How a neglected Melbourne train station became a thriving, drought-tolerant community garden oasis

Gardening · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In Melbourne's north, a once-overgrown patch of land beside a train station has been transformed into a resilient perennial garden. Driven by the late Louise Tinney, this community project relies on drought-tolerant plants, volunteer maintenance, and a unique approach to pruning that mimics the natural grazing habits of local wildlife.

The garden, located in Northcote, Victoria, on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country, serves as a testament to community-led urban renewal. Originally managed by a local gardening group, the site fell into disrepair before Louise Tinney spearheaded its revival. Her dedication was hands-on; she famously transported water for new plantings using old milk bottles carried in shopping trolleys. Tinney was also known for her ability to engage the public, frequently recruiting passersby to assist with planting and watering efforts.

Following Tinney's passing in 2021, the garden has been maintained by a dedicated group of locals, including her daughter Miranda and sister Fiona. The garden's design philosophy has evolved over time. While it initially featured a collection of exotic perennials, the current volunteer team is actively integrating indigenous and native species, such as Kangaroo grass, Pigface, and Pine banksia. This shift reflects a broader commitment to sustainability and local ecology, ensuring the space remains a vibrant, low-water environment.

In 2019, the site joined the Stationeers program, an initiative managed by Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria that encourages residents to beautify VicTrack-owned land surrounding railway stations. Today, this program encompasses 60 station precincts across the state. Maintenance at the Northcote site is a collaborative affair, characterized by regular monthly meetings and a specific pruning technique dubbed 'wallaby pruning.' This method involves small, frequent trims of outer leaves to replicate the natural grazing patterns of wallabies. Beyond the horticultural work, the volunteers emphasize the importance of community connection, ensuring that every session includes time for shared cake.

The garden stands as a living legacy to Tinney’s vision, demonstrating how small-scale, volunteer-driven efforts can transform neglected public spaces. By balancing exotic perennials with native flora, the group has created a resilient landscape that survives without supplemental watering. The project highlights the power of local stewardship in managing urban infrastructure, turning transit corridors into meaningful community assets that continue to grow and evolve under the care of those who cherish them.

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