Growing these nine green friends will help keep Aussie’s wildlife and bees alive!
Australia is well known for its iconic wildlife, but our ecosystems often find themselves under increasing pressure, with the risk of bringing some species closer to extinction.
Ensuring that our beloved animals thrive and live a long legacy for future generations is paramount! The good news is that we can help with simple actions such as providing wildlife with the native plants they need.
What can we do?
The best thing you can do is choose your plants wisely and select local native species for your gardens and outdoor areas. This will ensure that our Australian animal species have a safe place to call home.
Luckily, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to native plants. SEQ alone is home to over 4,000 flora species, many of which once called urban areas home. In different ways, they all provide shelter or food for a variety of animals such as bees, koalas, birds, lizards, frogs and so many more!
Choosing native plants has the added benefit of enhancing our flora and safeguarding its survival into the future. It is a win-win!
Here are a few plants that are good for the garden (check which ones are local to your area):
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Gum trees (Eucalyptus) – The humble gum tree is an Australian staple and home to our iconic (but now endangered) koala! Interesting fact: there are some local species – such as Eucalyptus curtisii – that would easily fit into a Brisbane backyard. While the flowers are often white, they are jam-packed with nectar, which attracts native bees and many different birds.
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Banksia – SEQ has some amazing local banksias! Banksia integrifolia is great for larger gardens, while Banksia spinulosa is excellent for smaller yards. They both have colourful flowers and will attract bees, birds, and small mammals!
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Bottlebrush (Melaleuca) – Another iconic plant in Australia! Well known for their cylindrical brush-shaped flowers. There are quite a few local species that are ideal for gardening beginners, require little maintenance, but still provide food and a home to possums, lizards, insects, and birds.
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Wattle (Acacia) – Brisbane has its own local species – Acacia fimbriata – but there are heaps of other fascinating wattle species in SEQ (such as Acacia complanata). These fast-growing shrubs and trees have beautiful yellow or white flowers and can provide shelter, habitats, and food for birds, as well as attract native bees.
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Grass Trees (Xanthorrhoea) – Awesome plants with fantastic flower spikes that attract a wide variety of native birds and insects.
A great hint is to talk to your local nursery as many can supply locally sourced plants!
If you have a balcony - we have got something for you as well!
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Native Violet (Viola species) – Lots of local species, one of which (Viola betonicifolia) is an important host plant for one of our rarest butterflies. Generally blue-flowered and love a bit of sun!
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Native Bluebell (Wahlenbergia stricta) – With 13 species, these beautiful royal blue flowers attract a wide range of bees and butterflies!
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Everlasting Daisy (Xerochrysum) – If you want bees and butterflies on your balcony, everlasting daisies are not going to let you down. Each stem supports a flower up to 40 mm in diameter and there are some colourful locals! They tolerate heat and perform best in full sun but can endure a bit of shade.
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Geraniums – We have some great local species – such as Geranium solanderi – which can grow as groundcovers under dappled shade in established gardens or a spot on a balcony with a bit of sun!