Using indigenous plants in your garden

Indigenous plants are also known as ‘locally native’. They are plants that occur naturally in an area and are adapted to the local conditions. Indigenous plants and animals depend on one another in complex ways. Some plant species have specific pollinators, and some insects have specific food plants.

Most indigenous plants are easy to care for - virtually maintenance free, requiring little or no watering under normal conditions. Their establishment does not require expensive, specialised soils, chemical sprays or fertilisers, as they are accustomed to the natural environmental conditions of the area. This means they save water, time and money.

Locally native plants are environmentally friendly, add beauty to your garden and provide food and shelter for fauna such as birds, stingless native bees and butterflies.

Planting indigenous plants

Step 1.Read Wildlife Gardens Maroondah

Wildlife Gardens Maroondah provides practical advice for the home gardener. This booklet is a collaboration between CRISP Nursery and Maroondah City Council.

Wildlife Gardens Maroondah(PDF, 24MB)

Step 2.Choose your plants

To find out what plants are native to Maroondah see Indigenous flora and fauna.

The garden's conditions

Select plants that are suitable for your garden's conditions such as soil type, light exposure, and water availability.

Is the area frequently waterlogged in winter? Page 14 of CRISP Magazine Spring 2022 has tips for planting in a winter wet space.

Providing for wildlife

The three essential elements that wildlife need to survive are food, water, and shelter. For more information see Creating a nature haven.

Step 3.Visit an Indigenous Nursery

Buy locally sourced indigenous plants and support your local community nursery.

Click on the tiles for more information about these nurseries:

Step 4.Start planting

When planting indigenous plants:

  • use native potting mix and mulch
  • ensure good drainage
  • when planting in pots, choose pots that suit your needs i.e. terracotta (which requires sealing), plastic (lightweight and easy to move), or upcycled objects. Consider the pot colour as darker pots attract more heat.

Watch this short video to see how to plant your plants properly.

Step 5.Nurture your natives

Indigenous plants are virtually maintenance free. These simple tips will help keep your plants happy:

  • water plants as needed - avoid letting the plants sit in water, as it can lead to anaerobic soil
  • prune the plants to promote healthy growth and abundant flowers.

Further information

For more information please email nature@maroondah.vic.gov.au.

Indigenous flora and fauna

Maroondah has a vast diversity of flora and fauna, including many rare and threatened species who depend upon our distinct habitat types.


Indigenous flora and fauna in Maroondah

Nature Havens program

The Nature Havens program supports residents to make their gardens more wildlife friendly. A member of Council's Bushland Management team will visit your garden and provide you with a report customised for your space.

 

Nature Havens program

Nature strip planting

Council approval is required to make any changes to your nature strip.


Nature strip planting

Nature News

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