Illawarra Native Garden Guide

GROW LOCAL Illawarra Native Garden Guide

1 Acknowledgements (p34), Forest Oak (p35), Swamp Mahogany (p36), Coast Grey A joint sustainability initiative by Wollongong, Shellharbour Box (p38), Wombat Berry (p41); www.danielhopper.com.au: and Kiama Councils, assisted by the NSW Government through Mulching (p9); Alison Mellor: Nest box (p14), Yellow Robin its Environmental Trust. (p12), Illawarra Flame Tree (p16 and p35), Leo Reynolds: Sugar Glider (p14); Bethany Bell: Green and Golden Bell Frog (p13); GROW LOCAL: Illawarra Native Garden Guide has been Tony Marsh: Tussock Grass (p17); John Tann: Blue Flax-lily developed by Jedda Lemmon, Natural Resource Officer, (p17 and p20); Black She-oak (p30), Brush Cherry and Brush Wollongong City Council; with review and advice from Gary Muttonwood (p31), Water Gum (p33), Pencil Cedar and Prickly Leonard, Leon Fuller, Vanessa John, Carl Glaister, Alison Mellor, Paperbark (p35); David Houston: Fairy Fan Flower (p21); Stuart Byron Robinson, Yvette Barrs, Uncle Reuben Brown, Peter Gill, Cohen: Gristle Fern (p21); Ilena Hach: Lobelia (p22); Suzette Gaby Kirwood, Debby Downes, Paul Formosa, Damian Gibbins Hosken: Striped-Wallaby Grass (p24); Ian Sutton: Broad-leaved GROW LOCAL and Sue McGregor. Hakea (p24); Brian Myers: Common Tea-tree (p25), Black Photography Wattle (p30), Two Veined Hickory (p37), Old Man’s Beard (p40); Photography by Jedda Lemmon, unless otherwise credited Doug Beckers: Toothed Daisy Bush (p27); Byron McGregor: Illawarra Native Garden Guide below: Plum Pine (p35); Gary Leonard: Forest Redgum, Port Jackson Fig and Thin-leaved Stringybark (p38-39). Luigi Timpano: Tawny Frogmouths (cover); Kate’s Photo Diary: Why Grow Local Native Recommended Plants...... 19 Brisbane Laurel (cover and p24), Dampiera (p20), Native Design Plants? ...... 4 Ground Covers ...... 20 Broom (p26), Christmas Bush (p32), Snow in Summer and Bettina Kaiser art+design How to Use this Guide...... 5 Shrubs ...... 24 Willow Bottlebrush (p33); Charlie Dove: Green Catbird (p4); Printed on Tudor, Australian 100% recycled paper Planning your Garden ...... 6 Small Trees ...... 30 Barry Daniel: Leaf Beetle (p5); Tony Rodd: Coastal Saltbush Planting Zones ...... 7 Trees ...... 34 (p6 and p25), Woollybutt (p10 and p37), Dune Fan Flower Copyright Looking after your Garden .... 9 Large Trees...... 38 (p20), Grey Tussock Grass (p21), Weeping Grass (p23), Daisy © 2011 Wollongong City Council, Shellharbour City Council, Creating a Habitat Garden... 11 Vines and Climbers...... 40 Bush (p25), Sandpaper Fig (p33), Bangalay and Celery Wood Kiama Municipal Council and NSW Environmental Trust Garden Styles...... 15 Resources...... 42

Illawarra Biodiversity and Local Food Strategy for Climate Change

This project has been assisted This resource has been prepared with a companion guide, by the New South Wales GROW LOCAL: Illawarra Edible Garden Guide. Together Government through its they provide a comprehensive introduction to sustainable Environmental Trust gardening in our beautiful region.

