How to Create a Verge Garden in Perth, Australia
When walking through your neighbourhood, do you notice the strips of green (or dirt) between the street and the houses? Have you ever thought about how you could turn this small piece of land into something beautiful? A well-kept verge garden can definitely add to the appeal of your property.
What is a Verge Garden?
Before making a verge into a garden, you must first understand what it is. A “verge” is a strip of land between a private property and a kerb. Although this area is council property, the maintenance of this strip is in the hands of the property owner.
These spaces are traditionally covered with (slightly neglected) lawns, or paved over. Why not take a different approach, and add plants? Verges can become true gardens, of varying size and design, from a small patch of wildflowers to a meticulously designed landscape stretching the length of a city block.
These suburban patches of land are perfect for elevating the character of your street, or an entire suburb. Although they aren’t grand, they have a subtle elegance that adds to the appeal of the space.
Key Components of a Verge Garden
A verge landscape, simply put, is a garden established on the verge or strip of land between the sidewalk and the road in urban and suburban areas. If you want to make one outside your property here in Perth, you must understand its every component.
Sustainability
Verge landscaping is designed to create a beautiful and sustainable waterwise garden that is also low-maintenance. Drought-resistant species, mulch, and efficient irrigation systems are often incorporated to enhance the overall concept and reduce water consumption. A vibrant and environmentally friendly verge also contributes to biodiversity.
Local Regulations
Before you start digging, planning your verge landscape carefully is essential. Any garden designer in Perth will advise you to check with your local council for regulations what verge garden you can create. There usually are guidelines to materials, plant selections and plant heights you will have to follow. Some councils want to see planting plans before you can make a garden.
The conditions in the verge area should be your first consideration. This will help you determine what extra steps to take to ensure the verge can grow.
Soil Improvement
Especially if the verge has been neglected, amend the soil with compost or organic matter, to improve nutrient availability.
Plant Selection
Verges often feature a diverse selection of plants for their adaptability to local climate and soil conditions. Local native plants are an excellent choice as they require minimal maintenance, provide habitat for local wildlife, and contribute to the overall ecological health of the area. Many local councils have plant sales of native plants for verge gardens, or give them away for free for members of their communities.
Irrigation
Consider installing a drip irrigation system to ensure your plants receive consistent moisture. This is especially important in the long, hot summers we have here in Perth.
Maintenance
A well-maintained verge will thrive and continue to add beauty to your community. To look its best, watering, fertilising, mulching, pruning, weed control, and pest management are essential, even if your plants are native. Proper care and maintenance help ensure the garden’s growth and longevity.
Verge tree
Often the verge is in full sun all day long. Although planting helps cool the air that’s been superheated by the surrounding bitumen and paving, consider a verge tree. Many councils will plant one on your verge for free, if you put your hand up. Shade trees further help cool down the street, and add significantly to property values. Compare established suburbs like Subiaco or Mount Lawley, where residential streets are lined with mature trees, to recently established suburbs that are uncomfortably hot and exposed.
Community Involvement
Many councils encourage food crops on the verge, or a fruiting verge tree. Gardening on the verge certainly helps meet neighbours, and swapping produce or seeds engages your local community in very positive ways. Share your knowledge and experiences with your neighbours to encourage them to create their own verge.
You can volunteer at community planting days organised by some councils, to maintain and enhance the verges of your suburb. Councils also often run gardening workshops, to promote gardening as a sustainable and community-building initiative.
Get on the Verge
Creating a verge garden in Perth, Australia is a fulfilling and environmentally responsible endeavour. But if you want to make the best out of a small strip, you can get experts like Art of Green to help you out.
Get to know more about what we do by giving us a call.