Our Environment » Gardening Information for Residents   There are thousands of gardens in Lane Cove. Put together, these make up a large amount of green space which impact on our local environment! Consider the effects of weeds, garden chemicals, fertilisers... managing your garden well is important! Council provides information about the natural environment, native plants and practical ideas on how to manage residential gardens in ways that do not harm bushland. For example, the new Backyard Habitat program is for residents who want to provide a space for native animals in their backyard. *NEW* Lane Cove Plant Library - helps you choose the perfect plants for your garden! Planting local species Use the Plantfile search to find out what plants are most suitable for your garden. It includes many local native species and some exotic non-invasive plants. Don't forget to consider factors such as soil type, plant height, water usage, aspect and so on when searching the database. Lane Cove Council encourages residents to plant native species indigenous to the local area. This is worthwhile for a number of reasons: 1. You can help preserve the historic and aesthetic landscape qualities of the area. 2. You can provide valuable habitat for many birds, mammals, reptiles and insects that are still found through out the area. 3. Local plants selected with care, are already adapted to the local soils and microclimates, so they often grow more rapidly and need less constant attention. Wildlife friendly gardens **Join Council's new Backyard Habitat program** This program is designed to help you attract wildlife into your garden! Click here for further information. Plant selection is important in attracting native animals to your garden. Use a variety of plant types (from trees and shrubs to clumping plants), a number of different plant species and leave some undisturbed areas.      Small birds need refuge from larger aggressive birds such as Currawongs and Noisy Miners. Plant dense and spiky shrubs to provide safe nesting sites.      Possums prefer mature trees with hollows. Keep possums safe from predators by planting dense shrubs underneath, so they don’t have to come down to the ground.      Lizards enjoy basking on sunny sandstone outcrops, rocks and logs. Plant dense low shrubs and groundcovers nearby to provide some refuge.      Frogs prefer dense, moist low shrubs and groundcovers near clean water, with logs, bark and rocks nearby to shelter under. Click on the links below for further information on: Attracting native animals to your garden: www.lifeisagarden.com.au Plants to attract birds and wildlife: www.floraforfauna.com.au Bird identification: www.birdsinbackyards.net Frogs and frog habitat: www.frogs.org.au or www.frogsaustralia.net.au Written information is currently available for residents about: Noxious Weeds in Lane Cove Preparing your property in times of bushfire Trees and Shrubs that are most suitable for your garden and native to Lane Cove Native birds, frogs and possums Domestic pets           Backyard Habitat Program       Upcoming walks, talks and activities   Lane Cove Community Nursery   Lane Cove Eco Garden           Hibbertia dentata, a local climber         Leaf-tailed Gecko, a secretive local species