At the 9 April Council Meeting, Council endorsed Yarra’s Street Garden Guidelines after they went out to community consultation in November to December last year. 

The Street Garden Guidelines help educate the community on plant selection and provide advice on how to grow street gardens and preserve local biodiversity. 

Street gardens make a positive contribution to our community in a variety of ways by:  

• Increasing local biodiversity by creating a habitat for insects, birds and pollinators 
• Beautifying our streetscapes and adding to the character of our neighbourhoods 
• Reducing on-street temperatures in extreme heat events, mitigating the effects of urban heat island 
• Reducing stormwater runoff by retaining moisture in soils and vegetation 
• Fostering connection and community between neighbours. 

The guidelines also provide important guidance to ensure our street gardens meet accessibility requirements and keep our footpaths clear for pedestrians. 

Yarra City Council Mayor Edward Crossland said street gardens have many benefits to the local community. 

“Street gardens not only beautify our streetscapes but also cool our city, provide habitat, and increase local biodiversity.” 

“Street gardening is also a wonderful way to foster community connection between neighbours,” he said. 

Read more about Yarra's Street Garden Guidelines.