Kingborough Council is part of the Sparking Conversations Igniting Action Program, a bushfire resilience project working across Greater Hobart to help communities better prepare for bushfires.
Mayor Paula Wriedt said the shared goal is to encourage community conversations and inspire actions that are an important step toward reducing bushfire risk.
“We’ve developed a guide called ‘Bushfire and Garden Plants’ to help people create more bushfire resilient gardens.” Cr Wriedt said.
“By understanding the flammability of common garden plants grown in the region, good garden design can help minimise bushfire risk.
“During a bushfire, embers can ignite vegetation and other flammable items around your home.
“While all plants can burn under the right conditions, some are less flammable than others.
“The Margate Fire Station features a great example of a low-flammability garden design.
“With the right preparation and smart garden design, your property has a much higher chance of surviving a bushfire,” Cr Wriedt said.
UTAS Fire Centre Researchers have put more than a hundred common garden plants through their fire lab.
The Researchers test each plant for how easily it burns, how hot it burns, how long it burns and how much of the plant burns.
The results have been categorised for trees, ferns, herbs, shrubs and succulents with the flammability rating for each species ranges from low to very high.
“The Bushfire and Garden Plants guide provides a quick reference for lower flammability options to minimise fire risk when designing your garden,” Cr Wriedt said.
“It is particularly useful for those living in bushfire prone areas.
“Incorporating a variety of native plants can create a more resilient ecosystem, attracting birds, insects and wildlife that will enhance the overall health of your garden.
“If your garden features highly flammable plants, consider spacing them out and keeping them at a safe distance from your home.
“By combining fire-safe practices with biodiversity-friendly choices, you can create a beautiful and resilient garden,” Cr Wreidt said.
Sparking Conversations Igniting Action is a joint bushfire resilience program with the Greater Hobart Councils including Kingborough, Clarence, Glenorchy and Hobart
The ‘Bushfire and Garden Plants’ guide can be picked up from Kingborough Council Civic Centre and from selected nurseries and garden centres.
You can also access the guide online at www.sparkingconversations.com.au
For more information on preparing for bushfire visit the Tasmania Fire Service website and download their Bushfire Safety Guide at www.fire.tas.gov.au
Kingborough Council’s website also includes information on preparing for an emergency including creating emergency kits for your family and your pets www.kingborough.tas.gov.au/emergency-management/
Paper copies of all these documents are available at Kingborough Council Civic Centre.