2 3 Acknowledgements (p34), Forest Oak (p35), Swamp Mahogany (p36), Coast Grey A joint sustainability initiative by Wollongong, Shellharbour Box (p38), Wombat Berry (p41); www.danielhopper.com.au: and Kiama Councils, assisted by the NSW Government through Mulching (p9); Alison Mellor: Nest box (p14), Yellow Robin its Environmental Trust. (p12), Illawarra Flame Tree (p16 and p35), Leo Reynolds: Sugar Glider (p14); Bethany Bell: Green and Golden Bell Frog (p13); GROW LOCAL: Illawarra Native Garden Guide has been Tony Marsh: Tussock Grass (p17); John Tann: Blue Flax-lily developed by Jedda Lemmon, Natural Resource Officer, (p17 and p20); Black She-oak (p30), Brush Cherry and Brush Wollongong City Council; with review and advice from Gary Muttonwood (p31), Water Gum (p33), Pencil Cedar and Prickly Leonard, Leon Fuller, Vanessa John, Carl Glaister, Alison Mellor, Paperbark (p35); David Houston: Fairy Fan Flower (p21); Stuart Byron Robinson, Yvette Barrs, Uncle Reuben Brown, Peter Gill, Cohen: Gristle Fern (p21); Ilena Hach: Lobelia (p22); Suzette Gaby Kirwood, Debby Downes, Paul Formosa, Damian Gibbins Hosken: Striped-Wallaby Grass (p24); Ian Sutton: Broad-leaved GROW LOCAL and Sue McGregor. Hakea (p24); Brian Myers: Common Tea-tree (p25), Black Photography Wattle (p30), Two Veined Hickory (p37), Old Man’s Beard (p40); Photography by Jedda Lemmon, unless otherwise credited Doug Beckers: Toothed Daisy Bush (p27); Byron McGregor: Illawarra Native Garden Guide below: Plum Pine (p35); Gary Leonard: Forest Redgum, Port Jackson Fig and Thin-leaved Stringybark (p38-39). Luigi Timpano: Tawny Frogmouths (cover); Kate’s Photo Diary: Why Grow Local Native Recommended Plants...... 19 Brisbane Laurel (cover and p24), Dampiera (p20), Native Design Plants? ...... 4 Ground Covers ...... 20 Broom (p26), Christmas Bush (p32), Snow in Summer and Bettina Kaiser art+design How to Use this Guide...... 5 Shrubs ...... 24 Willow Bottlebrush (p33); Charlie Dove: Green Catbird (p4); Printed on Tudor, Australian 100% recycled paper Planning your Garden ...... 6 Small Trees ...... 30 Barry Daniel: Leaf Beetle (p5); Tony Rodd: Coastal Saltbush Planting Zones ...... 7 Trees ...... 34 (p6 and p25), Woollybutt (p10 and p37), Dune Fan Flower Copyright Looking after your Garden .... 9 Large Trees...... 38 (p20), Grey Tussock Grass (p21), Weeping Grass (p23), Daisy © 2011 Wollongong City Council, Shellharbour City Council, Creating a Habitat Garden... 11 Vines and Climbers...... 40 Bush (p25), Sandpaper Fig (p33), Bangalay and Celery Wood Kiama Municipal Council and NSW Environmental Trust Garden Styles...... 15 Resources...... 42

Illawarra Biodiversity and Local Food Strategy for Climate Change

2 3 Why Grow Local Native Plants? How to Use this Guide

We live in a spectacular and unique part of You will find there are many benefits to Many nurseries sell ‘Australian native plants’, Note: The Guide is intended Australia. The Illawarra is home to around choosing local native plants for your garden: but did you know that many come from for use by residents of 2500 species of native plants, which make up interstate or other parts of New South Wales? Wollongong, Shellharbour our beautiful natural areas and provide food They are adapted to local conditions and This means they are not always well adapted and Kiama Council areas. and shelter for native birds and animals. often require less maintenance, care, water to our local soil and climate conditions, It is not designed to guide and chemical fertilisers than conventional and can sometimes even cause trouble by We all have the opportunity to make sure revegetation of natural exotic plants. becoming weedy or hybridising with our local A Green Catbird loves our homes and lifestyles support the natural areas such as Bushcare or native plants. to feed on figs, and ecosystems that make our region so beautiful. Landcare sites or riparian fleshy fruits of other They look good and will thrive. local native plants. One very simple way we can do this is to use Another thing to consider with non-local zones. Planting in bushland Right: Passiflora more local native plants in our urban and They attract native birds and help deter pest natives is they are often specially bred to areas should be guided by herbertiana, our local Native Passionfruit. rural gardens. birds such as Common (Indian) Mynas. produce big, showy flowers – lovely to look at the naturally occurring suite perhaps, but not much use as a food source for of native species which occur Many local native plants are great You will be helping to provide a stepping A leaf beetle tending birds with smaller beaks! Gardens dominated in that area. choices for landscaping, and stone for local native birds and other local her rosette of eggs with these kinds of plants will attract only they can be used for any style of native animals moving across the landscape. certain (often raucous) larger birds or pest garden. This guide will even help species. you find alternatives to some of You will be helping to reduce the threat of the most popular exotic weeds to the Escarpment and bushland of This Guide will help you find suitable local plants in your garden! the Coastal Plain. native plants for urban and rural gardens of the Illawarra. It is by no means an exhaustive Attracting local native birds and other local list, but will provide an introduction to those native animals is fun and educational. local native plants which are most readily available.

