Gardens, Verges & Trees

The Gardens, Verges and Trees Committee is made up of passionate residents dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of Hilton's native flora and fauna.

This active group focuses on creating green spaces that support local biodiversity, with efforts aimed at rewilding verges and promoting sustainable gardening practices.

The committee meets fortnightly on Tuesdays at 6:15 PM at Meerilinga Hilton, where members come together to plan and implement initiatives that protect and nurture our local environment.

Whether you're an experienced gardener or simply passionate about nature, the committee welcomes anyone eager to make a positive impact in our community.

Our Vision

The Hilton Precinct Gardens, Verges and Trees committee (GVT) is a community-based group run by and for the residents of Hilton to preserve and uphold Hilton’s ‘Garden Suburb’ heritage. We value our garden history and aim to protect and increase the area of sustainable native trees and plants in our precinct for the benefit and amenity of wildlife and for the education and enjoyment of current and future residents.

Our Aims

The Hilton Precinct GVT committee will aim to increase residents’ knowledge and understanding of our native flora and ecosystems and how this can be applied to create garden spaces that better support the ongoing survival of local wildlife. The committee aims to create partnerships with local verge garden groups, native garden groups, ‘Friends of’ groups and key organisations including Perth NRM, the City of Fremantle, Urban Bushland Council WA Inc and Nature Link.

Key Objectives

Gardens

To encourage and promote the establishment of water wise native gardens across the suburb, providing habitat for wildlife.
To encourage the establishment of garden wetland areas to support the needs of local wildlife.

Verges

To increase the area of sustainable verge gardens with low water requirements across Hilton.
To promote resident engagement in for the request for and maintenance of council planted verge trees.

Trees

To increase the area of tree canopy across the suburb through the protection and planting of native trees, particularly those trees which provide habitat and food sources for birds and other wildlife.
To promote smart building design on rear blocks/infill developments to encourage retention of existing trees and/or allowing for garden space and new tree planting.

Our Projects

Our committee has been actively involved in various projects to enhance the Hilton community. We have promoted Fremantle Council subsidised plants through posters and community outreach, organised busy bee activities around Hilton verges, and conducted an awareness campaign for the polyphagous shot hole borer, distributing 2,500 leaflets. We have also mapped verges with development and surveyed residents, receiving 55 responses.

Additionally, we successfully applied for a $20,000 grant for verge rewilding, with more details to be shared in February. As part of our ongoing efforts, we have distributed 3,500 tube stock from Valley Verges to Hilton residents.

Our ongoing efforts include reducing the use of second-generation rat baits through successful outreach to businesses and educating the community about bait-free processes. We regularly provide updates on these initiatives and others through the Hilton Hub, which has grown to include over 1,000 members.

Re-wilding Verges

Red Tail Black Cockatoo - Photo by Jeremy Emms.jpg

Black Cockatoo's

Polyphagous Shot-hole Borer

Hilton Owls

Verge Busy Bee's

Verge Maps

Garden Club