Landcare Serpentine Jarrahdale - Free Verge Plant Program 2024

The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale is seeking enthusiastic residents to participate in the Free Verge Plant Program 2024. This initiative, run in conjunction with the Serpentine Jarrahdale Landcare Group and funded through the Water Corporation’s Waterwise Council Program, aims to enhance our community’s biodiversity, beauty, and environmental sustainability.

Plants in our environment increase biodiversity for our native birds and animals, cool the environment, enhance the look of our streets, and improve health and wellbeing. Small localised projects like this can make a significant difference and encourage your neighbours to get involved too.

The available plants include a selection of locally native species and other native plants that can tolerate our local conditions. These plants can be used to infill existing verge gardens or create new ones. Water Corporation has this resource available to get you started: Waterwise Verge Best Practice Guidelines.

To help you make your selection, please view the Landcare-SJ Keeping it Local Plants Guide.

We only have a limited number of plants available, so please register early. The Shire will provide a quantity of free plants based on the size and location of your verge.

Eligibility:

You must be a resident in the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale and living in your own home (not a rental).
Be able to provide proof of residency in the Shire (on request when you collect your plants).
Be prepared to undertake any necessary site improvements to accommodate the planting and maintain the verge plants thereafter.
Plant according to the Shire’s roadside planting guidelines (i.e., sight lines, to be attached).
Be available to collect the plants on Saturday, 29th June 2024, from Mundijong between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Plants cannot be collected before or after the event.
Be prepared for the Landcare SJ Group to contact you after planting and promote your verge garden.

Plant Distribution:

Urban Properties (under 4000 m²): 5 plants per property
Semi-Rural/Rural Properties (4000 m² and over): 10 plants per property
We will have enough plants on the day for 115 Urban and 170 rural properties.

Please note that plant distribution is on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to arrive early.

Participants will be requested to report back to the Shire with images of their planted verges to help us track the success of the program.

Event Details:

Date and Time:

Date: Saturday, 29th June 2024
Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
TIP! You can also enjoy the SJ Farmers Market, which will be happening at the same time, offering a variety of local produce, crafts, and entertainment. For more details, visit their Facebook page.

Location:

Venue: Landcare SJ Carpark Facility
Address: Mundijong, WA

Plant Pickup Instructions:

Select Your Pickup Time: When registering, you will need to select a specific pickup time slot between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM on Saturday, 29th June 2024. This helps us manage the flow of participants and reduce waiting times.

Specify Your Property Type: During registration, please indicate whether your property is Urban (under 4000 m²) or Semi-Rural/Rural (4000 m² and over). This will determine the number of plants you are eligible to receive.

On the Day of Pickup:

Arrive at the Landcare SJ Carpark Facility in Mundijong at your designated pickup time. The address and parking instructions will be provided in your registration confirmation email.
Bring Proof of Residency: You will need to show proof of residency in the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale. Acceptable forms of proof include a driver’s licence, utility bill, or rates notice with your name and address.
Bring a Box: Please provide your own box, bag or carrier to transport your plants safely home.
Check-In: Upon arrival, proceed to the check-in station where our volunteers will verify your registration and proof of residency.
Plant Allocation: Once checked in, you will be directed to the plant distribution area. Our team will assist you in collecting your allocated plants based on your property type:
- Urban properties (under 4000 m²): 5 plants per property
- Semi-Rural/Rural properties (4000 m² and over): 10 plants per property

Post-Collection:

Planting Guidelines: You will receive a copy of the Shire’s roadside planting guidelines to ensure your new plants thrive and comply with local regulations.
Follow-Up: Be prepared for the Landcare SJ Group to follow up with you after planting. We encourage you to report back with images of your planted verges to help us track the success of the program and promote your beautiful new garden.

Additional Information:

Safety Measures: Please adhere to any safety guidelines and instructions provided by staff on the day. This includes following directions for parking and plant collection to ensure a safe and orderly process.
Assistance: If you require assistance with transporting your plants to your vehicle, please let our volunteers know, and they will be happy to help.
Weather Considerations: The event will proceed rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for the weather and be prepared for outdoor conditions.

We appreciate your participation and cooperation in making the Free Verge Plant Program 2024 a success. Together, we can enhance our community’s biodiversity and create a more sustainable environment. Thank you for your commitment to our shared goals.

This initiative is proudly co-funded by Water Corporation’s Waterwise Greening Scheme and forms part of our ambition for the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale to be a leading waterwise community.

Contact: For any queries, please contact the Landcare Serpentine Jarrahdale Group: freevergeplants@landcaresj.com.au

Register Now!