Remove lawn and weeds

Dig out the existing verge soil and any grass roots so that the verge ground level is at least 7.5cm below surrounding kerbs and paths.  This will allow for mulch on top and ensure finished levels are level with adjoining paths or kerbs. If the soil on your verge is very sandy or compacted, consider digging it to a greater depth to allow for the addition of soil conditioners.

Prepare the soil 

Good soil is the foundation of a healthy waterwise garden, the healthier your soil the more drought resistant your plants will be.

If using a range of exotic and native plants or if your verge will need be irrigated, we encourage residents to incorporate soil conditioners like composted organic matter and clay, such as Bentonite, within the top 30cm of soil to improve moisture and nutrient holding capacity. 

Perth’s sandy soils can become water repellent in dry weather. Applying a good quality soil wetting agent will increase ‘wettability’, allowing water to penetrate deep into the root zone. This is particularly important during planting, to help your plants establish and grow deep roots.

When buying soil conditioner or wetting agents, select products with the Waterwise and Smart Approved WaterMark symbols and refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates. For more information view the Water Corporations water saving products search.

Choose waterwise plants

Consider the existing conditions of your verge, such as soil type and sun exposure, and how they may influence your choice of plants.

Unirrigated dryland, native plants are the most appropriate for verge gardens as when established, they can survive our hot dry summers with little to no supplementary watering. These are typically local native plant species which are drought tolerant and common to your local area.

To find plants suitable for your local area and garden type view the Water Corporations waterwise plant directory.

Apply mulch

When applying mulch, spread a 5-10cm thick even layer of course mulch, keeping clear from the stem of plants. Mulching your garden will help to improve your soil, reduce plant stress and evaporation, suppress weed growth and greatly improve the appearance of your garden.

The finished mulch must be level with adjoining kerbs and footpath. This will ensure the mulch stays in place and does not spread or flow onto footpaths or into stormwater systems.

Irrigation

Ideally your waterwise verge won’t need a permanent irrigation system. Once established, unirrigated dryland, native plants can survive our hot dry summers with little to no supplementary watering.

If you do require irrigation, Water Corporation recommends sub-surface drip irrigation. If you need help with irrigation, your local Waterwise Irrigator can help.

Remember to check your watering days and be sure to apply for a watering exemption if your new verge garden needs additional watering.

Why adopt a verge?

There are many benefits to adopting your verge, including the greening of our local streets, increasing and fostering local biodiversity and establishing biodiversity corridors throughout the City.

As part of the program, we strongly encourage residents to plant natives as they have low water, fertiliser and maintenance requirements and thrive in the Western Australian climate.

How does the City of Vincent help?

The City will perform the required earthworks on the verge (boxing out and leveling), as well as supplying and installing a thick layer of mulch. Following the earthworks and mulching, it is the responsibility of the applicant to plant up and maintain the verge.

The City undertakes two rounds of Adopt a Verge each year, with one concluding in April and another in August. The timing of the rounds is designed to coincide with one of the City's Native Plant Sale, as well as to ensure all of the earthworks are completed at a time that is suitable for planting.

Terms and conditions

Sketched plan

• The sketched plan must include the approximate layout, verge dimensions, plant species, additional landscaping features proposed for use, location of reticulation and any underground services present.
• This sketch may be hand drawn.

Application assessment

• Upon assessment of the Adopt a Verge application, Officers may deem a location to be impracticable due to a number of reasons including (but not limited to) the location and number of verge tree/s, verge tree root systems, public utility services (and/or other services), gradient of the verge etc.

Earth works

• The City will perform the required earth works for both Full Round and Fast Track participants and supply and install a layer of mulch for Full Round participants only.
• This service is available one time per verge per address.

Timing

• The City will undertake earthworks and mulching for Full Round participants on a biannual basis, to coincide with the Local active Plant Sale in March/April and July/August each year, subject to appropriate funding being allocated in the annual budget.
• Once the development of the verge is complete, the maintenance of the verge will be the sole responsibility of the applicant/s.

Verge trees

• The City is required to perform regular pruning of the street verge trees.
• Maximum care will be taken whilst pruning is undertaken, however, some damage to verge gardens may occur during this time.
• Any verge reinstatement shall be the responsibility of the resident.

Plantings

• All plantings on the verge shall comply with the City’s Verge Treatments, Plantings and Beautification Policy 2.2.4 and must not obstruct access for vehicles and pedestrians or visually obstruct, sightlines, street signs or other services.
• Native plants suited to our climate need less water, are low maintenance and will look great in your garden. Use Water Corporation’s online directory to help design your garden.
• The development of the verge area shall ensure that no damage or obstructions are made to existing services. Any works undertaken by service providers may cause disturbance to the verge garden, and reinstatement shall be undertaken at the expense of the resident.

Resident responsibility

• Where the verge has been developed with Council approval, the resident shall:
  • Maintain the developed verge, ensuring the plantings are kept in reasonable health and not overgrown with weeds; and complies with the City’s Verge Treatments, Plantings and Beautification Policy 2.2.4
  • Comply with the City’s request to remove the developed verge if it is not cared for; and
  • Notify the City immediately if the verge is altered in any other way other than approved in the application.
• Once the development of the verge is complete, the maintenance of the verge will be the sole responsibility of the applicant/s.

Apply

Applications for 2027 are now open. 

Complete the online application form below. 

Applications must include:

• A written endorsement from property owner.
• A roughly sketched verge plan indicating the design, plant species to be used and any additional landscaping features.
• A Dial Before You Dig report to confirm if any underground services are present. 

This application is intended to be read in conjunction with the terms and conditions and City’s Verge Treatments, Plantings and Beautification Policy 2.2.4

On receipt of the ‘Adopt a Verge’ application the applicant will be notified of the outcome, including any recommended alterations to the design. Once the development of the verge is complete, the maintenance of the verge will be the sole responsibility of the applicant/s.

Apply now