• Insect abundance: seven times higher than on conventional grass strips.
• Species richness: approximately double that of grass-only strips.
• Bees: the strongest responders, closely tied to the number and diversity of flowering plants.
• Butterflies and beetles: positive responses, though more variable.

"Bees showed the strongest affinity for these gardens and were positively associated with the number of flowers and the number of different plants in flower," Bell said.

The study used a before-after-control-impact design, meaning researchers compared the same strips before and after planting while tracking unplanted strips as controls. That approach strengthens the case that the gardens themselves — not seasonal swings or site differences — drove the insect gains.

Still, the findings come from a single council area in Melbourne's north, so results in other cities, climates or vegetation types may differ.

Can one garden make a difference?

Bell argues that individual gardens are valuable but collective action is far more powerful. Because road verges thread through entire suburbs, linking many small plantings could create connected habitat corridors for pollinators and other wildlife.

"While individual nature-strip gardens are a great start, collective urban-greening actions on nature strips have the capacity to effectively support pollinators in cities," Bell said.

The findings carry implications for local governments and policymakers seeking practical ways to improve urban biodiversity. Councils across Greater Melbourne already permit residents to garden in nature strips, and many actively encourage the practice through urban greening and biodiversity programs.

"Many people still hold the perception that gardening in their nature strip is prohibited or discouraged, but councils across Greater Melbourne permit it. We encourage residents to check their local council guidelines and consider getting involved," Bell said.

"This research provides evidence that can support council investment in nature-strip gardening and help inform future biodiversity strategies."

What about people, not just bugs?

The benefits extend beyond biodiversity, Bell said. As cities and human populations grow, more people encounter less nature in daily life — a phenomenon researchers call the "extinction of experience," in which people become disconnected from and apathetic toward the natural world.

"As people in cities become disconnected from nature, the streetscape presents an opportunity to support well-being and nature connectedness," Bell said. "People who are more connected to nature do more to protect it."

In other words, a patch of native flowers beside the road may feed bees in the short term — and nourish human commitment to conservation in the long run.

Publication details: Philippa L. Bell et al., "Enriching streetscape habitat for urban insects: A before–after-control-impact study in Melbourne, Australia," Journal of Applied Ecology (2026). DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.70567.