White or pink flowers in spring-summer.
• Attracts insects and butterflies.
grow quickly, often flowering within the first season of being • May die back in summer.
planted and have greater resistance to disease. Indigenous
Clustered Everlasting (Chrysocephalum semipapposum)
plants look great in any garden, providing spectacular
displays of colour and texture throughout the year. • Hardy, spreading herb grows well in full sun.
The following plants are a sample of how to grow and maintain your plants. • Prefers well-drained soils.
the diverse range of indigenous plants For more information, visit • Clustered gold flowers in spring-summer.
within Casey. Visit the indigenous www.casey.vic.gov.au, search for • Butterflies attracted to nectar.
• Prune in winter to rejuvenate.
GROUNDCOVERS & WILDFLOWERS

nurseries listed on the inside back cover ‘indigenous plants’ and view the City
for a wider range and expert advice on of Casey’s Indigenous Plant Guide.
Cut-leaf Daisy (Brachyscome multifida)
• Low, spreading mound grows in full sun.

• Prefers well-drained soils.
• Purple, white or pink flowers most of the year.
• Provides nectar for butterflies.
• Prune in winter to rejuvenate.
Kidney Plant (Dichondra repens)
• Creeping mat plant for shady areas.

• Prefers moist, well-drained soil and semi-
shade.
• An excellent lawn substitute in low traffic
areas.
• Attracts frogs and lizards.
Pink-bells (Tetratheca ciliata)
• Attractive container or rock garden plant.

• Erect, spreading shrub.
• Prefers well-drained soil kept watered in
summer.
• Part-shade to shade.
• Withstands alkaline soils.
Austral Indigo (Indigofera australis)

20 Common Indigenous Plants 20 Common Indigenous Plants
Purple Coral Pea (Hardenbergia violacea) Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra)
FOLIAGE PLANTS
• Small to medium tussock grows well in full sun.
• Trailing or climbing plant grows • Prefers moist, well-drained soils.
well in full sun. • Decorative flowers held above foliage in
• Prefers dry, well-drained soils. summer.
• Showy purple flowers in spring. • Food plant for grazing animals, seed-eating
• Food plant for insects and birds.
GROUNDCOVERS & WILDFLOWERS
birds and insects. Shelter for lizards.

• Responds well to pruning in winter.
Running Postman (Kennedia prostrata) Austral Indigo (Indigofera australis)
• Trailing plant grows well in full sun • Fast growing to 3m in full sun.
or semi-shade. • Prefers well-drained soils.
• Prefers dry, well-drained soils. • Showy pink flowers winter-spring.
• Scarlet pea flowers in spring. • Food source for caterpillars.
• Food plant for insects and birds. • Prune after flowering to maintain a bushy
form and increase flowering.
Tufted Bluebell (Wahlenbergia communis) Gold Dust Wattle (Acacia acinacea)
• Open, spreading shrub grows to 1-3m in full to

• Perennial branching herb grows in full sun. part sun.
• Prefers well-drained soils. • Prefers well-drained soils, tolerates poor soils.
• Flowers in spring-summer. • Flowers spring-summer.
• Attracts insects and insect-eating birds. • Food source for insects and seed-eating birds.
• Responds well to pruning.
SHRUBS
Black-anther Flax-lily (Dianella admixta) Hop Goodenia (Goodenia ovata)
• Tufted spreading lily, grows well in full sun or • Fast growing to 2m in semi-shade.
semi-shade. • Prefers moist soils, tolerates poor drainage.
• Prefers moist, well-drained soils. • Yellow flowers in spring-summer.
• Blue flowers in spring-summer followed by • Food source for caterpillars and attracts insect-
FOLIAGE PLANTS
blue-purple berries. eating birds.

• Food plant for seed-eating birds. • Responds well to pruning.
Common Tussock-grass (Poa labillardieri) Sweet Bursaria (Bursaria spinosa)
• Fast growing tussock grows well in full sun to
semi-shade. • Slow growing to 5m in full sun or semi-shade.
• Prefers moist, well-drained soils. • Prefers dry, well-drained soils.
• Plumes of flower heads in spring-summer. • Masses of fragrant flowers in spring, followed
• Food plant for caterpillars and seed eating by clusters of bronze seed pods.
birds. Shelter for lizards. • Food plant for caterpillars and butterflies.
• Responds well to pruning in winter.