4 5 Why Grow Local Native Plants? How to Use this Guide

4 5 Planning your Garden Planting Zones

Formal, cottage or more natural ‘bush’ style Consider the specific design elements you Did you know that different soil types and gardens can all be achieved using local native might be trying to achieve, for example: geographical locations determine which plants Coastal Plain plants of the Illawarra. Whichever style you struggle or thrive? To help you choose plants The Coastal Plain Zone is made up prefer, thoughtful planning will lead to the Screening out a neighbours property which are best suited to where you live, we of the predominantly flat areas in- • between the Escarpment and the best results. Attracting native birds or other wildlife have divided this guide into four ‘zones’. • sea. Once this area was dominated When planning a garden you should Shade Coastal Frontline by a tall canopy of Eucalypts, consider the following: • with rainforest species occurring Creating a hedge or border The Coastal Frontline Zone is the area within 50 in some of the more sheltered The structure of the garden you are • metres or so of the coast. Within this zone there Complementing adjoining bushland locations and creeklines. For the purposes of • planning, and the form and height of the are two main soil types. Most of the low-lying • this guide, the outlying hills, such as Mount plants which will achieve this ‘look’ Using native ground covers to reduce your parts of the coast directly behind the beaches Brown, Mount Drummond (Mangerton), and • lawn mowing are dominated by sandy, free-draining soils. Flower colour the Berkeley Hills are all considered part of the • Some of the headland areas along the coast, Coastal Plain. The Escarpment foothills are also Your location - refer to Planting Zones in Also make sure you have thought about how especially those south of Windang, have suited to plants selected for this zone. • the next chapter for the plants which suit your choice of plants will impact on power nutrient-rich volcanic soils. These areas support your conditions lines, easements, plumbing, solar access to littoral rainforest plants that can cope with Escarpment and Foothills your own and neighbouring properties, and harsh coastal winds. The Illawarra Escarpment scenically frames the property boundaries. If your property is highly exposed to salt laden Illawarra Coastal Plain from Stanwell Park in winds you can the north to the Shoalhaven River in the south. consider yourself The Escarpment and Foothills Zone extends within the Coastal upslope from the foothills all the way to the Frontline Zone. top of the sandstone cliffs.

6 7 Planning your Garden Planting Zones

6 7 Looking after your Garden This is where you will find moist Eucalypt Helensburgh Preparation Mulching forests, and our spectacular local subtropical Stanwell Park and warm temperate rainforests growing on 1. Make sure you have your design finalised. Mulching your garden looks great and helps to suppress weeds. Mulching also boosts the quite different soils to those found closer to Remove weeds and mulch the area prior 2. activity of soil micro-organisms and improves the coast. to planting. Thirroul the water holding capacity of the soil. Take The Illawarra Escarpment provides an important care not to use mulch that may contain weed and continuous north – south corridor for local Bellambi Planting seed. Mulch should be spread to a depth of biodiversity. If you are lucky enough to live in Dig a hole twice as wide and slightly Mt Keira 3. 5cm, and topped up annually. Try to keep this zone, you have a great opportunity to help deeper than the pot. Wollongong Tasman Sea mulch away from plant stems to avoid the risk protect this unique area from invasive plants Mt Kembla Thoroughly wet the plant in the pot. of fungal infection and insect attack. and animals by using local native plants. Port Kembla 4. If the soil is dry, fill the hole with water Dapto 5. Fertilising Plateau and allow it to drain before planting. Generally, local native plants do not The Plateau Zone includes the elevated flat Place a slow release fertiliser for natives require fertilising if you have chosen Albion Park Shellharbour 6. lands west of the Escarpment cliffs. The in the bottom of the hole (optional). species that will thrive in your area. Plateau supports very different plants to the Legend Minnamurra Remove the plant from its pot and place the Mulch and leaf litter will help provide rest of the region below the Escarpment. Zones 7. the nutrients they need. You can use The mostly shallow, sandstone soils are where Coastal Frontline root ball in the hole. Ensure the top of the Kiama Coastal Plain root ball is roughly level with ground level. fertiliser to help new plants become you will find shrubby woodlands which are Escarpment/Foothills Foxground established, but make sure to choose common across the greater Sydney basin. Plateau Backfill the hole with topsoil. one made specifically for native The Plateau also supports more fertile areas Gerringong 8. Firm down the soil, and thoroughly plants. Alternatively, just apply light, Red Flowered Paperbark, Melaleuca of shale and volcanic soils, such as in the 0 2 4 8 9. km water in the plant. infrequent applications only. Helensburgh and Southern Highlands areas. hypericifolia

