The strip of land between your front boundary and the kerb is often the most neglected part of a property. In many suburbs it is patchy lawn that someone has to mow. More councils now allow residents to plant gardens on the verge, also called the nature strip. Before you start digging, though, it helps to know that the rules are set by your local council.
This guide looks at what councils commonly allow and what they rule out. It uses guidelines from Brisbane City Council in Queensland and the City of Joondalup in Western Australia as examples. Rules differ from council to council, and some do not allow verge gardens at all. Always read your own council’s current verge policy before you plant.
Who looks after the verge
The verge is usually public land, but the household next to it is generally expected to keep it tidy. The Brisbane City Council verge garden guidelines say the adjacent householder is responsible for the garden and must keep it safe and tidy. Joondalup’s guidelines say owners and occupiers must keep verge treatments in good condition. Both councils keep the right to remove gardens when they need to carry out works.
Brisbane does not issue permits for verge gardens. Instead it gives residents a checklist, and if the garden meets the guidelines you can go ahead. If you cannot meet the guidelines, you cannot put in a verge garden. The guidelines also only apply to properties in a residential zone, and you cannot plant on a neighbour’s verge without their permission.
Keeping paths and sight lines clear
Safety for people walking and driving comes first in every verge policy. Brisbane requires a clear pedestrian path at least 1.2 metres wide. It also asks for a gap between the kerb and the garden so vehicles can reach the footpath. Gardens must not block the view of drivers on the road or those using a driveway.
The City of Joondalup street verge guidelines set a maximum mature plant height of 600 millimetres. Where there is no footpath, a 1.5 metre walkable zone must be kept from the back of the kerb. Clear sight lines are required near intersections, bends and driveways. Climbing plants must be kept clear of power poles, light poles and street trees.
Choosing plants for the verge
Brisbane allows only groundcovers and low growing plants, with no trees or tall shrubs. Joondalup bans thorny, poisonous or hazardous species, and Brisbane asks residents to think about allergies, thorns and poisonous plants. Brisbane encourages native or waterwise plants and warns that many garden plants can become weeds in bushland. Edible plants are allowed in Brisbane, but passers by may pick them.
Think about how big each plant will be when it is fully grown, not how it looks in the pot. A plant that stays low and neat will save you a lot of pruning. Low, tough plants also cope better with foot traffic and car doors. Many recent landscape design trends favour this kind of relaxed, low water planting.
Materials that are not allowed
Hard edges and loose materials cause the most problems on verges. Brisbane does not allow loose gravel, crushed brick or other stone aggregate on verge gardens. It also rules out hard landscaping, planter boxes and raised edges such as bricks that could trip someone. Organic mulch is permitted but should sit level with the footpath or grass.
Joondalup does not permit rocks, stakes, star pickets, wire fencing, frames, planter boxes or retaining walls on verges. It prefers organic mulch such as pine bark at a depth of 50 to 100 millimetres. Gravel mulch is only allowed inside garden beds. Some hard surfaces such as permeable paving are allowed in Joondalup, within set area limits.
Watering a verge garden
Councils take different approaches to irrigation on the verge. Brisbane’s guidelines do not permit irrigation systems in verge gardens. Joondalup allows reticulation but sets clear rules for how it is installed. That difference is a good example of why you need to read your own council’s policy.
In Joondalup, pipes must be laid 150 to 300 millimetres below the surface with no fittings sticking up. Pipes must be at least 250 millimetres from the footpath or kerb, and half sprinklers should point away from roads and paths. Valves must sit inside your property rather than on the verge. Watering is limited to permitted watering days unless an exemption applies.
Services, street trees and liability
Verges often carry water, gas, power and telecommunications services below the surface. Both councils tell residents to check for underground services with Dial Before You Dig before starting work. That free service now runs as Before You Dig Australia. Damage to services must be reported straight away. The property owner pays for repairs caused by their own works.
Street trees belong to the council. Brisbane says residents must not prune or remove them, and Joondalup requires approval before planting a tree on the verge. Joondalup also requires a gap of 1 metre between a street tree and any hard surface. Brisbane notes that the council is not responsible for restoring verge gardens damaged by animals, people or weather.
Getting help with a verge project
A verge garden is a small job, but it still needs care around services, levels and plant choice. If you hire someone, check they understand your council’s verge policy before they start. Our list of questions to ask before hiring a landscaper is a good place to begin. It is also worth confirming they hold suitable landscaping business insurance, since the work is on public land.
A neat, low verge garden can lift the look of the whole street. It also ties the front garden to the road in a way patchy lawn does not. Street appeal is one part of how landscape design can boost your home’s value. Keeping within council rules means the garden can stay in place for years.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for a verge garden?
It depends on your council. Brisbane does not issue permits and instead asks residents to follow a checklist. Other councils may require an application, so check your local verge policy first.
How tall can verge plants grow?
Joondalup sets a maximum mature height of 600 millimetres. Brisbane allows only groundcovers and low growing plants. Both councils require clear sight lines near driveways and intersections.
Can I use gravel on the verge?
Brisbane does not allow loose gravel or stone aggregate. Joondalup only allows gravel mulch inside garden beds. Joondalup also says hard surfaces on the verge must be free of sharp or loose material.
Who pays if I damage a pipe or cable?
Both councils say the property owner pays for repairs caused by their works. Check for underground services before you dig. Report any damage to the responsible authority straight away.
