Plants 

Choosing Plants 


Our program has a focus on indigenous plants but that doesn’t mean that other plants are not good to have in the garden too.  Indigenous plants mix well with exotics and attract more local wildlife such as butterflies and native pollinators. 


All plants contribute something to a wildlife garden so don’t worry if you like roses and rhododendrons, you don’t have to rip them out, consider adding some indigenous (local) plants as well. When choosing a plant ask yourself what wildlife will it bring to the garden?  See links to suggested plants below.  Sometimes it  is hard to track down indigenous plants but the more requests there are the more chance nurseries will try and stock them.


The terms indigenous, native, exotic, may be confusing, the photos below give a simple explanation on what the terms generally mean. Some plants exotic and Australian natives, may also be considered weeds in certain situations.

indigenous - is a plant that is naturally occurring in a local area

(Prickly Moses, Acacia verticillata)


native (Australian native) - could be from any area in Victoria or wider Australia

(Banksia blechnifolia)

exotic - plants that are native to other countries

(Dahlias)


weeds – plants growing in the wrong place, listed as noxious or environmental weeds. Some native plants may become environmental weeds. (Billardiera fusiformis Bluebell Creeper)

We highlight the use of indigenous plants for several reasons:

Find a handy list of local species with photos here  - Indigenous Plants for Ballarat Gardens 

Check our quick pick list - link

or check our bigger list -  link

Chrysocephalum apiculatum

Common Everlasting

groundcover

Dianella revoluta

Black-anthered Flax-lily

clumping plant

Kennedia prostrata

Running Postman

groundcover

Myroporum parvifolium

Creeping Boobialla

groundcover

Where to access local plants

Ballarat Wild Plants is one of the few nurseries that specialises in indigenous plants but the many of the other nurseries do have a range of native plants, see the list below.

 

As it is difficult to find local plants there are many advantages in learning how to grow your own plants from seeds or cuttings. Local seed may be purchased from Seeding Victoria 


Joining a local landcare or friends group is an enjoyable way to learn more about local plants and how to grow them Find a Landcare Group  

 

The Australian Plants Society Ballarat, garden clubs, landcare groups and community houses sometimes run workshops on propagation of native plants or look at Gardening Australia has a range of fact sheets and videos 

Pultenea pedunculata

Matted Bush-pea

groundcover

Indigofera australis

Austral Indigo

shrub

Pelargonium australe

Austral Stork's-bill

small perennial

Dodonea viscosa

Hopbush

large shrub

Before you buy


It  is reasonably easy and fun to go to a nursery and buy plants. Aside from the soil type, position and whether you want a tree or shrub, there are some other things to consider when buying plants, to ensure the plants you get will attract more wildlife to a garden:


Have a go at growing your own plants from seed

Germinating seeds

Keep a record of what you plant so you know what has been successful

Plants ready to go into the ground

Local Nurseries

There is a range of nurseries in the wider Ballarat area and we love to hear about new ones to add to our list.

 

Avalon Nursery 41 Kopkes Road, Haddon 53424519 Facebook link 

 

Ballarat Wild Plants 435 Joseph Street, Canadian by appointment 0409 388 014

 

Birdsong Nursery & Gardens 9 Baglin Street, Smythesdale  Facebook link 

 

Formosa Gardens 104 Leith Street, Ballarat 53356454 Facebook link  

 

Navigators 410 Navigators Road Navigators, 0421 935 017 Closes during winter Facebook 

 

Spot on Pots and Nursery 13-15 Wallis Street Delacombe,  53355368   Facebook link  


Try growing plants in containers

Containers add another planting opportunity

Try growing plants from cuttings

A box full of cuttings

Take time to enjoy our local area and visit  different places to see how our indigenous plants grow