Special Focus on Australian Natives

Plant a native garden.             

Choose suitable native plants for your climate and location.             

• Not all native plants are drought tolerant. They come from a wide variety of habitats. Choose wisely.
• Many Australian native seeds need special treatment to break seed dormancy. For example: fire, smoke or digestion by animals.

The Australian Native Plants Society is a good source of information about native plants.             

Fertilise a native garden.             

• Many Australian native plants are very sensitive to phosphorus.               
  Use a low phosphorus fertilser to avoid damage.
• The majority of Australian native plants prefer acid soil. Do not add lime. In limestone areas, choose local plants or other lime-loving plants.

Osmocote® Native Gardens is a controlled release fertiliser that is specially formulated for Australian native plants.             

Miracle-Gro® MaxFeed Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron Plant Food is a water soluble plant food that is also suitable for natives (it has a low level of phosphorus) and all acid-loving plants.             

Maintain a native garden.             

• Most Australian native shrubs require regular light pruning to encourage compact growth and to promote flowering.
• There are many native and introduced pests - use low toxicity sprays to avoid harming native wildlife.

Defender™ Pyrethrum Insect Spray is useful for soft-bodied pests and has low toxicity.