Brighter And some

Council green lights footpath gardens

by Karleen Jentz, Copywriter 7 September 2016

New guidelines – released just in time for spring – will allow Brisbane residents to plant on the ‘verges’ outside their homes (that’s the bit between your property boundary and the road).

So if you don’t fancy mowing the nature strip anymore, just plant it out with some shrubbery and find a new way to spend your Sunday afternoons.

There are a few things you need to know before you start, and the Council has documented them in a guideline, of course.

  • These guidelines apply to verge gardens at properties that are identified as a “Residential zone” within the Brisbane City Plan 2014
  • You need to allow a minimum width of 1.2 metres for pedestrian access between your property boundary and the road kerb
  • You need to make sure that your footpath gardening project is respectful of the needs of others. In other words, as Council says, “it must be well-maintained and safe, and must keep the footpath accessible for everyone without negatively impacting the environment and surrounding infrastructure”.

If you’re stuck for inspiration check out Council’s recommended planting list.

Want a home with better street appeal? View our current listings for sale or check our listings for rent.

Verge garden

BCC is encouraging us to use native or water-wise plants.

Verge garden

The idea is to help beautify local streets & contribute to a clean, green Brisbane.

Verge garden

You need to allow a minimum width of 1.2 mtrs for pedestrian access.