20 Common Indigenous Plants
Common Correa (Correa reflexa)
Weeds
• Fast growing to 1-2m in in full sun
to semi-shade.
• Prefers dry, well-drained soils.
• Flowers in spring.
• Flowers attract nectar-feeding birds.
• Responds well to pruning.
SHRUBS
Wedge-leaf Hop-bush (Dodonaea viscosa subsp. cuneata)

When a plant thrives and invades an area
• Hardy shrub grows to 3m in full sun.
where it does not naturally occur and is not
• Showy red-brown seed pods. managed, it is known as an invasive plant,
• Needs regular pruning for shaping.
• Food source for birds and insects. pest plant or weed. This can include plants
Black She-oak (Allocasuarina littoralis)
such as Bluebell Creeper (Billardiera
heterophylla), an indigenous plant in Western
• Fast growing to 5-8m in full sun.
Australia, but a significant invasive plant in
• Fine weeping branches. the natural bushland of Casey.
• Red and brown flowers in autumn.
• Food source for seed-eating birds. According to the World Wildlife Fund of time they can replace indigenous
‘Jumping the Garden Fence’ (2005) plants, effectively removing the food
Silver Wattle (Acacia dealbata) report, two-thirds of the established source and habitat of the local fauna.
weeds in Australia are escaped garden It is therefore important to know which
• Fast growing to 8-13m in semi-shade. plants, and many continue to be plants are a problem in Casey and to
• Tolerates a wide range of soil types, but prefers
TREES
available for sale. Plants can spread avoid planting them or consider
deep, moist soils. from people dumping garden cuttings removing them if they are already in
• Flowers in winter-spring. in parks, nature reserves and your garden.
• Food source for possums, sugar gliders,
waterways. Wind can blow seeds many
caterpillars and birds.
kilometres, for example a plume of The following section provides a
Pampas Grass can produce 100,000 sample of some of the most common
Narrow-leaf Peppermint (Eucalyptus radiata)
seeds per plume and be carried over garden escapees in Casey.
• Slow growing to 12-45m in full sun. 30 kilometres. Seeds and cuttings can For more detailed information visit
• Prefers dry, well-drained soils, tolerates poor, also be carried by water, tools, www.casey.vic.gov.au and search
stony soils. vehicles, clothing, pets and wildlife. for ‘weed management’.
• Cream flowers in spring. Invasive plants are a problem because
• Food source for insects and nectar, seed and
they out-compete local plants for light,
insect-eating birds.
water and nutrients. In a short period

20 Common Weeds and their Replacement Plants
Weed control techniques WEED REMOVAL REPLACEMENT PLANT
If you have an invasive plant species in your garden and need to remove it there are Blue Periwinkle Purple Coral Pea
a number of control techniques available. The appropriate technique depends on the Vinca major Hardenbegia violacea
size and number of plants, e.g. a few seedlings that can easily be removed by hand • Hand weed
versus a plant that produces runners, or an established tree. Often one technique • Mulch
will not be sufficient and an integrated approach using different techniques is • Solarise
needed over time. • Spray
Hand pull: remove plants using your Scrape and paint: use a sharp knife to
hands or a handheld tool. The aim is scrape a thin layer of bark from about
to remove the entire plant including the 10cm of stem. Herbicide is then applied Morning Glory Pink Bindweed
roots and any bulbs. It is best to hand to the exposed soft tissue underneath. Ipomoea indica Convolvulus angustissimus
pull weeds after rain when the soil is Appropriate for vines and shrubs. • Hand weed
moist. This is a good technique for • Mulch
Drill and fill: drill a series of downward
seedlings and small infestations of grass • Spray
angled holes, about 5cm apart, into
species.
the trunk of weed trees or large woody
Mulch: smother plants by applying a weeds. Inject herbicide immediately into
thick layer of mulch to deprive weeds of the holes. Remove the tree or shrub Cape Ivy Small-leafed Clematis
vital sunlight. once it is completely dead. Delairea odorata Clematis microphylla
• Hand weed
Solarisation: cover plants with a thick Herbicide use
• Mulch
plastic sheet with buried edges for a • Only use chemical control if non-
• Cut and paint
period of 4-6 weeks. The heat of the chemical control is unsuitable. • Spray
sun will kill off the plants underneath.
• Do not spray in high temperatures or
Appropriate for grass species.
if rain is forecast within 24 hours.
Spray: use a spray bottle or pack to Japanese Honeysuckle Running Postman
• Spray when plants are actively
apply herbicide to the leaves of weeds Lonicera japonica Kennedia prostrata
growing, i.e. not winter.
to the point where the leaves are wet
• Always read the label on the chemical • Hand weed
but not dripping. Take care that the
product and follow directions for • Mulch
herbicide does not drift onto non-
• Spray
weed species. Appropriate for shrubs, appropriate rates, safety procedures,
grasses and vines. handling and storage.
Cut and paint: use a hand saw to cut • Some chemicals require a Chemical
down small trees and large shrubs a Users Permit. English Ivy Purple Coral Pea
maximum of 10cm from the ground. Hedera helix Hardenbergia violacea
Paint on an application of herbicide that • Hand weed
will prevent the stump from re-shooting. • Mulch
Commercial wick applicators are • Cut and paint
• Spray
available or use a paint brush.

