A Shady Footpath

While the focus this month is on extreme heat and how we need to adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change, some of us took time out today for a cool verge visit.

Feb 09, 2025

Cross-post from ACF Community Brisbane Northside

This is an example of how groups can leverage verge gardens to start conversations in the community and online about broader topics. In this case it is shade and heat, and the future we want for our children. If heat wasn't so topical, we could have done it about biodiversity. -

Gayle Dallaston

On 8th February, we visited Frank’s verge garden in the northern Bayside suburbs.

It felt much cooler in the shade of the street trees.

group of people standing in the shade on a Brisbane footpath

Frank’s focus is on local native plants to create biodiversity and habitat for insects, which of course supports the birds, lizards and other native wildlife. This is a video he made last year with Keep Sandgate Beautiful Association Inc. (KSBA):

We also heard about children who enjoy walking through this path. They call it “the jungle”, showing that it has become a landmark and special place for them.

Imagine if all of our streets were shady and interesting for children to walk to school and around their neighbourhoods. Following council verge gardening guidelines also keeps it safe for pedestrians of all ages.

The verge is also a great place for conversations: a neutral place where everyone is equal. We talked about the challenges of people who like the idea of planting but don’t know where to start, others who want to park on the verge (even though it’s illegal), and how we could help the council ensure new street trees survive the hot summer.

For more on planting your verge, see Understanding the Space – and follow your council guidelines. Every council is different. See guidelines for Brisbane and Moreton Bay.

Extreme Heat is Already Reshaping Children’s Lives

Find out more from the ACF article at What are heatwaves and why are they so dangerous? and check out the report on how extreme heat is reshaping children’s lives in Australia.

During February, we are working with Regen Brisbane and The Shady Lanes Project to explore how we all might come together to act at local, state and national levels to mitigate or adapt to urban heat and encourage more action on climate change.

Workshop: Urban Heat and Heat Islands

Sunday 16th February, 3pm to 5pm.
Bracken Ridge Library
77 Bracken St
Bracken Ridge, QLD 4017

More info and Register here