Backyard Biodiversity A guide to creating wildlife-friendly and sustainable gardens in Boroondara

21 Pages·2010·1.984 MB·English

by  Boroondara City Council

Backyard Biodiversity
A guide to creating wildlife-friendly and
sustainable gardens in Boroondara
‘We must
Backyard feel part of the land
we walk on and love the We our
love
plants that grow there ... if
Biodiversity
we are to achieve a spirit in gardens and trees
the garden.’ Gordon Ford (1999),
The natural Australian garden.
Residents of Boroondara are
Bloomings Books
Contents justifiably proud of our green
You can become
leafy suburbs and wonderful
We love our gardens and trees 1 parks and gardens. The name a wildlife gardener
Creating a wildlife-friendly garden supports biodiversity 2 Boroondara signifies shady
Many Boroondara gardeners have
Why biodiversity matters 3 place in the local indigenous
already started to create magical
Adopt sustainable gardening principles 5 dialect. We are fortunate our
garden environments full of beautiful
Your Council is working to protect and enhance the local environment 6
municipality has hundreds of butterflies, energetic honeyeaters,
Building on what we have — biodiversity corridors 8
mature canopy trees to cool our majestic eucalypts and indigenous
Backyard biodiversity — let’s get started 12
wildflowers like bluebells and
streets on hot summer days.
Attracting native birds to your garden 14 everlasting daisies.
Your garden honeyeaters 16 We can love our native
With a little planning and the right
A garden full of parrots 18
flora and fauna too plant choice, you too can start. Your
A chorus of garden birds 22
new wildlife haven can require less
Butterflies, dragonflies and other garden insects 25
Our vision for Boroondara is a place maintenance and water compared to
Inviting frogs to your garden 28
known not only for its leafy streets an exotic garden. You can start small
Letting lizards lounge in your garden 30
and open spaces but also for its many or tackle a larger project; plan a full
The secret lives of our native mammals 32 sustainable and productive private garden makeover
We encourage you to get involved 35 gardens. This includes gardens rich or work with your
in wildlife and local flora. neighbours
to link your
‘The City of Boroondara recognises its responsibility as a custodian of the To attract more wildlife wildlife
environment, as well as respectfully acknowledging the Wurundjeri people a little can mean a lot. It projects.
as the first owners of this country, and the custodians of the cultural heritage takes only a few bushes,
of the lands.’ Biodiversity Strategy, City of Boroondara
some local grasses and
a tree in the corner to
Cover images
Feature image: One of many inspiring
start the magic.
Boroondara gardens featured in this
booklet. Bottom left to right: Silvereye,
Yellow-banded Dart, Gang-gang Cockatoo 1
and Native Fuchsia (Correa reflexa). Backyard Biodiversity
Our beloved pets
(cats and dogs) can
harass and injure
Why
native animals.
Creating a
biodiversity matters
wildlife-friendly
garden supports
Often overlooked, but essential to survival of life on Earth, is the
understanding that plants, animals and micro-organisms provide us with
biodiversity ‘ecosystem services’. Examples of these life-sustaining services include:
producing oxygen for us to breathe, storing (or sequestering) carbon from
Biodiversity is the range of all Local
the atmosphere, cleaning our water, breaking down waste, pollinating
forms of life on earth — the
crops and flowers, and dispersing seeds. Every species plays a specific
biodiversity
micro-organisms, plant and animal
and integral role in a balanced natural ecosystem – so protecting every
species, the genes they contain and
species is important.
in crisis
the communities they belong to.
Biodiversity out of balance
Our rich biodiversity is
• Plants and animals living in
under increasing threat isolated pockets of land face
a high risk of becoming locally Many of our centuries-old River
The natural biodiversity of Boroondara extinct. Red Gums suffer from dieback.
