Getting Help with Your Garden Through the NDIS
Looking after a garden can be hard work. If your disability makes it difficult to mow the lawn, trim hedges, or keep your yard tidy, NDIS gardening services might be able to help.
The NDIS can fund garden maintenance when it’s related to your disability and helps you live safely at home. This means you can get support with essential tasks like lawn mowing, weeding, and keeping paths clear – all funded through your Core Supports budget.
At Mambourin, we understand that a well-maintained garden isn’t just about how it looks. It’s about safety, independence, and feeling comfortable in your own space.
Getting Help with Your Garden Through the NDIS. Cre: Instagram @aintreecommunitygarden
What NDIS Garden Services Include
NDIS garden services cover essential maintenance tasks that help keep your outdoor space safe and accessible.
Lawn Mowing and Edging
Regular lawn mowing stops your grass from getting overgrown. This reduces trip hazards and makes it easier to move around your yard safely.
Edging creates clear boundaries between your lawn and paths. This helps define walkways and keeps your outdoor areas tidy.
Weeding and Garden Bed Maintenance
Weeds can take over quickly if you can’t manage them yourself. NDIS gardening support includes removing weeds from garden beds, paths, and lawn areas.
Keeping garden beds tidy also helps reduce pests and makes your outdoor space more comfortable to use.
Pruning and Hedge Trimming
Overgrown branches and hedges can block paths, driveways, or windows. Pruning keeps plants healthy and makes sure they don’t create obstacles around your home.
Trimming hedges maintains clear sightlines and prevents branches from becoming safety hazards.
Green Waste Removal
After completing garden work, your support provider removes grass clippings, branches, and other green waste. This keeps your yard clean and safe.
Basic Garden Cleanup
General tidying includes clearing leaves from paths, removing debris, and keeping outdoor areas accessible. This is especially important after storms or in autumn when leaves fall.
What’s Not Covered by NDIS Gardening
The NDIS funds essential maintenance, not decorative improvements.
- Materials and plants aren’t covered. This includes soil, mulch, fertiliser, seeds, or new plants. The NDIS only pays for the labour involved in garden maintenance.
- Landscaping projects like creating new garden beds, installing water features, or major redesigns aren’t funded. These are considered improvements rather than necessary maintenance.
- Specialist services that anyone might need – like tree removal, pest control, or irrigation system installation – usually aren’t covered as they’re not disability-specific.
If you live with others who can help with the garden, the NDIS might only fund maintenance of the areas you use independently, like your own courtyard or access paths.
How NDIS Gardening Fits in Your Plan
Core Supports Budget
NDIS gardening services Melbourne and elsewhere come from your Core Supports budget under “Assistance with Daily Life” (Support Category 01).
This is the flexible part of your plan. If you have Core funding, you can use it for gardening when it’s reasonable and necessary for your situation.
The Support Item Code
Gardening falls under line item 01_019_0120_1_1 – House and/or Yard Maintenance. This covers performing essential yard activities that you can’t do yourself because of your disability.
What Makes It Reasonable and Necessary
The NDIS asks: Can you do these tasks safely yourself? If not, is there someone in your household who can help?
If your disability prevents you from maintaining your garden and you don’t have other support available, gardening services are usually considered reasonable and necessary.
NDIS Gardening Costs and Rates
Current Pricing
As of July 2025, the capped hourly rate for gardening and yard maintenance services generally ranges between $54.30 and $65.47 per hour, depending on your location and provider.
This rate includes:
- Labour by qualified gardeners or support workers
- All tools and equipment needed
- Green waste removal and cleanup
How Invoicing Works
Gardeners must charge by the hour. The NDIS doesn’t accept a flat fee for the whole job.
Any extra costs – like materials, transport, or special equipment – need to be built into the hourly rate. The total charge can’t exceed the NDIS price cap.
Travel Costs
Providers can charge for travel time to get to your property. This is usually:
- Up to 30 minutes in metro areas
- Up to 60 minutes in regional areas
Discuss travel charges with your provider before starting services so you know the full cost.
Finding an NDIS Gardening Provider
Registered vs Unregistered Providers
Not all gardeners need to register with the NDIS. Your plan management type affects who you can use.
If you’re NDIA-managed, you must use registered NDIS providers. They’re registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and meet specific standards.
If you’re plan-managed or self-managed, you can use any gardener who has a valid ABN (Australian Business Number). Many local gardeners and lawn care businesses aren’t NDIS-registered but can still provide services.
Questions to Ask Providers
When looking for a gardener, ask:
- What’s your hourly rate, including GST?
- Do you charge for travel time?
- What equipment do you bring?
- How do you handle green waste?
- Can you provide a service agreement?
- Do you understand NDIS invoicing requirements?