8 9 Looking after your Garden This is where you will find moist Eucalypt Helensburgh Preparation Mulching forests, and our spectacular local subtropical Stanwell Park and warm temperate rainforests growing on 1. Make sure you have your design finalised. Mulching your garden looks great and helps to suppress weeds. Mulching also boosts the quite different soils to those found closer to Remove weeds and mulch the area prior 2. activity of soil micro-organisms and improves the coast. to planting. Thirroul the water holding capacity of the soil. Take The Illawarra Escarpment provides an important care not to use mulch that may contain weed and continuous north – south corridor for local Bellambi Planting seed. Mulch should be spread to a depth of biodiversity. If you are lucky enough to live in Dig a hole twice as wide and slightly Mt Keira 3. 5cm, and topped up annually. Try to keep this zone, you have a great opportunity to help deeper than the pot. Wollongong Tasman Sea mulch away from plant stems to avoid the risk protect this unique area from invasive plants Mt Kembla Thoroughly wet the plant in the pot. of fungal infection and insect attack. and animals by using local native plants. Port Kembla 4. If the soil is dry, fill the hole with water Dapto 5. Fertilising Plateau and allow it to drain before planting. Generally, local native plants do not The Plateau Zone includes the elevated flat Place a slow release fertiliser for natives require fertilising if you have chosen Albion Park Shellharbour 6. lands west of the Escarpment cliffs. The in the bottom of the hole (optional). species that will thrive in your area. Plateau supports very different plants to the Legend Minnamurra Remove the plant from its pot and place the Mulch and leaf litter will help provide rest of the region below the Escarpment. Zones 7. the nutrients they need. You can use The mostly shallow, sandstone soils are where Coastal Frontline root ball in the hole. Ensure the top of the Kiama Coastal Plain root ball is roughly level with ground level. fertiliser to help new plants become you will find shrubby woodlands which are Escarpment/Foothills Foxground established, but make sure to choose common across the greater Sydney basin. Plateau Backfill the hole with topsoil. one made specifically for native The Plateau also supports more fertile areas Gerringong 8. Firm down the soil, and thoroughly plants. Alternatively, just apply light, Red Flowered Paperbark, Melaleuca of shale and volcanic soils, such as in the 0 2 4 8 9. km water in the plant. infrequent applications only. Helensburgh and Southern Highlands areas. hypericifolia

8 9 Creating a Habitat Garden

Watering is always best done in the cooler part Many very beautiful local species of birds, Some of the many benefits of attracting local Pruning of the day, in the morning or evening. Light to frogs, insects, and reptiles are struggling to native fauna to your garden with local native Native plants can be pruned to create hedges, moderate pruning can also reduce the demand find safe haven in our urban landscape. By plants are: promote flowering, and to encourage for water during dry periods. Avoid regular, using local native plants of the Illawarra, you particular forms. Pruning can also be light watering as it encourages surface root will be taking a great step to improve the Lizards can help to control snails, slugs and undertaken to control growth, or to repair growth. habitat features of your garden! other garden pests. damage from wind or pests. It is best to prune after the plant has flowered. Always use sharp When to Plant In order to create living spaces for our native Native birds will help compete with exotic secateurs or a pruning saw, and always cut fauna, the general principle is to maximise the pests such as the Common (Indian) Myna. In the Illawarra, you can plant throughout above a growth ‘node’ to promote branching. diversity of plant species and habitat features most of the year. It is best to avoid planting in your garden. A variety of plant species Small insectivorous birds which love dense when the soils are at their coolest over July means you are likely to have different things shrubs can help control garden pests such as Watering and August. Use this time of year to prepare flowering and fruiting throughout the year aphids, caterpillars and beetles. Local native plants will naturally require your garden; make your plans, and undertake to provide continuous food sources. Different You can enjoy the relaxing benefits of sitting watering, particularly while they become weed control or mulching. forms of plants and landscape features provide established. But after several months of good back and observing what comes and goes lots of throughout your garden over the seasons. growth they should be able to cope without Improving your Soil places to regular watering. Your plants will be much Top: Woollybutt Most soils can be improved by adding well- shelter, more resilient if they develop deeper roots flower. Below: Orange rotted organic matter such as animal manure, nest and Another bonus is that local native plants Thorn, a great shrub in this way. It is best to give well spaced, can also help attract pollinators, which can for small bird habitat. compost or leaf litter. Clay soils may also be hide from thorough soakings especially in particularly improved by adding gypsum to improve the predators. improve fruit set of other plants, even fruit hot, dry or windy conditions. soil structure. Compost improves all types and vegetables in your vegetable garden! of soils!

