Victoria: Free Plants, Rebates and Garden Freebies

Who: Casey residents.

How: Register in March for a voucher redeemable for free indigenous plants. You can also request a free garden assessment to help you choose the right species for your property.

Who: Stonnington residents.

How: Check stonnington.vic.gov.au for event dates. The giveaway runs at announced locations across the municipality, and seedlings are first come, first served.

Who: Local residents of the Mornington Peninsula.

How: Attend free tree giveaway events run by the Shire throughout the year. The Briars Nursery also sells indigenous plants at low cost, and some are available for free depending on the program. Check the Shire website for event dates.

Who: Mornington Peninsula residents. One claim per household per year.

How: Purchase a compost bin, worm farm or bokashi system, then apply to the Shire for the $50 subsidy.

Who: Private property owners, schools and community groups in the Yarra Ranges.

How: Apply via yarraranges.vic.gov.au. The program provides free native plants to help revegetate and connect wildlife corridors across private land.

Who: Cardinia Shire residents.

How: Run in partnership with the Cardinia Environment Coalition Nursery. The giveaway runs periodically throughout the year. Check council's website or social media for upcoming dates.

Who: Any property owner in the City of Greater Geelong.

How: Submit a request at geelongcity.vic.gov.au. Planting runs from April to September each year. Council handles species selection, planting and establishment.

Who: Greater Geelong residents.

How: Council partners with Wormlovers to offer discounted compost bins, worm farms and accessories. One discounted product per household.

Where: Council Operations Centre, 40-46 South Street, Hadfield.

How: Bring your own trailer or ute. The mulch is available during business hours on a self-serve basis. No booking required.

Who: Community gardens in the Merri-bek municipality.

How: Community garden groups can request free recycled compost delivery through council. Over 450 cubic metres have been delivered since 2019.

How it works: Trained volunteers visit your garden for free, identify what wildlife habitat you already have, and give tailored advice on native plants to attract birds, insects and other wildlife. Some participating councils include free plant vouchers as part of the program.

Participating councils: Knox, Darebin, City of Melbourne, Boroondara, Geelong, Casey, Kingston, Merri-bek and Brimbank. More councils join regularly.

How to join: Visit the Gardens for Wildlife Victoria website for the full list of affiliated councils and sign up through your local council's program page.