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Although the nature strip is not technically part of your land, it’s generally the first thing people see when they walk or drive past your home.If you’re selling, a nature strip overgrown with weeds or used as a dumping ground is likely to turn off potential buyers faster than you can say “NO SALE!”Before last year, the extent to which you could make use of your nature strip was basically restricted to open grassland. Due to their heritage status, this still applies to <a href="https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/1392088/Nature-Strip-Guidelines-2019.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">some housing precincts</a> in Ainslie, Braddon, Reid, Barton, Griffith and Forrest.If you don’t live in these precincts, here are 4 welcome guideline amendments that can help you uplift your nature strip and create greater street appeal…<h4>1. Compacted gravel or mulch</h4>For areas of Canberra where natural grass is difficult to grow, soil is like clay, and tough weeds sprout up at lightning speed, compacted gravel can be an attractive and low maintenance alternative.The guidelines state you can only lay gravel on up to 50% of the strip and not under the drip line of trees, with the remainder reserved for shrubs or grass.However, mulch is another great alternative as there is no ratio restriction. It’s also available in a wide range of colours, such as straw, red or charcoal to complement your front landscaping.<h4>2. Fruits and veggies</h4>Yes, you can turn your nature strip into your very own veggie patch! While the fruits of your efforts may not be as protected as those planted in your backyard covered with netting, it’s certainly a great way to add a unique (and tasty) addition to the front of your home.Popular fruits and vegetables for nature strip planting include tomatoes, strawberries, pumpkin, carrots, lettuce and beetroot. Herbs can also add a great aroma – especially if you plant peppermint, basil and oregano.<h4>3. Plants and garden beds</h4>Perhaps the nicest change to the guidelines is the ability to move from just grass, to a combination of grass and garden beds.Spring is the perfect time to start digging, as it gives plants a chance to mature before the summer heat really sets in. You’re also allowed to install temporary protective fencing for up to 13 weeks so they don’t get trampled.There are a range of beautiful and hardy plants recommended for nature strips, such as:&gt; native daisies&gt; silver bush&gt; blueberry lily&gt; grevillea&gt; lavender cottonIf you can select plants that complement the landscaping of your front yard and the colour scheme of your façade, the bright addition will certainly add pep to your street appeal.<h4>4. Garden edging</h4>Garden edging creates beautiful clean lines between different landscaping materials, and makes for an attractive border for garden beds.If you want the edging to accentuate your property, try to follow the architectural lines of your home’s façade and choose complementary colours and textures.<h4>What’s not on the list</h4>Unfortunately things like new trees, water fountains, retaining walls, artificial grass, and pavers are still not on the list of approved nature strip additions.However with a little planning and investment, there’s no limit to what you could create under the current guidelines.Why not get stuck in this weekend? Step onto your street and see what others’ see when they walk past your home – then imagine what you could do to leverage the nature strip and become the envy of everyone in the street!For more information on the nature strip guidelines, visit <a href="https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Transport Canberra and City Services</a>.

4 nature strip changes to boost your home’s street appeal

The ACT Government has this week introduced temporary regulations to help renters affected by COVID-19.Supporting the Federal Government’s announcement of a moratorium on evictions, any tenants in the ACT who are unable to pay their rent will not be able to be evicted by their landlord, provided they can show they’ve been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This means tenants will need to prove they have stopped earning income or had a reduction in income of at least 25% due to the COVID-19 pandemic to qualify.A rental freeze also applies to these COVID-19 impacted households, so any tenants who fit under the above criteria cannot be given a rental increase during the relevant period.In cases where a tenant is affected by COVID-19, they can instead negotiate a rental reduction with their landlord, which will be put in writing for a designated period of time.The temporary regulations also touch on issues including non-urgent repairs and inspections. During the relevant period, landlords or agents will only be able to access a residence with the tenant’s consent, or for urgent repairs or matters. Instead, inspections of the property have to be done by video chat or other electronic means.Want to know more? <a href="https://legislation.act.gov.au/View/di/2020-46/current/PDF/2020-46.PDF" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">You can read the full regulations here</a>.

2 news articles with tag law

4 nature strip changes to boost your home’s street appeal

Here’s how the ACT’s new COVID-19 tenancy rules will affect renters and landlords