A coffee table photo book inspiring residents to create residential wildlife gardens is available from seven local libraries and electronically through Wodonga Urban Landcare Network’s website.
The 40-page book produced by Gardens for Wildlife Albury-Wodonga, features more than 100 images from nine local gardens, including one with cat enclosures.
“We wanted a quality product, so we’ve used professional photographers, designers and editors to pull together this engaging and educational book,” Gardens for Wildlife Project Officer Lizette Salmon said.
Habitat Gardens of Albury-Wodonga provides rich inspiration for novice green thumbs to experienced wildlife gardeners.
“The book illustrates a cross-section of gardens, small to big, flat to steep, formal to informal, cottage style to contemporary to the natural bush look. All provide havens for native birds, insects, reptiles and small mammals,” Ms Salmon said.
Hyphen – Wodonga Library Gallery’s Library Services Co-ordinator Meaghan Brown said gardening books are one of their most popular book categories.
“A book featuring local gardens will be of great interest to our library visitors. It’s wonderful that they’ll be able to take inspiration from other community members and learn how to create their own wildlife-friendly spaces at home.”
North East Catchment Authority’s Marina Murua said wildlife gardens do more than provide pretty visitors to admire.
“Urban sprawl and land clearing are among the main threats to native species, but cities still play a critical role in biodiversity conservation that is often overlooked.”
Urban environments can provide valuable habitats for wildlife, sustaining local populations and supporting others that travel across the landscape for food, water, shelter, breeding and migratory purposes – such as the Regent Honeyeater and the Swift Parrot.
“These nationally threatened birds are two of the 51 threatened animal species listed in Albury-Wodonga that benefit from urban conservation measures and wildlife gardens. Even solitary trees can provide vital resources and stepping stones through the landscape,” Ms Murua said.
Habitat gardening also improves health and wellbeing, just as any gardening does. The physical and psychological benefits of exercise, fresh air and time in nature have long been understood.
“There’s so much to gain from habitat gardening. No matter your own garden, tastes and budget, we hope you’ll find ideas and inspiration within these pages to welcome some wildlife into your garden.” Ms Salmon said.
Local libraries with copies of the books include Wodonga, Albury, Lavington, Beechworth, Yackandandah, Rutherglen and Tallangatta. The online copy can be accessed here.
Gardens for Wildlife Albury-Wodonga is a program of Wodonga Urban Landcare Network.
This project has been supported by the North East Catchment Management Authority’s Bush for Birds project through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program, by the Victorian Government as part of the Victorian Landcare Grants Program, and by the Rotary Club of Albury-Wodonga Sunrise Inc, Rotary Club of Albury West, Rotary Club of Wodonga West and Rotary Club of Belvoir-Wodonga.