— which once included expansive The cause appears to be dramatic
• Some common garden
woodlands, grasslands and herb fields, infestations of small insects eating
plants, like Agapanthus,
and wetlands along our rivers and the leaves. These leaf miners
are recognised weeds.
streams — has been affected badly by would normally be controlled by
The seeds invade reserves
urbanisation. Over the past 150 years, insect-eating birds such as Spotted
and bushland where they
most of the country has been cleared, Pardalotes (shown right), but there
thrive, and smother delicate
natural wetlands drained and our are now so few of them around.
local flora.
waterways stressed by pollution and These tiny birds have been chased
erratic inflows. Climate change now • Garden chemicals (fertilisers, away by aggressive honeyeaters.
poses new and compounding threats pesticides and insecticides) The imbalance between the insect
with ongoing lower rainfall and a can harm native animals and eaters and the honeyeaters is due
predicted increase in heatwaves and our waterways. to the loss of bird habitat and
hot days. Our local area, along with the • Foxes and other feral animals shrubby understorey in which the
rest of Australia and the world, is facing prey on birds, reptiles and smaller birds can hide.
a biodiversity crisis. small mammals.
2 3
Backyard Biodiversity Backyard Biodiversity
Adopt
gardens
Indigenous
give nature a helping hand
sustainable

It is more important than ever that we do our bit to protect and create gardening principles
habitats. By using indigenous plants in your garden you can create havens
for insects, lizards, butterflies and birds, thus enhancing local biodiversity.
Indigenous plants are not only native to Australia; they are plants that occur naturally
Creating a wildlife-friendly garden is just one of a number of
in your local area.
sustainable gardening principles that can enhance your garden
When your garden and neighbourhood is mostly native or indigenous it will attract a
and outdoor living spaces. These guiding principles will help
greater diversity of native animal species. Providing a range of habitats and protecting
create gardens and living areas that require fewer resources
these plant and animal species in your garden makes an essential contribution to
conserving and enhancing our local biodiversity. to maintain and can be enjoyed all year round.
Checklist for creating a sustainable garden
We arrived in Australia from South Africa and one of the ways we
chose to adopt our new home was to create an Australian garden and
wildlife habitat. Over the last few years, we have gradually transformed 9 Design to suit local conditions. 9 Avoid pesticides or chemicals that
our back garden. Before we began we rarely heard birds in the morning 9 Set aside part of your backyard harm beneficial organisms or
contaminate soil and water.
but now the garden is alive with native birds, which we really enjoy. for a productive garden. Enjoy
fresh vegetables, fruit and 9 Recycle food and other household
We are now replacing our front yard with Australian plants and this
herbs year round. and garden waste using a compost
has created enormous interest from people walking past and has
bin or worm farm. Use the rich
9 Avoid plants that are
had a small domino
organic compost and liquid fertiliser
environmental weeds.
effect as some of our to create a healthy life-giving soil.
neighbours are 9 Plan for climate change by using
9 Use sustainable and, ideally, locally
now including water-wise plants where possible,
sourced or recycled materials but
mulching garden beds and using
native plants in
avoid rocks, timber and pebbles
tank water for watering plants
their garden too. collected from the wild.
when necessary.
Ros and Bruce, 9 Last but not least, provide habitat
Camberwell for local native fauna.
4 5
Backyard Biodiversity Backyard Biodiversity
is working to protect
Your Council
and enhance the local environment
As a custodian of Boroondara’s natural and built environments, Council Showcasing our fabulous local and Above left: Native and indigenous plants on
display at the Maranoa Gardens Open Day.
is undertaking a range of actions from our Biodiversity Strategy and native flora
Above right: Colourful displays of
Biodiversity Corridors Plan to protect and enhance local biodiversity. Our Parks and Gardens staff use kangaroo paws and everlasting daisies
indigenous and native plants in brighten up traffic islands on local
Mapping and recording remaining local species roadways.
a number of public gardens and
Council has researched and recorded the natural treasures
other landscapes to showcase our
living around us in an Inventory and Assessment of
vibrant and attractive Australian
Indigenous Flora and Fauna in Boroondara. A surprising Our garden provides a
flora. Maranoa Gardens in Balwyn is
diversity of birds, mammals, reptiles, frogs and butterflies really restful and relaxing
a dedicated native botanical garden
still lives in our precious natural bushland. Amazingly for a environment and the native
featuring stunning displays.
built-up area, our records include Rakali (Australian Water- plants are essential stepping
rat), wallabies, echidna and platypus. While we have 343 Where appropriate, Council’s street stones for birds to move through
species of indigenous flowering plants and ferns, some 80% tree program focuses on using our suburbs. I know that in the
of them are threatened with local extinction. Above: Researcher Joanne drought-tolerant indigenous trees past people have been resistant
Henry from Practical Ecology in neighborhoods close to existing to native gardens because they
Protecting significant remnant bushland sets small traps for skinks and waterways and bushland reserves think they look untidy and
lizards in local bushland.
