For someone who considers himself an "avid amateur gardener", David Adams attracts some pretty rare and exciting visitors to his Camberwell backyard.
Thornbills, grey fantails, currawongs, rainbow lorikeets, eastern spinebills and wattlebirds: They all come to enjoy the little native bush haven David has created in suburbia.
Even a spotted pardalote, normally known to forage in eucalypt forests, recently visited his garden.
"People lose sight of the simple joy that birds in the backyard can bring," David said.
"If you looked at my backyard on Google Earth, you'd see a little green oasis surrounded by roads and development, but the birds find their way here."
In 2019, David took part in Council's award-winning Backyard Biodiversity program, which teaches residents how to use native plants in their own backyards to create habitat 'stepping stones' for local wildlife.
A few existing mature eucalypts, callistemons and a mulberry tree in David's yard are now complemented by indigenous wattles, banksias, correas and grasses grown from the tube stock plants he received as part of the program.
David explained the native plants tend to do better in his garden. One wattle now towers above him.
His eyes have also been opened to the delicate ecosystem all around him, and the possibility of rebuilding habitat.
"The program exceeded my expectations. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and worthwhile," David said.
2021 Backyard Biodiversity program
The 2021 Backyard Biodiversity program is held from May to June and includes workshops, garden tours, expert indigenous landscaping advice, as well as vouchers for native plants.
Participation is free, however spaces are limited, so registrations are essential. Registrations close on 30 April 2021.
