Verge Garden Inspiration from Brisbane’s North East 🌿

Yesterday, I stumbled across a beautiful verge garden nestled in one of Brisbane’s north-eastern suburbs. Not only did this garden bring aesthetic joy to an otherwise typical turfed verge, but it also served a greater ecological purpose — providing habitat for vital insects and pollinators.

The homeowner had carefully selected a mix of native and exotic species, all maintained below 1 metre in height. This aligns with CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) principles — promoting pedestrian and vehicle safety while supporting passive surveillance and visibility throughout the streetscape.

Not all Councils support Verge Gardens however Brisbane City Council do and they outline a number of guidelines for residential properties, including:

✔️ Pedestrian Access — A clear path of at least 1.2m must be maintained for pedestrians, including those using mobility aids.
✔️ Plant Selection — Low-growing plants only; trees and tall shrubs are not permitted to ensure visibility and safety.
✔️ Safety Considerations — Avoid plants that are thorny, toxic, or may cause allergic reactions.
✔️ Infrastructure Awareness — Always contact Dial Before You Dig (1100) to check for underground services.
✔️ Maintenance — Gardens must be regularly maintained to avoid hazards and ensure public amenity.
✔️ No Raised Edges — Hard borders like bricks or fences that pose trip hazards are not allowed.
✔️ Utility Access — Be mindful that services under the verge may need to be accessed, even if this means removal of the garden.

Recommended Plants for Verge Gardens 🌺

The Council encourages the use of native and drought-resistant plants that are low-growing. Some suitable options include:
-           Cut-Leafed Daisy (Brachyscome multifida)
-           Pigface (Carpobrotus glaucescens)
-           Star Goodenia (Goodenia rotundifolia)
-           Bronze Rambler Grevillea (Grevillea 'Bronze Rambler')

For a full list of recommended plants, consult the Council's Recommended Planting List (PDF). -https://lnkd.in/gebp3xdU