Sustainable Open Garden Trail

Join the Sustainable Open Garden Trail as part of the Ipswich City Council's Habitat Gardens program. Turn your backyard into a beautiful, wildlife-attracting haven using stunning and hardy native plants. Learn how to grow your own food and create habitat for local wildlife from Ipswich people just like you. For one day only, three local gardeners will open their suburban gardens to the public and share their passion and knowledge for garden. Locations Bellbird Park This well-established garden has been growing since the 1970s. Towering spotted gums, estimated to be hundreds of years old, stand alongside planted kauri pines to create an impressive canopy of height and shade. With sandstone close to the surface, the owners creatively used retaining walls to build soil and shape garden beds. Cottage-style plantings create a series of inviting garden rooms to explore, inviting wildlife and inspiration at every turn. A wonderful example of how thoughtful design and persistence can transform a challenging site into a flourishing garden, with plenty of ideas for hobby gardeners to take home. White Rock This White Rock garden demonstrates how even the newest estates can become havens for wildlife. The owners have transformed a blank canvas into a thriving ecosystem, planting 386 different plants (from 137 species), 97% of which are locally-native, and incorporating a water feature, climbing vines, and perching branches, all designed to support native wildlife. In a time where new estates can be ecological dead-zones, this property challenges that by creating a vibrant, biodiverse habitat stepping stone. This property provides plenty of inspiration for homeowners looking to create quick habitat to support biodiversity in their own backyards. Woodend This garden showcases rainforest tree species rarely seen in urban backyards. The owners have achieved an impressive high canopy with a diverse understory, creating a lush and layered landscape. The front garden has been reshaped several times and now features a cultivated mix of natives and exotics, with red and pink flowering plants that are a favourite of pollinators and honeyeaters. This garden is a great example of how a backyard and the environment can coexist. Across the road is the well-maintained Smith Park Bushcare site. Take some time to explore the trails and gain inspiration for your own garden. Important information: Addresses will be provided a few days before the event. Please ensure you register a ticket for everyone in your group, including children. The walk includes gravel and loose surfaces. This activity requires a reasonable level of fitness and balance. Please wear enclosed shoes, a hat, and bring a water bottle. Please read the Risk, Responsibility and Waiver form before attending the event (do not print). By registering for this event, you will be required to sign this form on the day before entering the property. This includes waiving rights that you might otherwise have had. Sustainable Ipswich To find out about other events happening in Ipswich during September and October visit Ipswich.qld.gov.au/sustainability.