10 11 Creating a Habitat Garden

10 11 If you have problems with the Common Creating Habitat (Indian) Myna, consider reducing your lawn Creating Habitat for Birds area, removing exotic palms, and using more for Frogs local native plants in your garden. Planting Plant spikey shrubs or dense thickets to local natives encourages native birds and Place frog ponds in sunny locations with Below: Providing a • encourage small birds reduces the chances of Common (Indian) Mynas • partial shade mixture of grasses, from establishing dominance in your garden. shrubs, and trees is Plant seed producing shrubs and grasses Avoid introducing fish to your pond, as the best way to feed • (e.g. Tea-tree, Tussock Grass, Kangaroo • most fish eat tadpoles and attract native Use local native plants, rather than hybrids such Creating Grass) to feed seed eating birds birds. Right: A Yellow as cultivar Grevilleas. These large flowering Provide lots of leaf litter, or compost near Robin finds enough plants often encourage the larger aggressive Habitat for Lizards • shelter to nest. Plant fleshy fruited plants (e.g. Lilly Pillies, the pond to attract insects for frogs to eat honeyeaters that can chase away smaller birds. • Sandpaper Fig, Jasmine Morinda) to feed Provide clusters of rocks in full sun for Provide gently sloping sides, rocks or rainforest bird species • basking Avoid feeding birds. Many of the foods we • submerged logs enable frogs to get in and provide (bread, honey, An old bath tub can Plant nectar producing plants (e.g. Banksia, Provide hollow logs, boulders, leaf litter out of the pond fatty meat) are bad be re-used to create • Grevillea, Hakea) to feed honeyeaters • and bark for refuge from predators and a great frog habitat. for birds. Providing a Provide shelter with native plants, rocks or place to hibernate in winter • Below left: A Green Provide a complex garden structure: mixture mixture of local native logs for refuge from birds or cats and Golden Bell Frog • of ground covers, grasses, shrubs, and trees Provide access to shallow water for basking in the sun. plant species is the best • Read more in “Frogs of to support a diversity of bird species way you can feed and drinking e.g. a shallow pot plant dish the Illawarra: Making your Garden Frog Friendly”. Provide thick leaf litter, compost or mulch attract local native birds. Avoid using chemicals and snails baits Available from Wollongong, • to promote insects for insectivorous birds • Kiama and Shellharbour Learn about our local native Plant local native ground covers to provide Councils. such as Suberb Blue-wrens birds in “Illawarra Birds: A • further shelter Photo Guide”. Available from • Provide fresh water for drinking and bathing Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama Councils.

12 13 If you have problems with the Common Creating Habitat (Indian) Myna, consider reducing your lawn Creating Habitat for Birds area, removing exotic palms, and using more for Frogs local native plants in your garden. Planting Plant spikey shrubs or dense thickets to local natives encourages native birds and Place frog ponds in sunny locations with Below: Providing a • encourage small birds reduces the chances of Common (Indian) Mynas • partial shade mixture of grasses, from establishing dominance in your garden. shrubs, and trees is Plant seed producing shrubs and grasses Avoid introducing fish to your pond, as the best way to feed • (e.g. Tea-tree, Tussock Grass, Kangaroo • most fish eat tadpoles and attract native Use local native plants, rather than hybrids such Creating Grass) to feed seed eating birds birds. Right: A Yellow as cultivar Grevilleas. These large flowering Provide lots of leaf litter, or compost near Robin finds enough plants often encourage the larger aggressive Habitat for Lizards • shelter to nest. Plant fleshy fruited plants (e.g. Lilly Pillies, the pond to attract insects for frogs to eat honeyeaters that can chase away smaller birds. • Sandpaper Fig, Jasmine Morinda) to feed Provide clusters of rocks in full sun for Provide gently sloping sides, rocks or rainforest bird species • basking Avoid feeding birds. Many of the foods we • submerged logs enable frogs to get in and provide (bread, honey, An old bath tub can Plant nectar producing plants (e.g. Banksia, Provide hollow logs, boulders, leaf litter out of the pond fatty meat) are bad be re-used to create • Grevillea, Hakea) to feed honeyeaters • and bark for refuge from predators and a great frog habitat. for birds. Providing a Provide shelter with native plants, rocks or place to hibernate in winter • Below left: A Green Provide a complex garden structure: mixture mixture of local native logs for refuge from birds or cats and Golden Bell Frog • of ground covers, grasses, shrubs, and trees Provide access to shallow water for basking in the sun. plant species is the best • Read more in “Frogs of to support a diversity of bird species way you can feed and drinking e.g. a shallow pot plant dish the Illawarra: Making your Garden Frog Friendly”. Provide thick leaf litter, compost or mulch attract local native birds. Avoid using chemicals and snails baits Available from Wollongong, • to promote insects for insectivorous birds • Kiama and Shellharbour Learn about our local native Plant local native ground covers to provide Councils. such as Suberb Blue-wrens birds in “Illawarra Birds: A • further shelter Photo Guide”. Available from • Provide fresh water for drinking and bathing Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama Councils.

