Media releases

Horticulture students from Federation TAFE will create a wildlife friendly garden display at this year’s Ballarat Begonia Festival. 

The garden will be designed to attract native insects, birds and mammals by providing food sources, shelter and safety, as well as nesting sites. 

Student Alex Clements-Tyler is undertaking a Certificate III in Horticulture and is part of the team creating the display. 

Alex, who works at a local nursey, has previously completed a Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management at Federation, and will use his knowledge of propagation to help meet increased demand for native plants in Victoria. 

The display will be set up in the Ballarat Botanic Gardens behind the Floral Clock on Gilles Street North and is open to the public from Friday 11 to Tuesday 15 March 2022. 

It includes: 

Layered planting to provide sheltered areas for native animals. 

Healthy soil to encourage plant growth and assist insects and fungi to thrive. 

Non-plant features such as an old wooden gate, stacks of logs, volcanic boulders, bird baths and bird boxes. 

Avalon Nursery are generously donating the use of their plants for Federation TAFE students to bring their garden to life. 

To find out more about the Ballarat Begonia Festival visit Ballarat Begonia Festival 

Quotes attributable to Federation University Pro Vice-Chancellor (Vocational Education and Training) and CEO TAFE, Liam Sloan 

“This is a terrific opportunity for our students to contribute to our local community, while showcasing their skills in a practical setting.” 

“It’s exciting to have our students out and about participating in initiatives that everyone can benefit from, including our wildlife.” 

Quotes attributable to Federation TAFE student, Alex Clements-Tyler 

“Our display is designed to combine native perennial shrubs, small trees and hard scape features like ponds and insect hotels to provide food, shelter and habitat for our native animals and insects.”  

“We have designed the display to be educational and inspire people to create their own drought resistant, native friendly and beautiful gardens in their own backyards.”