Add native plants to your garden
Every garden in Australia can be a barrier to the extinction of native animals and insects, if we incorporate native plant species. Here’s how you can help at your place.
Moreton Life
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Every garden in Australia can be a barrier to the extinction of native animals and insects, if we incorporate native plant species.
That’s the view of CREEC Community Nursery manager Warwick Hill, and he’d like nothing more than to see grevilleas, acacias, leptospermums and hakeas flourishing across the region.
“If we can get everyone to create tiny microclimates in their backyard and there’s another one next door, and another next to that … it’s a simple as that,” Warwick says.
“Without this, our unique creatures won’t exist in 50 years time.”
Growing native plants in your garden is also the perfect way to teach your children about the creatures, big and small that call Australia home.
Planting the right mix of species will attract native birds, butterflies, possums, lizards and even koalas.
Warwick says koalas need corridors of habitat trees, so they are safe when travelling from one place to the next.
Colour is vital in attracting females of any species, particularly birds and butterflies, which will in turn attract males. Red is a magnet for brightly-coloured critters.
Native plants that grow fruit or berries will attract smaller fruit eaters such as lizards, water dragons and skinks.
And did you know leptospermums have small white flowers that produce nectar, which acts as an antibiotic for native insects and bees? Well, now you do.
If you want to create a haven for lorikeets, a melaleuca red bottle brush in the weeping form is a winner.
The native peanut tree is popular with possums, kookaburras, magpies and crows, while the lemon-scented myrtle will attract bees, moths and nectar eaters, which love the creamy, yellow pompom flowers.
Creating a natural water feature at home will not only provide a home for native aquatic plants and fish, it will also act as a drinking hole for butterflies, birds and small animals.
Warwick recommends you make sure it is only 15-20cm deep, lined with black plastic, and filled with mosquito-eating fish and native duck weed. The duck weed will keep the water clean for the fish.
You need to ensure small animals and insects can easily get in and out — the shallow depth and use of water plants will help in this regard. And keeping it small and shallow means you don’t need to fence it.
TIPS FOR ATTRACTING WILDLIFE
● Only plant native species in your garden
● Establish a cross-section of native plants
● Design your garden, rather than adopting a haphazard approach. Decide what you want to attract and find out what will grow in your area
● There is no such thing as a low-maintenance garden. You have to be prepared to do the work
● Ask for advice on plant selection, position, soil preparation and maintenance
● Talk to a community nursery about which plants belong in your area. There are some areas where particular species won’t thrive
● Ensure you use the correct fertiliser
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