12 13 Garden Styles

Common (Indian) Mynas, Starlings and European People often think of native gardens being Cottage Garden Creating Habitat This garden uses a bees may also be attracted to nest boxes. So ‘natural bush style’ or informal gardens. mixture of flowering for Mammals keep a watchful eye on what is using your However, native plants can also be planted shrubs and small trees, nest box. A hinged lid will help you to easily or pruned in ways to keep a more formal or such as Coast Banksia, The main mammals you are likely to see Hairpin Banksia, and remove unwanted animals. cottage style garden. Coastal Rosemary. in your Illawarra garden are Brushtail and Ringtail Possums. Because of the lack of tree To promote native fauna there are also a few Some examples of local gardens using local hollows in urban gardens, possums are often other things to consider: species are shown to the right. attracted to roof cavities. Providing suitable Keep cats indoors as much as possible and Low growing shrubs such Low Maintenance nest box habitat can be a great alternative • Tussock forming plants put three bells on their collar as White Correa (1), and such as Carex, Mat to possums in your roof. They also provide Coastal Rosemary (2) are Do not not leave pet food out that will Rush and Tussock Grass opportunities for birds or micro-bats to nest • tidy, low maintenance make for a no fuss, and shelter. attract pest birds low and tidy native plants for an open garden. garden. A range of animals are dependent on tree • Keep your garden chemical free to hollows for shelter and nesting; including maintain a high diversity of insect and some species of birds, and arboreal (tree living) bacterial life to promote food for birds and mammals. Different animals are attracted frogs, as well as promoting healthy soils Natural Bush Style You can also 2 to different sizes in nest boxes and entrance Keep a compost bin in you garden to complement existing holes, so depending on what you are trying to • recycle your kitchen waste – insects native trees by Top: A Ringtail Possum planting local native attract, make sure your nest box is suited. See attracted to the compost are great food 1 finds a new home shrubs and ground in a nest box. Below: the resources section for more information. for native birds and frogs covers. Sugar Gliders are most active at night. Above all, using local native plants will provide the perfect habitat for local native fauna! 14 15 Vines and Climbers Ground Covers Edges Vines can be used to soften fences, brick walls If there are sections of your garden you would There are many local plants that can be and pergolas. They can also be used to add rather not mow, such as between steps or effective at creating a soft edge to a garden. additional height to a fence for screening or garden edges, try using some local ground cover Some of these are tussock forming plants such habitat purposes. species such as; Pigface (7), Warrigal Spinach (8), as Carex (12), Tussock Grass (14), Kangaroo Native Violet (9), or Kidney Weed (10). Some of our local attractive vines include False Grass or Mat Rush. Sarsparilla (4), Dusky Coral Pea (5), Jasmine Using areas of native ground covers in your A fern edge could also be created with Jungle 1 2 3 Morinda (6), Golden Guinea Flower, and garden is also a great way to Brake (11), Gristle Fern or Maidenhair Fern. Wonga Wonga Vine. create relief in the garden, Blue Flax-lily (13) also creates a great edge and retain plenty of sunlight. Colourful Gardens with vibrant displays of purple berries. If you like colourful gardens, consider planting Waratah (1), Australian Indigo (2), Illawarra

Flame tree (3), Pigface, Blue Flax-lily, False 9 Sarsparilla, or Brush Cherry. Low shrubs such as Coastal Rosemary, White 7 Correa, Mintbush, Coastal Saltbush or Hop Goodenia are great if you want to create habitat but do not want to lose sunlight. 4 5 6 10 11 12 13 14

16 17 Vines and Climbers Ground Covers Edges Vines can be used to soften fences, brick walls If there are sections of your garden you would There are many local plants that can be and pergolas. They can also be used to add rather not mow, such as between steps or effective at creating a soft edge to a garden. additional height to a fence for screening or garden edges, try using some local ground cover Some of these are tussock forming plants such habitat purposes. species such as; Pigface (7), Warrigal Spinach (8), as Carex (12), Tussock Grass (14), Kangaroo Native Violet (9), or Kidney Weed (10). Some of our local attractive vines include False Grass or Mat Rush. Sarsparilla (4), Dusky Coral Pea (5), Jasmine Using areas of native ground covers in your A fern edge could also be created with Jungle 1 2 3 Morinda (6), Golden Guinea Flower, and garden is also a great way to Brake (11), Gristle Fern or Maidenhair Fern. Wonga Wonga Vine. create relief in the garden, Blue Flax-lily (13) also creates a great edge and retain plenty of sunlight. Colourful Gardens with vibrant displays of purple berries. If you like colourful gardens, consider planting Waratah (1), Australian Indigo (2), Illawarra

