Firewise Gardening showcased at the Perth Garden Show

Firewise Gardening took centre stage at a recent Perth Garden Show, where thousands of attendees were introduced to practical, life-saving landscaping techniques designed to reduce bushfire risk. The initiative, led by the Bushfire Centre of Excellence (BCoE) in collaboration with The Forever Project, showcased how thoughtful garden design can play a crucial role in bushfire preparedness.

The Firewise Gardening in Western Australia guide, launched in June 2024, has been helping homeowners design gardens which reduce the risk of property loss during a bushfire.

At the event, attendees watched as a blank canvas was transformed into a firewise garden, featuring resilient plants, non-flammable mulches and strategic layout principles. Steve Wood joined Chris Ferriera from The Forever Project to provide expert advice on each stage of the garden’s creation.

“The Firewise Gardening initiative is about empowering people to take practical steps that protect their homes and loved ones,” said Chief Superintendent John Tillman. “It’s not just about aesthetics - it’s about resilience.”

Staff from the BCoE were on hand to answer questions, distribute educational materials and engage with the public on how to apply firewise principles in their own backyards. The exhibit sparked meaningful conversations and inspired many to rethink their landscaping choices with safety in mind.

If you missed the event or would like to revisit the highlights, you can watch the demonstration garden come to life in the event video.

Find out more: The Firewise Gardening in Western Australia guide is available for free on the DFES website.

For further information, email bushfirecoe@dfes.wa.gov.au