Did you know there are as many as 58 sites of natural where they suit the landscape and unattractive, but Australian
Below: To restore original
significance across Boroondara? Some of our remnant ecosystems, our staff harvests character of the area. plants can be used as part of
bushland is considered significant on a State level including seeds and takes cuttings from
formal, cottage and natural
surviving original plants to Encouraging sustainable gardening
bushland along the Yarra, the billabongs at Freeway
retain genetic diversity and and habitat planting on private land looking garden designs.
Golf Course, majestic River Red Gums at Beckett Park and protect the variety of plants
grassland at Markham Reserve in Ashburton. These remnant that belong here. This is where you come in! Brian and Diana, Hawthorn
ecosystems need help to remain intact and even thrive. Schools, homes and businesses line the
banks of the Yarra and are positioned
Investing in revegetation and restoration
close to other significant creeks and
Parks and Garden’s Environment Team restores, protects
habitats. You and your garden can play
and manages the threats to remnant ecosystems.
a really important role in helping to
It also encourages local communities to get involved
protect local plants and native animals
by supporting Environmental Friends Groups.
by expanding on and providing links
Important tasks include weeding and then
and stepping stones between our
replanting to fill gaps, creating walking tracks
biodiversity corridors.
to protect sensitive areas, and fencing vulnerable sites.
6 7
Backyard Biodiversity
Building on
what we have—

biodiversity corridors
Isolating plants and animals in small pockets dramatically increases
their chance of becoming locally extinct. Biodiversity corridors reconnect
isolated remnant and revegetated ecosystems. This allows animals, and
the seeds they carry, to move through the tree canopy, among bushes or
along the ground where there is adequate ground cover.
Boroondara’s biodiversity corridors link to remnant ecosystems in adjacent suburbs.
The Yarra River and creeks that pass through Boroondara can act as natural corridors
for our native plants and animals. While Council is enhancing the habitat along these
corridors, private gardens can play a vital role in extending existing corridors and
creating new links and stepping stones (or resting places) for birds and other wildlife.
I love the fact that you can use
As hundreds of wildlife-friendly gardens spring up across our suburbs, the cumulative
Australian plants to create a really
benefits for our local plant and animal life will be invaluable.
beautiful colourful garden.
Our garden is quite formal and over the years
I live near a biodiversity corridor and have lots of birds in my
garden. At night, I sometimes hear Boobook owls which live in we have gradually replaced the exotic plants and trees with
the trees nearby. I have included a nest box for rosellas in one Australian plants. Our aim is to have a cottage-style garden with
of my tall eucalypt trees. I’ve planted indigenous grasses so Australian plants. We’ve even substituted magnificent standard
birds can eat the seed heads and insects love the nectar-rich grevilleas for the usual standard roses or weeping cherry.
flowers in my “Scarlet King” Grevillea.
Just near our front door, we’ve created a rainbow garden made
I’m also involved in Tree Project, so each year I nurture up of layers of red, orange, green and blue flowers. It’s a truly
around 300 seedlings for farmers and revegetation
spectacular sight in spring. We have some wonderful trees that
projects in country Victoria. Just in case you’re
are frequented by lorikeets and honeyeaters, and our dense
wondering, I have a large water tank to keep
grevilleas and other native shrubs are visited by
my seedlings growing.
Eastern Spinebills and other small birds.
