Casey households are invited to register for free native plants as part of the City of Casey’s annual community plant giveaway.
During March, each household can register to collect up to three indigenous native plants from a participating nursery, and proof of residency will need to be shown when applying.
City of Casey Mayor, Cr Stefan Koomen said every plant contributes to cleaner air, provides habitat for native wildlife, and makes our neighbourhoods more beautiful and liveable.
“The community plays a vital role in helping to make our towns greener, simply with the trees and vegetation surrounding their homes, and this initiative is just one of the ways in which council and residents can work together to add more greenery and increase biodiversity,” he said.
“By planting native species in your garden, you’re helping to create a healthier, more sustainable environment as these plants are perfectly suited to our local soils and climate, often requiring less maintenance and showing better resistance to disease.
“Creating a garden with a range of plant heights, different foliage and flowering times provide habitat for different animals, birds and insects and also creates stepping stones that allows wildlife to move easily across our landscapes.”
Residents can register for vouchers from Monday 2 March – Monday 30 March. Vouchers will be valid for three months and can be redeemed at one of three participating nurseries:
- Cardinia Environment Coalition in Pakenham
- Conservation Collective in Somerville
- Southern Dandenongs Community Nursery in Belgrave Heights
If you’d like to do even more to support local wildlife, residents can join Council’s Gardens for Wildlife program. Working with a dedicated group of volunteers, residents can register for a free garden assessment and receive advice to transform gardens of any size into a safe haven for native birds, bees, and other local wildlife.
For more information on wildlife gardening, planting and garden maintenance tips, see Garden’s for Wildlife on Council's website.