20 Common Weeds and their Replacement Plants 20 Common Weeds and their Replacement Plants
WEED REMOVAL REPLACEMENT PLANT WEED REMOVAL REPLACEMENT PLANT
Bluebell Creeper Common Apple-berry Agapanthus Black-anther Flax-lily

Billardiera heterophylla Billardiera scandens Agapanthus praecox ssp. orientalis Dianella admixta
• Hand weed
• Mulch • Hand weed
• Cut and paint • Spray
• Scrape and paint
Fountain Grass Common Tussock-grass Seaside Daisy Cut-leaf Daisy

Pennisetum setaceum Poa labillardieri Erigeron karvinskianus Brachyscome multifida
• Hand weed
• Hand weed
• Spray
• Spray
Pampas Grass Thatch Saw-sedge Flax-leaf Broom Slender Bitter-pea

Cortaderia spp. Gahnia radula Genista linifolia Daviesia leptophylla
• Hand weed
• Hand weed
• Cut and paint
• Spray
• Spray
White Arum Lily Long Purple-flag Montpellier Broom Golden Spray

Zantedeschia aethiopica Patersonia occidentalis Genista monspessulana Viminaria juncea
• Hand weed • Hand weed
• Cut and paint • Cut and paint
• Spray • Spray
Watsonia Pale Flax-lily Cotoneaster Sticky Hop Bush

Watsonia meriana ‘Bulbillifera’ Dianella laevis var. laevis Cotoneaster spp. Dodonaea viscosa
• Hand weed • Hand weed

• Spray • Cut and paint
• Drill and fill

20 Common Weeds and their Replacement Plants
WEED REMOVAL REPLACEMENT PLANT
Privet Prickly Currant-bush
Planning and
Ligustrum spp. Coprosma quadrifida
• Hand weed
• Cut and paint
• Drill and fill
Desert Ash
Fraxinus angustifolia
Black Wattle
Acacia mearnsii planting
for young
• Hand weed
• Drill and fill
children in
Mirror Bush Large Kangaroo Apple
Coprosma repens Solanum laciniatum
• Hand weed
• Cut and paint
• Drill and fill
Cootamundra Wattle
Acacia baileyana
• Hand weed
Hickory Wattle
Acacia implexa
your garden
• Cut and paint
• Spray
Being outdoors is best for young children.
Gardening with your young children is a great
way to enjoy quality time together, learn new
Sweet Pittosporum
Pittosporum undulatum
Blackwood
Acacia melanoxylon
skills, have fun and develop good habits.
• Hand weed
• Spray