Jo, Ashburton
David and Sue, Surrey Hills
8 9
Backyard Biodiversity Backyard Biodiversity
Boroondara’s
Biodiversity
Plan
Corridors
Koonung Creek Corridor
Yarra River Road
Corridor EHasytderen P Farrekew ay CGorlarsidso Crreek Bulleen Doncaster Road
Balwyn North Corridor
TClihne rmkeaspa o nta pinacgger 1o1 shhsowass Bbotrhoiotendaa rmat’s 15u binodiicverispitya colrirtidyors. StuSdtPleuayd rPlkaeryk RoadChurch StreetPrincess StBrDeeentmark StureetrwCoooaKdorHdrei iwgRdho o SartdreBetarCkoerrCsro iRtdhooaarmd RoadBurke Road WhBiteelhmorosree RRooaadd Balwyn CRoadanCtaentrerbburuy rCoyrri Rdoroad Warrigal Road
R
Ibetni oacdlosiuov reianrgsdieitcsya yctooeursr stidpoo ecrcr ieoaarl taeenn ac e ohnuacrboaiugtareatm ggeeamnrdte eannrte. aaErvse.e aInf, yCifoo yuuo nluicvrie lh nsotemraoern agis l y Glenferrie HRRi.vAee.sr Ssedmravlieeth R oad Camberwell RoadOuter Circle BCacokr rCidreoerk
C
not in these areas, creating a wildlife-friendly garden will provide Toorak Road CWoirllriisdoonr orridor WCaottrlrei dPoarrk
an additional stepping stone and build vital habitat links.
By creating a backyard for biodiversity you can help: LEGENMDajor Corridors Gardiners Creek CorridoNrePttalrektonA shburton HRaerstewrevell
Creek Corridors Creek Corridor
Linear Corridors High Street AshPbaurrkton
• Create new stepping stones to fill • Increase the size of existing (small creeks, disused rail lines, walkways)
gaps between biodiversity corridors. biodiversity corridors. Stepping Stone Corridors Warner
(links between parks and reserves) N Reserve
• Reduce the risk of weeds escaping • Supplement small populations Biodiversity Encouragement areas
(where you can help by planting)
from gardens and invading our creek of local native plants and protect
Roads
corridors. them from local extinction.
Freeway
10 11
Backyard Biodiversity Backyard Biodiversity
Backyard
biodiversity
— let’s get started
Recipe for making a garden garden method
wildlife Wildlife
When you start gardening for wildlife, a little means a lot. Following Select recipe ingredients that suit your lifestyle, budget and physical
this simple recipe will help ensure your garden project is a success. garden — consider things like size, location, sunshine and slope. You
Recipe ingredients can include: can work in stages over time. For best results, include everything.
Be willing to experiment and seek advice—
A tall mature eucalypt or wattle. A warm sheltered corner plus
some rocks in the sun for lizards. the rewards will be well worth it.
A patch of natural mulch or leaf
litter for beetles and worms. Daisies for butterflies.
A clump of dense shrubs where Native grasses and groundcovers If you are planning a total garden transformation, we suggest asking
birds can shelter. as an alternative to lawns. a landscape designer to help develop an overall plan for you. Indigenous
and native plant nurseries may be able to suggest designers specialising
Nectar plants for honeyeaters. Keeping the garden chemical
in Australian plants and landscapes.
and insecticide free.
A birdbath in a high, sheltered
Greater plant diversity in your garden will attract the widest range of
location. Keeping cats in at night to protect
visitors. Do you especially love birds? Perhaps you have a good location for
nesting birds, reptiles and native
A frog-friendly pond. supporting a family of frogs? The following sections provide a guide to
mammals.
plants and other garden elements you can include in your garden to attract
specific types of animals.
