Garden Demolition Rescue is a practical not-for-profit community initiative, organising volunteers to save plants from gardens prior to demolition.

“Established gardens are being demolished across Adelaide at an alarming rate, decreasing biodiversity and increasing the urban heat island effect.

The destruction of gardens lovingly nurtured for years is heartbreaking, unsustainable and environmentally damaging, so I decided to do something about it.”

Jane Marr
Founder | Garden Demolition Rescue

We aim to...

Save plants from landfill
Enrich existing gardens
Maintain urban green space
Maintain urban biodiversity
Ensure the continuation of heirloom plants
Help create a cooler urban environment
Reduce the urban heat island effect

Dedicated to my Great Grandmother (pictured) and my Dad and all those who have created beautiful gardens from rescued plants and cuttings.

“Being keen gardeners ourselves, we are very happy to know that the unusual and once beautiful plants of our soon to be demolished house will live on, due to the time and care of volunteers interested in conservation”

Louise and Mark,
Marden

Rescued plants are...

Donated to Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore which raises funds for housing projects
Utilised by Habitat for Humanity’s Brush with Kindness Program, which helps vulnerable families to refurbish their gardens and/or home
Donated to Unley Gardeners Plant Rescue, who raise funds for various charities
Planted by volunteers to enrich existing gardens
Given away via Buy Nothing networks
Donated via Grow Free carts
Donated to local seed libraries
Donated to community and school gardens

What can you do?

If you’re aware of a garden about to be demolished, let us know!

The most devastating thing is driving past a garden that has been flattened, knowing that we were too late. Contact us here.

Volunteer on our Garden Rescue Days

Join our community of Garden Demolition Rescuers. Please note that registration is mandatory. Contact us here to register as a volunteer.

We acknowledge that we live and work on the traditional lands of the Kaurna People of the Adelaide Plains, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge and respect the deep spiritual connection and relationship that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have to Country.