(21/5/2019) Freo verges getting a makeover

More than 30 households across Fremantle will be giving their verges a makeover in the next few weeks with help from the City of Fremantle.

The City’s Verge Preparation Assistance Scheme is one of a number of incentives the City offers residents to establish a verge garden.

Under the scheme, the City assists eligible residents to prepare their verge by removing soil, grass and vegetation and delivering free mulch.

Applications are called for every autumn, with priority given to Seniors Card or Health Care Card holders and residents with large verges.

In total 38 properties will be receiving assistance this year, with 120 cubic metres of mulch delivered. The work started last week and will continue until mid-June.

The mulch comes from material recycled from the City’s tree pruning program and kerbside green waste collections. In the City’s most recent green waste pick-up, conducted in late April and early May, around 321 tonnes of material was collected. 

In addition to the Verge Preparation Assistance Scheme the City of Fremantle also offers access to subsidised native plants.

During the month of May Fremantle residents can download a voucher to purchase up to 40 native plants from APACE nursery in North Fremantle at just $1.50 per plant. Download your 2019 voucher.

Establishing more verge gardens is a key element of the City of Fremantle’s One Planet and Greening Fremantle strategies.

Verge gardens are encouraged because they beautify the street, use less water, help reduce the urban heat island effect and provide a home for native wildlife.

The City has prepared an information booklet with advice on landscaping and planting a verge garden, has free mulch available for collection from the City’s recycling centre and will also plant and maintain street trees at no cost to residents.

Find out more about our verge garden program on the Trees and Verges page on our website.

To watch a video about the Verge Preparation Assistance Scheme click here.