Kensington resident, Thomas, received a free Gardens for Wildlife visit helping to transform his courtyard.

Thomas and his family have a small, inner city, courtyard. There is lots of concrete but also plenty of sun. The space is quite typical of many Kensington homes and inner-city dwellings, with mixed use, needing to allow space for entertaining, parking and greenery.

Thomas applied for a Gardens for Wildlife Visit as he was after some advice and ideas on what native plants to plant that would work in the small space.

Thomas was aware that having locally indigenous plants that flower at different times of year is a great way to support our local wildlife and was also seeking advice on plant choices that would allow for flowers all year long.

Gardens for Wildlife offer both in-person and virtual garden visits. Despite virtual visits being available, Thomas patiently waited for his garden visit during the Melbourne lockdowns in 2021. ‘I wanted a visit in person as I believe it would be easier to see the space first before providing recommendations.’

Following the visit, Thomas visited Bili Nursery to redeem his plant voucher and selected some plants for the garden. ‘The experience was great and the people at the nursery very helpful. The benefit of a trip to the nursery was that I could see the plants.’

Thomas has transformed his garden since the visit. The previous garden was already full of potted plants but not native. The new garden is planted in soil and with locally indigenous species that support our local wildlife.

‘I have sent this great initiative to some neighbours, hopefully more of us join the group.’

Before the visit Ann-Sofie didn’t know anything about native Australian plant life, let alone how to care for it on a balcony. Garden Guides Sam and Charlotte had plenty of ideas to incorporate plants on the balcony! 'They were both happy to provide pointers for my indoor plants as well and how to best care for all of my plants and which they believed would be best suited for the balcony.'

Ann-Sofie has incorporated a few pointers and tried some of the suggested plants, they also refer to the report when trying to optimise the space or adding new plants. 

Ann-Sofie visited Bili nursery following her visit. 'It was great! The location is interesting, once you enter it is like a hidden world of native plants. The staff were excellent in helping me out with picking out plants and discussing the best option and care for my selected plants. It was great fun and I keep wanting to go back.'

Ann-Sofie has plants in both small and large pots. The ‘garden’ consists of a variety of plants, primarily plants without flowers. Some plants are absolutely thriving including the alpine mint, strawberry gum and cinnamon myrtle. Unfortunately, Ann-Sofie did also lose a few plants over the seasons. 'Since I have a few empty pots now, I will go back to the nursery to get some new plants and see how we go.'

As for wildlife, Ann-Sofie has even had a few dragonflies, ladybugs, and some cricket-like insects visit her balcony as well as one or two butterflies! 

'It has definitely made our balcony much more homely having the plants, I’d love to do it again. I keep recommending it to everyone. Everyone should be doing this, it’s great fun!'