Setting Up a Service Agreement
A service agreement is a simple written contract that covers:
- What services will be provided
- How often will work be done
- The hourly rate and any travel charges
- Invoicing arrangements
This protects both you and your provider by making expectations clear.
Getting Started with NDIS Garden Services
If You Already Have Core Funding
Check your NDIS plan to see if you have Core Supports funding. If you do, you can start accessing gardening services right away.
Contact providers to discuss your needs. Tell them about your yard size, what tasks you need help with, and how often you want services.
Once you agree on terms, set up a service agreement. Your provider can then start work and invoice through your plan.
If Gardening Isn’t in Your Current Plan
You can request a plan review if your circumstances have changed. This might be because:
- Your disability has affected your ability to maintain your garden
- You’ve moved to a property with a yard
- Your support needs have increased
Talk to your support coordinator or LAC (Local Area Coordinator) about including garden maintenance in your next plan.
Working with Your Plan Manager
If you have a plan manager, they can help you:
- Find suitable gardening providers
- Check invoices are correct
- Track your Core funding balance
- Manage payments
Plan managers understand NDIS rules and can make accessing services much easier.
They can also help you explore other supports you might need beyond garden maintenance, ensuring you get comprehensive support across all areas of your life.
Why Garden Maintenance Matters
Safety at Home
Overgrown lawns hide uneven ground, creating trip hazards. Long grass and weeds can make paths slippery when wet.
Regular maintenance keeps outdoor areas safe, especially if you use mobility aids or have balance concerns.
Independence and Wellbeing
A tidy garden helps you use your outdoor space comfortably. You might want to hang washing, check the mail, or simply enjoy the fresh air.
When your garden is well-maintained, you can do these things without worry or risk.
Mental Health Benefits
Being unable to care for your garden can feel overwhelming. Professional gardening support takes away that stress.
Many people find that having a neat, accessible outdoor space improves their mood and sense of control over their environment.
Property Maintenance
Regular upkeep prevents bigger problems. Overgrown hedges can damage fences. Unmanaged weeds can crack paths or affect foundations.
Keeping on top of garden maintenance protects your property and avoids costly repairs later.
Tips for Managing NDIS Garden Services
Schedule Regular Services
Booking regular maintenance – like fortnightly mowing in the growing season – keeps your garden manageable. It’s often more cost-effective than waiting until the yard becomes overgrown.
Communicate Clearly
Tell your gardener exactly what you need done. If certain areas need special attention or should be avoided, point these out.
Good communication helps providers give you better service and prevents misunderstandings.
Keep Records
Track when services are provided and how much is spent. This helps you manage your budget and plan for future garden needs.
Your plan manager can help with this if you find it difficult.
Plan for Seasons
Think about what your garden needs throughout the year. Spring and summer usually need more frequent mowing. Autumn might need extra leaf clearing.
Planning helps you budget your Core funding across the year.
Common Questions About NDIS Gardening
Can I use my NDIS funding for a new lawn?
Installing new lawns or turf is usually considered a capital improvement, not maintenance. This wouldn’t normally be funded. However, maintaining an existing lawn is covered.
What if I rent my property?
NDIS garden services are available whether you rent or own. The funding helps you maintain your immediate outdoor space, regardless of tenure.
Can family help with some tasks?
If you have family or housemates who can help with some garden work, the NDIS might only fund tasks you genuinely can’t manage. Be honest with your planner about what support you have available.
How often can I have gardening services?
There’s no set limit. The frequency depends on your needs, your property, and your available funding. Most people schedule services every 2-4 weeks during growing seasons.
What happens if my provider doesn’t show up?
Discuss cancellation policies in your service agreement. Most providers will reschedule at no charge if they need to cancel. You might be charged for short-notice cancellations if it’s in your agreement.
How Mambourin Supports Your Garden Needs
At Mambourin, we provide NDIS person-centred support that includes helping you maintain a safe, comfortable home environment.
We also offer professional gardening services through our commercial solutions team. Our experienced gardeners can help with lawn mowing, maintenance, and keeping your outdoor spaces accessible and tidy.
Beyond gardening, we specialise in daily living support and community participation. We work with you to understand all your support needs – including keeping your outdoor spaces accessible and safe.
Our team can help you access the right services and ensure you’re getting the most from your NDIS funding.
Your Outdoor Space Matters
A well-maintained garden supports your independence and safety at home. With NDIS garden services, you don’t have to manage everything yourself.
Whether you need regular lawn mowing, seasonal pruning, or general yard cleanup, support is available through your NDIS plan.
If you’d like to discuss how Mambourin can support your daily living needs, including connecting you with quality service providers, reach out to our team.
Your home should work for you – inside and out.