16 17 Recommended Plants Hedges and Screening Hedges or screening effects can be achieved by Average Height parts of the plants may be poisonous. Please using a mixture of low and mid-story species, Heights are estimates of average size of do your research before trying bush foods. Plant Short hedge Tall hedge or with one row of the same species. The table mature plants based on knowledge of the (1-3m) (3-6m) to the left shows a selection of species that Low Fuel Plants LOW listed plants in cultivation, where they usually For those residents seeking to minimise their White Correa (Correa alba) are naturally suitable for hedging due to their do not reach their maximum size. The sizes Coastal Rosemary (Westringia fruticosa) bushfire risks, low fuel plants can help reduce bushy habit. provided are a general guide only, as plant Lilly Pilly (Acmena smithii) with pruning the intensity of fire. In the right conditions any growth will ultimately be dependent upon the Brush Cherry (Syzygium australe) with pruning To keep a hedge, you will need to prune at plant will burn – this guide provides a key to conditions in which it is planted. Blueberry Ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus) least annually. If you just want to achieve a those species which have low flammability. Willow Hakea (Hakea salicifolia) natural screening effect without pruning, try Hop Bush (Dodonaea viscosa) planting a mixture of species relatively densely Zones Low flammability is usually indicated by the The Illawarra has four distinctive planting Crimson Bottlebrush (Callistemon citrinus) (approximately 1-1.5m apart). Most shrub and following features: zones. Find out in which zone you are located Coastal Tea Tree (Leptospermum laevigatum) small tree species listed in the guide can be • High moisture or salt content in the leaves on page 7 of this guide. Grey Myrtle (Backhousia myrtifolia) used to form a screen. • Low volatile oil content in the leaves Red Flowered Paperbark (Melaleuca hypericifolia) Sunlight Preferences • Smooth bark If a recommended plant is known to have a Multiple heights Mixed species Single species preference for shade, partial shade or full sun, Tolerate Wet Areas This example shows screening If you prefer a uniform This symbol indicates that the plant can how species can be Dense thickets of look, use one single this is indicated by symbols. selected to achieve multiple species species and prune tolerate ‘wet feet’ for lengthy periods, or a layered effect with also make attractive to keep a consistent Bush Food Plant occasional waterlogging. different heights. nesting and shelter height. sites for small birds. This indicates that the plant is known to Most shrubs and small be used as a food resource by Australian trees can be used to Aboriginals. Please exercise caution as some create a screen.

18 19 Recommended Plants Hedges and Screening Hedges or screening effects can be achieved by Average Height parts of the plants may be poisonous. Please using a mixture of low and mid-story species, Heights are estimates of average size of do your research before trying bush foods. Plant Short hedge Tall hedge or with one row of the same species. The table mature plants based on knowledge of the (1-3m) (3-6m) to the left shows a selection of species that Low Fuel Plants LOW listed plants in cultivation, where they usually For those residents seeking to minimise their White Correa (Correa alba) are naturally suitable for hedging due to their do not reach their maximum size. The sizes Coastal Rosemary (Westringia fruticosa) bushfire risks, low fuel plants can help reduce bushy habit. provided are a general guide only, as plant Lilly Pilly (Acmena smithii) with pruning the intensity of fire. In the right conditions any growth will ultimately be dependent upon the Brush Cherry (Syzygium australe) with pruning To keep a hedge, you will need to prune at plant will burn – this guide provides a key to conditions in which it is planted. Blueberry Ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus) least annually. If you just want to achieve a those species which have low flammability. Willow Hakea (Hakea salicifolia) natural screening effect without pruning, try Hop Bush (Dodonaea viscosa) planting a mixture of species relatively densely Zones Low flammability is usually indicated by the The Illawarra has four distinctive planting Crimson Bottlebrush (Callistemon citrinus) (approximately 1-1.5m apart). Most shrub and following features: zones. Find out in which zone you are located Coastal Tea Tree (Leptospermum laevigatum) small tree species listed in the guide can be • High moisture or salt content in the leaves on page 7 of this guide. Grey Myrtle (Backhousia myrtifolia) used to form a screen. • Low volatile oil content in the leaves Red Flowered Paperbark (Melaleuca hypericifolia) Sunlight Preferences • Smooth bark If a recommended plant is known to have a Multiple heights Mixed species Single species preference for shade, partial shade or full sun, Tolerate Wet Areas This example shows screening If you prefer a uniform This symbol indicates that the plant can how species can be Dense thickets of look, use one single this is indicated by symbols. selected to achieve multiple species species and prune tolerate ‘wet feet’ for lengthy periods, or a layered effect with also make attractive to keep a consistent Bush Food Plant occasional waterlogging. different heights. nesting and shelter height. sites for small birds. This indicates that the plant is known to Most shrubs and small be used as a food resource by Australian trees can be used to Aboriginals. Please exercise caution as some create a screen.