Adapted from Bird Observation and Conservation Australia (BOCA) Recipe for a Wildlife Garden
12 13
Backyard Biodiversity Backyard Biodiversity
Inviting
more birds to your garden
• All birds need high-energy food • Provide an escape route. Include
because it takes a lot of energy to some dense or prickly small and
fly and their body temperature larger shrubs in your garden to
runs higher than ours. Include a provide shelter and safe nesting
range of Australian trees, shrubs sites for small birds. Plants with
and grasses in your garden to dense leaves and prickles enable
provide a variety of natural bird passage for little birds but restrict
food such as seeds, pollen, nectar access to larger birds and predators.
and insects. More specific ideas and
• Some birds, especially parrots
plants for different kinds of birds
and owls, like to nest in snug tree
— honeyeaters, parrots and other
hollows. Hollows form only in older
garden birds — can be found on the
trees but many old trees in the
Attracting next few pages.
native city have been removed. Providing
• Add a cat-proof birdbath. A shallow a nest box in your garden is a
dish of water located in an elevated, good substitute for a hollow but
birds to your garden
safe position will provide birds with remember that different
a permanent drinking and bathing birds require
place. A bath on a pedestal helps different nest
birds feel secure and able to keep an box shapes,
About 153 different native bird species visit eye out for predators. sizes and
entry
our suburbs. The noisy and colourful Rainbow
Lorikeets are very obvious, while other birds such w ny Frogmouth holes.
as tiny scrubwrens and thornbills are shy. Did you Ta Prickly Currant Bush
know that lorikeets started coming back to our
suburbs only about 30 years ago when we
began replanting native trees in our gardens?
14 15
Backyard Biodiversity Backyard Biodiversity
Silver
New Holland Hon Eastern Spinebill Lightwood Wattle
e
ye
a
Your garden ter
Perfect plants
for honeyeaters
honeyeaters
These hyperactive birds feed almost constantly. When they are not feeding Sweet Bursaria Trees for nectar
they are chasing, or being chased by other honeyeaters from their favourite Æ Lightwood or Hickory Wattle (Acacia implexa)
flowers. All honeyeaters have a hairy tongue for collecting and scraping pollen
Æ Silver Wattle (Acacia dealbata)
and nectar. Most honeyeaters combine honey, insects and spiders in their diet.
Inviting more honeyeaters Honeyeaters local Shrubs for shelter
to your garden to Boroondara Æ Hedge Wattle (Acacia paradoxa)
Æ Sweet Bursaria (Bursaria spinosa)
Honeyeaters are easy to please — they • New Holland Honeyeaters are Tree Violet
Æ Tree Violet (Melicytus dentatus)
need flowers with lots of nectar on tap, small, and black and white with a
insects and somewhere to escape if bright yellow patch on their wing. Shrubs for nectar
threatened.
• White-plumed Honeyeaters have Æ Native fuchsias (Correa glabra and Correa reflexa)
• Indigenous trees will be home to a piercing whistle. They are a dull
Æ River Bottlebrush (Callistemon sieberi)
the most diverse array of insects. colour except for the tiny white
Many honeyeaters feed in the tree stripes across the neck.
Other Australian plants you might like to include
ctraeneosp sye vaenrda lw tiimll veiss iat dthaey. same • Eastern Spinebills are our tiniest Native Fuchsia Banksias, grevilleas, hakeas and smaller eucalypts have
and daintiest honeyeaters. The
long-lasting nectar-producing flowers and provide shelter
• There are many indigenous shrubs adults eat only the nectar and
and nesting spots.
that have a good nectar supply. pollen from flowers but catch and
Many gardeners also enjoy the thrust insects down the throats of 
hundreds of cultivated grevilleas their hungry growing chicks.
with their showy flowers and All indigenous plants suggested in this book have
varied foliage. Some will flower been recommended by the Victorian Indigenous
Wattlebirds and Noisy Miners are
White-plumed Honeyeatermostp orof vthidei nygea ar cboumt tmheoyn layr esi aglhstoe gda hrodneney beualtleierss . River Bottlebrush Naluornsge rwieitsh C oot-hopere rsautiitvaeb (lVe IpNlCan) atsn, dfr aorme athvaeiirla nbuler,s ery
constant at Yarra Bend, Fairfield. VINC is a not for profit
Planting dense and prickly shrubs
supply of co-operative and nearly all the stock sold is
will encourage the smaller
nectar. propagated from seed and cuttings from local
honeyeaters by providing safe
plants. Contact VINC on 03 9482 1710.
places to which they can escape.
17
Backyard Biodiversity