Engage all senses GET CREATIVE together
• Paint signs and plant labels
PLANT together
• Plant sunflowers, radishes, carrots,
Design your garden in consideration of: pumpkin, cherry tomatoes, sprouts,
• Make a scarecrow
strawberries and herbs – they are
• Sound – encourage birds into your
• Use items such as old shoes or
wheelbarrows as pots
easy and quick to grow
garden with flowering plants and bird • Water plants together
feeders, create garden decorations that • Build bird feeders
• Weed together
make sound such as wind chimes, plant • Build wind chimes
trees and plants that rustle in the wind. • Harvest, create and enjoy together.
• Create a garden book – include
seed packets, children’s drawings of
• Colour – pick flowering plants and plants you are growing, images of
scarecrows or an autumn leaf
shrubs with contrasting foliage, plant trees,
native and exotic, to give seasonal difference collection. Add some facts about
to you garden. what you planted, when, how many
and a watering schedule.
• Smell – plant fragrant herbs & flowering
plants, make sure you space scented plants
to avoid confusion.
• Taste - plant fruit trees, grow vegetables

and herbs, make sure everything in your
garden is non-toxic.
• Touch - include different textures eg.

rocks, grass, water, fuzzy leaves and soft
flowers.

Places to visit with kids
LEARN together
• Learn and teach about what grows At Wilson Botanic Park Berwick you can discover:
where, how much water is needed,
what insects will like what, what • Stately trees and beautiful gardens • A wide variety of shrubs, bulbs and
insects to watch out for! Be mindful with picnic areas. The site also offers perennials are also growing which
of bees. a chance to see an old bluestone are suitable for smaller gardens. This
quarry, a picturesque lake, walking adds colour with flower and foliage
tracks and spectacular views. whether using roses, viburnums,
COOK together • Fossilised wood, leaves and pollens.
salvias or the wonderful collection of
• Cooking and using what you grew species available.
During the operational days of the
in the garden will not only teach
quarry, a layer of mud containing • A variety of birdlife species.
young children where food comes
fossilised plants was discovered
from but will help to develop healthy
dating back 22 million years ago. Location
eating habits.
It is rare to find these all together on 668 Princes Highway,
one site. Berwick, Vic 3806
• Fossil sites which boast tropical and Opening hours
temperate species. This indicates 7.00 am – 6.00 pm
that the site was a tropical rainforest 7.00 am – 9.00 pm
millions of years ago, but changed to (during daylight savings)
a drier climate as we know it today. Visitor Centre open
• A special collection of new Oak trees, 10.00 am - 4.00 pm daily
including some from the west coast Admission
of America. Many other beautiful Free, except when special events are
plants include Gingko, Cedar, Ash, held at the park.
Linden, Plane and Swamp Cypress
– just some of the plants from across
the world.
Growing plants is fun,

There are various tasks that young children can do,
depending on their age. Young children love to
whether it is indigenous
observe and play with kitchen tools. Basic cooking plants, ornamental
tasks for two year olds could include measuring natives, exotics or a
and stirring, while three year olds could follow a
simple recipe.
combination of plants.
Sustainable gardening at Royal Botanical Gardens Cranbourne Reference and Advice
If you’re looking for gardening inspiration, advice and ideas, come along and visit
us at the Australian Garden at Cranbourne Gardens. Nurseries stocking indigenous McMaugh, Judy (1991), What Garden
plants suitable for the City of Pest or Disease is That?, Ure Smith
From great landscape design to take-home ideas for your home garden, you’ll find Press, Sydney.
them all at the Australian Garden.
Casey area:
Cardinya View Nursery Scott, Rob et al. (2002) Indigenous
Display gardens Gardening tips and tricks Berwick: 9769 9887 Plants of the Sandbelt: A Gardening
Guide for South-east Melbourne,
Discover the display gardens – Visit the Garden Shed in the Northern Kareelah Bush Nursery Bloomings Books, Melbourne.
designed with the home gardener in Display Gardens and talk to our Bittern: 5983 0240
mind – and find out more about: knowledgeable Garden Ambassadors
about sustainable gardening practices Southern Dandenongs Community
• Sustainable water use in the Water Nursery Useful websites
for your home garden or take a ‘Plants
Saving Garden Belgrave: 9754 6962 Sustainable Gardening Australia
for your place’ tour that will help you find
• Landscape design for small spaces in the best Aussie plants for your place. www.sgaonline.org.au
Kooweerup Trees and Shrubs
the Greening Cities Garden Kooweerup: 59971839 Indigenous Flora & Fauna Association
• Practical solutions and advice in the Contact us www.iffa.org.au
Bushwalk Native Nursery
How to Garden Corner Ballarto Road and Botanic Cranbourne South: 9782 2986 Australian Plant Society, Victoria
Drive, Cranbourne www.apsvic.org.au
• Small trees, flowering plants and lawn
for your Backyard Garden Website: www.rbg.vic.gov.au Weeds Australia
Further reading
Open daily 9 am to 5 pm www.weeds.org.au
• Landscaping with Australian plants in Free entry Blood, K (2001) Environmental
the Home Garden. Weeds: A Field Guide for SE Wildlife Victoria
Australia, CH Jerram and Associates, www.wildlifevictoria.org.au
Melbourne. Sustainability Victoria
www.sustainability.vic.gov.au
Bull, M (2014) Flora of Melbourne,
4th Edition, Hyland House Publishing, Diggers Club
Carlton. www.diggers.com.au
City of Casey (2006) Casey Indigenous

