Why indigenous plant species?

In using local (indigenous) plants in our gardens, not only can we provide habitat for fauna species, we may also help preserve species that are part of some very threatened plant communities.  

There are some wonderful wildflowers in our native grasslands that we may choose to use in our gardens. There is less than 1% remaining of Victorian Volcanic Plains grassland, so the more places we get those species growing - the better, to make sure we don't lose them.

Local plants may be added to existing gardens and mix well with other plants. You don't have to have a complete garden makeover. If you love roses and azaleas then look for native plants from the lists below, to see what you you could add into the mix. 

As long as you have some flowers that produce nectar all year around, seeds for the seed eaters, daisies for the butterflies and native bees, clumps of native grass for butterflies to breed and skinks to shelter and some prickly plants for small birds to hide in then you are establishing a wonderful wildlife garden. 

We are not totally focussed on indigenous plants because just having a few plants in your garden provides habitat for some wildlife.  By selecting from a greater range of plants we can improve the local habitat for even more wildlife.

Listed below are some plant suggestions and towards the bottom of the page is a list of nurseries. 

Where to buy plants?

Moorabool is a large municipality and some gardeners will be closer to Ballarat and others closer to Bacchus Marsh or Melton. The list of nurseries below is not extensive and if you have a favourite nursery to add to the list let us know by email. Many nurseries will not have local indigenous plants but may have a range of suitable native plants.

Avalon Nursery 41 Kopkes Road Haddon 53424519 https://www.facebook.com/AvalonNurseryBallarat/

Ballarat Wild Plants (Indigenous plants only) 435 Joseph Street Canadian by appointment 0409388014

Birdsong Nursery & Gardens 9 Baglin Street Smythesdale Wednesday - Sunday https://www.facebook.com/BirdsongNursery/

Bunnings Ballarat, Delacombe & Melton

Formosa Gardens 104 Leith Street Ballarat 53356454 https://www.facebook.com/FormosaGardensNursery/

Melton Botanic Gardens Friends Nursery  21 William Street Melton 97433819 The nursery is open with some limitations - 10am to 1pm - Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2nd and 4th Sundays https://www.fmbg.org.au/

Moorabool Landcare Network Landcare Nursery (wholesale only by appointment) https://www.mln.org.au/rowsley-nursery

Navigators Nursery Yendon Road Navigators (Wednesday to Sunday 10am - 5pm) navigatorsnursery.shop/ 

Spot on Pots and Nursery 13-15 Wallis Street Delacombe  53355368   https://www.facebook.com/SpotonNursery

True Green Nursery 137 Highett Road Melton 97435932

Wine Barrel Nursery Facebook 228 Scott's Lane Scotsburn opne weekends https://www.facebook.com/WineBarrelBanksias24/about

Wombat Native Plants at Bullarto ( currently closed for a while due to lack of water for the nursery) email landmanagement@me.com

https://www.facebook.com/Bullarto3461/

What pot size to choose?

Be careful on what sized pots you purchase. Bigger is not necessarily better but will they will be more expensive. Always check the root systems to make sure the pots are not root bound. Choose the smaller plants or ones in tubes. Leave any weeds in the nursery. Only experienced gardeners should buy plants form the 'specials' table.

Smaller plants planted in early spring will grow faster and end up better plants in the future. The longer the plants are in a pot or the more often they are re-potted into a bigger size the more chance there is a problem with their root system down the track. 

The exception to this is advanced trees from specialist growers. Make sure  you soak the pots in water until the bubbles stop before planting, tickle the roots before planting and water in well. Plants may need followup regualr watering until established.

Grow your own plants

There is nothing quite as satisfying as being able to grow your own plants. Many plants are easy to grow and do not require expensive equipment.There are many advantages in learning how to grow your own plants from seeds or cuttings. Local indigenous seed may be purchased from Seeding Victoria  or you could collect your own or swap seed with friends.

Joining a local landcare or friends group is an enjoyable way to learn more about local plants and how to grow them Garden Clubs, landcare groups and community houses sometimes run workshops on propagation of native plants. Gardening Australia has a range of fact sheets and videos https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/factsheets/