Native plants do more than look beautiful. They form part of the intricate relationships that have developed between plants, wildlife, soils and climate over thousands of years. By choosing plants that naturally occur in your local area, you can help support the biodiversity that makes your region unique.
Plants with a purpose
Local native plants provide food and habitat for wildlife, from nectar and pollen for native insects to berries, seeds and shelter for birds. Their suitability to local conditions can also make them a practical choice for gardens, particularly when species are matched to the site's soil, sunlight, drainage and exposure.
Not all Australian native plants are native to every part of Australia. A species that thrives in tropical Queensland may struggle in the dry summers and coastal conditions of South Australia. That's why understanding your local vegetation communities is such a useful starting point when planning a garden.
Start with your local landscape
Consider which plants would naturally have grown in your area before urban development. Resources such as NatureMaps SA can help you explore local vegetation communities and the natural environment around you.
You don't need to recreate an entire bushland ecosystem in your backyard. Even a small selection of locally appropriate trees, shrubs, grasses and flowering plants can provide valuable habitat.
A garden filled with local native plants can be more than a pretty space. It can become a little piece of the local landscape, helping native wildlife find the resources it needs to survive.
