Resources
This resource page is being continually developed as we source useful links, references and places to visit. We hope these suggestions provide you with information and ideas to make a great wildlife garden.
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Nurseries
There’s a number of plant nurseries around Ballarat. Ask them about local native species and other great native hardy substitutes. Many plants are seasonally available.
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- Avalon Nursery, 41 Kopkes Road, Haddon VIC 3351
- Bonshaw Nursery, 149 Bells Road Smythes Creek, 3352 Ballarat
- Formosa, 102 Leith Street, Redan
- GrowMaster, 9527 Western Fwy, Warrenheip VIC 3352
- Lambley, Ascot 395 Lesters Rd, Ascot VIC 3364 (stocking perennial and vegetable seeds and hardy exotic perennials)
- Spot on Pots, 13-15 Wallis Street, Delacombe VIC 3356
- Wild Plants, 435 Joseph Street, Canadian VIC 3350 (phone beforehand to confirm). A commercial nursery growing local indigenous native plants, mostly for acreage.
Some books you might find interesting and inspiring:
Habitat- A practical guide to creating a wildlife-friendly Australian garden. AB Bishop 2018 ISBN: 9781760523473
Gardens for a Changing Climate, Jenna Reed Burns 2008; ISBN: 9781920989859
The Australian Garden Designing with Australian Plants By: Diana Snape, 2011
Websites/online guides.
There’s many interesting guides online. Here’s some we’ve used and recommend. Click on the links to explore:
A number of designs for nestboxes so you can provide homes for birds, bats and tree-loving mammals:
Fed Uni nestbox-info-and-patterns
A blog about local plants and animals that help support wildlife on private property: Natural Habitat Highlights
The ABC has a number of fact sheets for gardening. Check the tips for backyard biodiversity and how it benefits your garden:
https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/factsheets/backyard-biodiversity/11260610
https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/factsheets/a-wild-garden/9434786 ( a Knox G4W gardener featured in 2013)
This regional program from Central Victoria provides information about wildlife gardening. Key principles and suggestions are included:
https://connectingcountry.org.au/education-resources/take-action/wildlife-friendly-gardens-2/
Sustainable Gardening Australia provide information and support for creating sustainable gardens. Learn how to create garden beds from scratch:
https://www.sgaonline.org.au/gardening-tips/
An annual citizen science event. Why not download the app to register the birds you see in and around your own backyard:
http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/
A video (~40 minutes) on Facebook by Dr Holly Parsons from BirdLife Australia, Creating a bird friendly garden