GardenSmart service

To help the Canberra community make a long-term commitment to water-efficient and sustainable gardening practices, the ACT Government offers a FREE GardenSmart service, valued at around $150.

Whether you'd like a formal or an easy care garden, a play space for kids or a productive garden full of fruit and vegetables, the GardenSmart service can help.

Our horticulturist will visit your home, school or community group and advise you how to make your garden more water-efficient and sustainable through clever plant choice and garden design, and give you practical maintenance and watering advice.

After the horticulturist's visit, residential home owners can apply for a rebate of up to $50 when you buy selected water-saving products such as garden mulch, drip irrigation systems or components, weeping hose, tap timers, soil additives for moisture retention, irrigation system controllers, moisture/rain sensors for irrigation systems, water wands, downpipe water diverters, greywater hoses, compost bins, worm farms and books on water-efficient or sustainable gardening.

Schools and community groups, although not eligible to claim the product rebate, can register for a FREE second follow-up visit. 

To register

  • use the the online booking form  to book in now; OR
  • print and complete the application form (pdf 88KB), then return it to GardenSmart  Program, Sustainability Programs, Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate, ACT Government, GPO Box 158, Canberra ACT 2601 or fax to 6205 3602.

GardenSmart is an ACT Government initiative designed to help the ACT community become more water-efficient and sustainable in the garden. The program is available to ACT residential dwellings, schools and community groups connected to ACTEW Corporation's water supply network.

For more information or to make a booking by phone, call Canberra Connect on 13 22 81.