Verge gardens

Do you want to plant your verge?

Verge Gardens are garden beds that are established on the nature strip, or road reserve that are managed by an individual, or group of local residents. 

Council supports the planting of verge gardens which make a positive contribution to the local streetscape, provided property owners receive consent from Council and maintain the verge outside their property in line with the consent conditions. Our Community Gardens Policy(PDF, 1MB);includes a section on Verge Gardens.

To seek consent to establish a verge garden:

1. Read the Consent Conditions for verge gardens(PDF, 102KB).
2. Complete the Verge Garden Installation Application Form(PDF, 244KB) and return it to Council.
3. Wait for a written Notice of Determination from Council detailing the application outcome.
4. If consent is granted, install and maintain the garden in line with the approval conditions.

Upon submission of this form, Council will:

1. Assess the application to ensure the proposed garden meets the criteria for consent.
2. Seek additional information or community consultation if required.
3. Provide a written Notice of Determination to the applicant advising if the proposed garden has been provided consent and any associated conditions.

If you're thinking about installing a verge garden please consider the following:

• A species list of proposed plants must be submitted with your application.
• We encourage the use of local native ground covers and small shrubs (available from Indigigrow or Randwick Community Nursery).
• You must not plant anything that will grow higher than 1 metre tall when mature
• You must not have stakes, guide wires, irrigation and raised edges such as bricks and fences.
• Support from neighbours is required when applying.
• The design of the garden must ensure adequate clearance for items such as: existing street trees and structures, access to the road from the footpath, placement of rubbish bins and car doors opening.
• Ensure you can commit to maintaining the verge garden over the long term.

The Verge Garden Installation Application Form(PDF, 244KB) has full details of all requirements.

Example planting plan for a dappled shade verge using a selection of local native plants. See the resources section below for more examples.

What can I do if I wish to plant a tree more than 1 metre tall on the verge?

You can apply here to request a tree to be planted on the verge outside your property. Our Urban Forest Strategy team will assess your request.

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Resources and more information

• Download a native plant lists suitable for(PDF, 57KB) shady, sunny, and dappled shade verges.
• Download native verge garden sketches(PDF, 156KB) for shady, sunny, and dappled shade verges.
• Contact Council’s Environment & Sustainability Officer on 9391 7000 or email us.