The City of Hobart is giving away more than 4,000 free plants to encourage nature strip gardening across the city. This is part of the annual free nature strip plants program.
In addition, five households will win a trailer full of mulch from the City’s nursery. They will also receive a bucket of biochar and an established tree to plant in their garden. These prizes will help increase Hobart’s tree canopy.
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the program has made a big impact since it started in 2023.
“Since launching our free nature strip plants program last year, we have seen a strong increase in nature strip gardening,” Reynolds said.
“People of all ages—from individuals and families to whole neighbourhoods—are turning dull nature strips into lovely gardens for everyone to enjoy.”
She added that native plants, along with flowering plants like lavender and grevilleas, are popular choices. These plants attract pollinators and native birds.
“Nearly 8,000 plants have been given away in just two years. These plants were grown and cared for at our nursery before finding new homes in Hobart’s neighbourhoods,” Reynolds said.
“This year, we want even more people to take up the offer of 20 free plants per household.”
Reynolds encouraged past participants to apply again to refresh their gardens with new plants.
Helen Cushing, a freelance horticultural journalist, praised the program for bringing people together.
“Street gardens transform public spaces,” Cushing said. “They connect communities with nature, create beauty, and provide habitats for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.”
She described street gardening as a social activity.
“Neighbours stop to chat, passersby ask questions, and drivers often honk their approval. Everyone loves what we’re doing,” she said.
Cushing said street gardens help blend public and private spaces by encouraging sharing and care.
“Planting a nature strip can seem challenging, but our group helps residents by offering expertise, muscle, and fun,” she added.
Local nature strip gardener Patrick Meagher expressed his support for the initiative.
“I love these nature strip gardens,” Meagher said.
“Anything that brings the community together and sparks talks about nature and the environment is a good thing.”
He praised the council for offering free plants to residents.
