This year marks a special milestone for Gardens for Wildlife (G4W) in Knox - our 20th anniversary. What began as a local initiative has grown into a movement, inspiring communities across Victoria and beyond.
The G4W program is built on collaboration and co-design, bringing together Council, volunteers, residents, local traders and the Knox Environment Society (KES). At its heart, it's about creating gardens that support wildlife and strengthen biodiversity.
Our dedicated volunteers visit homes and businesses, offering practical advice on how to make gardens more wildlife-friendly. From planting indigenous species to adding water sources, these simple steps create vital habitats for birds, insects and other native species.
The program started because the community asked for it. Knox resident and KES volunteer Irene Kelly played a key role in making it happen.
"Despite the incredible efforts of local conservation groups, Council and passionate community members, our native species in Knox were disappearing," Irene says.
"Many risked extinction and our bushland areas were increasingly isolated. Something had to change. That's how Gardens for Wildlife came into being-a simple yet powerful idea: every garden can make a difference."
By planting indigenous species, residents create 'stepping stones' of habitat that link bushland areas, allowing wildlife to move safely and helping pollen and seeds spread. This keeps ecosystems healthy and resilient.
It's not just wildlife that benefits-the program has brought the community together with a shared purpose. People feel empowered knowing they're making a real difference. And the success speaks for itself: the Knox program has been adopted by 23 other Victorian councils, and here in Knox, over 1,000 households are actively involved.
"Together, we can turn Knox into a thriving network of life," Irene says. "Your garden matters. Join us in giving our wildlife the help they need-because if we act now, we can protect these species for generations to come."
Join the Celebration
We're proud to celebrate 20 years of Gardens for Wildlife with everyone who has contributed to this incredible journey. Want to get involved? Visit knox.vic.gov.au/gardensforwildlife and discover how your garden can make a difference.
