Top 5 Garden Freebies and Discounts from Your Local Council
Looking for cheap ways to beautify your garden? Many local councils in Australia are now offering a variety of programs and initiatives to encourage their residents to plant native species, compost organic waste, and grow their own veggies. While some are only available to rate-payers, others are open to all residents in the local council area.
Here are 5 discounts and freebies that are currently available from selected local Australian councils:
1. Free Native Plants Many local councils offer free trees and shrubs to residents. This is a great way to enhance your garden and save some $$. While most of the trees are natives to suit the local climate and soil conditions and support the local wildlife, some councils also offer fruit trees. Check out your local council to see if there's a scheme near you, or visit the links below for offers available from the following councils:
2. Free Mulch
Mulch is a great way to improve your soil
quality, retain moisture, and suppress weeds. Some local councils, such
as Glen Eira City Council and Yarra City Council offer free mulch
to their residents at designated locations. You'll need to bring your
own bags, containers, or trailers to collect the mulch, and availability may vary depending on stock levels.
3. Cheap Compost Bins or Worm Farms
Composting is a natural way to recycle your organic waste, such as food scraps, lawn clippings, and leaves, into nutrient-rich fertiliser for your plants. Many local councils now offer subsidised compost bins or worm farms to their residents. You may need to attend a workshop or register online to receive your compost bin or worm farm. To see if there are discounts available from your local council, visit Compost Revolution
4. Free gardening workshops and advice Many councils are now offering free workshops and other events both in-person and via Zoom. Topics include small space gardening, native plant selection and care, composting, worm farming, organic gardening and permaculture. If you live in Melbourne, visit the My Smart Garden website for a list of events. For those in other parts of Australia, visit your local council website or search on Eventbrite.
5. Seed Libraries
Need some free veggie seeds to start your veggie garden? Seed libraries are a great way to get started! Membership is usually free - the idea is you "borrow" seeds, grow your veggies, and then "return them by donating seeds back after you've harvested your produce. Some of the councils with seed libraries include:
More Cheap Stuff(and Freebies!)
Other ways to score some garden freebies include:
- Gumtree, facebook marketplace, freecycle or your local buy nothing group.
- Op shops can be a great place to find garden pots, tools or ornaments
- Most states in Australia allow seaweed to be collected from selected beaches for use in gardens. Check your local council or state government website for more info on any limits or restrictions.
- Try growing new vegetables from your veggie scraps! Spring onion is an easy one to try.
Happy gardening! 🌱
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