Plant Booklet, City of Casey, Victoria.
City of Casey (2010) Climate Change

in the City of Casey, City of Casey,
Victoria.
French, J (2010), Jackie French’s

Chook Book, Manna Press.
Handrek, K (2001) Gardening Down

Under, CSIRO Publishing, East
Melbourne, Victoria.
76 | Your Sustainable Garden

Contact City of Casey
03 9705 5200
NRS: 133 677 (for the deaf,
hearing or speech impaired)
TIS: 131 450 (Translating a
nd
Interpreting Service)
caseycc@casey.vic.gov.au
casey.vic.gov.au
facebook.com/CityOfCasey
@CityOfCasey
PO Box 1000
Narre Warren VIC 3805
Customer Service Centres

Cranbourne
Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre
Narre Warren
Magid Drive
Narre Warren South
Amberly Park Shopping Centre

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CASEY.VIC.GOV.

GROW YOUR OWN 42

PLANTING FOR WILDLIFE 46

KIDS IN THE GARDEN 71

2 | Your Sustainable Garden Your Sustainable Garden | 3

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Bush mulched garden bed

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The best way to fertilise

your garden is to make

your own compost.

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26 | Your Sustainable Garden Your Sustainable Garden | 27

Swale ensure the system is turned off if rain is

Landscaping improvements for passive irrigation of your garden

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leggy and untidy. your house in summer? If so, plant on

32 | Your Sustainable Garden Your Sustainable Garden | 33

Council maintains appropriate The Casey Significant Tree Study,

34 | Your Sustainable Garden Your Sustainable Garden | 35

Prevention is better of infestations

than the cure!

36 | Your Sustainable Garden Your Sustainable Garden | 37

CABBAGE WHITE BUTTERFLY CATERPILLAR SCALES

38 | Your Sustainable Garden Your Sustainable Garden | 39

The products we choose to • If you cannot source recycled second

an impact on the health of

For more information visit: www.goodwoodguide.org.au

40 | Your Sustainable Garden Your Sustainable Garden | 41

42 | Your Sustainable Garden Your Sustainable Garden | 43

Chenopodiaceae Beetroot Light Feeder Excess produce

44 | Your Sustainable Garden Your Sustainable Garden | 45

The Growing a Green Web Program

habitat and the impact of feral the community in the rehabilitation

Before development, your local area

Shelter ovata). Some birds, such as parrots

Cut-leaf Daisy Common Correa

Hedge Wattle White-eared Honeyeater

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50 | Your Sustainable Garden Your Sustainable Garden | 51

Plants to attract mammals

52 | Your Sustainable Garden Your Sustainable Garden | 53

ROCKS & LOGS

SUBMERGED ROCKS & LOGS

54 | Your Sustainable Garden Your Sustainable Garden | 55

Kangaroo Grass Spiny-headed Mat-rush Black-anther Flax-lily Brush-tail Possum

56 | Your Sustainable Garden Your Sustainable Garden | 57

Grey-headed Flying Fox

58 | Your Sustainable Garden Your Sustainable Garden | 59

• Sprawling plant with aromatic leaves, grows

GROUNDCOVERS & WILDFLOWERS

• Low, spreading mound grows in full sun.

Kidney Plant (Dichondra repens)

• Creeping mat plant for shady areas.

Pink-bells (Tetratheca ciliata)

• Attractive container or rock garden plant.

60 | Your Sustainable Garden Your Sustainable Garden | 61