FREMANTLE’S green thumbs are being encouraged to add their touch to the city’s verges to create lush, flowering oases.

The local council has developed new guidelines to clear the green tape and is even planning to host events and workshops to give homeowners some hot tips about creating a cool street.

Fremantle mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said verge gardens supported the city’s urban forest aspirations while also helping water conservation.

• Freo council has released new verge garden guidelines to help green up the city.

“There are so many social, environmental, and economic benefits to creating a verge garden,” Ms Fitzhardinge said.

“It doesn’t have to be plants or ground covers, verge gardens can also include seats or benches, swings and play equipment, community libraries, even edible gardens.”

White Gum Valley has had its own verge group, Valley Verges, who’ll be at the official launch of the guidelines at Sullivan Hall on Sunday May 5 to provide expert advice.

Dave Broun from Valley Verges says their suburb is graced by wide verges which makes for great fun, as well as bringing people together to take climate action and preserve biodiversity.

“It’s great seeing people working together to bring shade, flowers, bush foods and birds to our suburbs. We grow plants, share laughs, and learn together,” Mr Broun said.

The guidelines include the best plants and materials to use on a verge, sample garden layouts, water-wise tips, and rules about safety.

by MAX BENNETTS