Giving away native plants
With the annual Local Native Plant Giveaway set to open for Burnside residents on 2 June, now is the perfect time to think about ways to develop biodiversity in your backyard.
St Georges resident Kay Loechel has received plants from Council’s Local Native Plant Giveaway for the past two years and has planted wildflowers, grasses and shrubs to support native bees, butterflies and birds.
Kay said she got involved as she wanted her backyard to provide a space where local wildlife could thrive.
“I was trying to recreate the habitat for native birds, bees and butterflies, so I chose a range of plants from groundcovers through to larger shrubs and a few small trees. I have a small backyard and so far it’s been a success, I’m seeing a lot of native wildlife visiting,” Kay said.
“I bought this property four-and-a-half years ago and I designed a look I wanted, had a landscaper conduct the heavier works and remove the lawn, and from there I was able to plant the tube stock and other plants I received from the giveaway in 2021.
“If people are looking to introduce native plants to their garden it can just be a small space rather than an entire lawn area, even that will make a difference and will be worthwhile to attract native wildlife to their yard. Once established the plants are fabulous and low maintenance.
“I think adding native plants to your backyard is really worthwhile and I encourage people to get involved in this year’s giveaway.”
Kay, who also grows a wide variety of vegetables at home, was recently a runner up in the City of Burnside’s Environment Awards in the Inspiring Garden category and said she is now looking at opportunities to beautify the verge outside her home.
Every plant in the giveaway is grown by our hard-working volunteers at the Biodiversity Nursery on Conyngham Street. We use only local seed or cutting material to ensure conservation of local genetics.
Council’s Technical Officer Conservation and Land Management Dr Mark Ellis said the Local Native Plant Giveaway was a great opportunity for residents to diversify the plant life in their garden and provide a home for various species of wildlife.
“The local native species we have on offer have grown in the Burnside area for thousands of years and having them in your garden is the best way to encourage birds and beneficial insects to come to your property,” Mark said.
“Biodiversity is so important for things such as pollination – for example, native blue-banded bees are vital in the pollination of food plants such as tomatoes, as well as other species that cannot be pollinated by European honeybees.
“The volunteers at the Biodiversity Nursery have been hard at work cultivating species for this year’s giveaway, which is always very popular. We invite the community to order their plants online and get involved.”
While the plant giveaway is free for residents, we do encourage a gold coin donation for each plant to support charity. Last year over $3,000 was raised for Koala Rescue Inc, with almost 4,000 plants collected by the community.
You can redeem your plants from 2 June at www.burnsidebiodiversity.com.au
Kay Loechel at home with native plants collected from the Local Native Plant Giveaway.