Open Gardens Victoria - Bent Street Garden

About this event

Can an inner-city garden become a haven for biodiversity? Bent Street Garden makes a compelling case. Set on a 372-square-metre block in Northcote, this young garden demonstrates how naturalistic planting, sustainability and wildlife habitat can flourish in an ordinary suburban setting.

Owners Andrew and Rose have lived here since 2004. As their family's needs evolved, they reimagined their Edwardian home and garden, placing sustainability at the heart of the project. In 2025, they engaged naturalistic landscape designer and plantsman Tim Pilgrim to create a garden where plants, people and wildlife thrive together.

The design unfolds across three connected spaces: a pollinator-friendly nature strip, welcoming front garden and secluded rear sanctuary. Nearly one-third of the planting is Australian native, complemented by hardy, drought-tolerant perennials and grasses selected for habitat value, movement and resilience. Crushed granite and brick paths lead through layered planting that attracts birds, bees, butterflies and other wildlife.

Every plant is catalogued in an online directory, while photographer Martina Gemmola is documenting the garden as it matures. Recently featured in Home Beautiful and The Design Files, Bent Street Garden offers inspiration for creating beautiful, biodiverse gardens at any scale.

Tim Pilgrim will speak and sign copies of his book, Wild by Design. Timed-entry tickets are required, and a portion of gate takings will support CERES. Visit the website for more information on timings.