18 19 Escarpment/Foothills Sunlight Preferences Tolerate Wet Areas Escarpment/Foothills Sunlight Preferences Tolerate Wet Areas Average Height Coastal Frontline Bush Food PlantLow Fuel Plant Average Height Coastal Frontline Bush Food PlantLow Fuel Plant Plant Name Description Coastal Plain Plant Name Description Coastal Plain Plateau Plateau

Bird’s Nest Fern 2m Large epiphytic fern. Fairy Fan Flower 0.5m Sprawling herb with Asplenium Scaevola aemula mauve blue fan australasicum shaped flowers. LOW

Blue Flax-lily 0.8m Sprays of purple Grey Tussock Grass 1m Tufted perennial grass. Dianella caerulea flowers. Edible, Poa sieberiana Tolerates dry sites. blue-purple fruits. LOW

Carex 1m Tussock forming, Gristle Fern 0.8m Robust, low growing Carex appressa attractive grass-like Blechnum fern. sedge. cartilagineum

Crinum Lily 1.5m Upright, large, herb Jungle Brake 1m Attractive glossy Crinum with large clusters Pteris umbrosa fern forming large pedunculatum of white flowers. colonies. Good for use LOW as a border. LOW

Dampiera 1m Perennial plant with Kangaroo Grass 1.2m Tufted grass. Bluish Dampiera purpurea mauve fan flowers. Themeda australis green, with purple and red tinges. Prefers clay soils.

Dune Fan Flower 0.4m Prefers sandy or well Kidney Weed 0.1m Perennial herb, may Scaevola drained soils. Dichondra repens be used as lawn calendulacea Blue, fan flowers. alternative.

Zones Zones 20 Ground Covers Ground Covers 21 Escarpment/Foothills Sunlight Preferences Tolerate Wet Areas Escarpment/Foothills Sunlight Preferences Tolerate Wet Areas Average Height Coastal Frontline Bush Food PlantLow Fuel Plant Average Height Coastal Frontline Bush Food PlantLow Fuel Plant Plant Name Description Coastal Plain Plant Name Description Coastal Plain Plateau Plateau

Bird’s Nest Fern 2m Large epiphytic fern. Fairy Fan Flower 0.5m Sprawling herb with Asplenium Scaevola aemula mauve blue fan australasicum shaped flowers. LOW

Blue Flax-lily 0.8m Sprays of purple Grey Tussock Grass 1m Tufted perennial grass. Dianella caerulea flowers. Edible, Poa sieberiana Tolerates dry sites. blue-purple fruits. LOW

Carex 1m Tussock forming, Gristle Fern 0.8m Robust, low growing Carex appressa attractive grass-like Blechnum fern. sedge. cartilagineum

Dampiera 1m Perennial plant with Kangaroo Grass 1.2m Tufted grass. Bluish Dampiera purpurea mauve fan flowers. Themeda australis green, with purple and red tinges. Prefers clay soils.

Dune Fan Flower 0.4m Prefers sandy or well Kidney Weed 0.1m Perennial herb, may Scaevola drained soils. Dichondra repens be used as lawn calendulacea Blue, fan flowers. alternative.

Lobelia 0.5m Vigorous ground Striped Wallaby 0.6m Variable tufted Lobelia anceps cover, preferring damp Grass perennial grass. [L. alata] location in full sun. Austrodanthonia LOW var. racemosa Maidenhair Fern 0.4m Delicate, low growing Tussock Grass 1.2m Tufted perennial grass Adiantum fern. Prefers sheltered Poa labillardieri var. with slender leaves. aethiopicum sites. labillardieri Prefers moist sites. LOW

Mat Rush 0.8m Tufted perennial Warrigal Spinach 0.2m Prostrate, spreading Lomandra longifolia grasslike plant, with Tetragonia edible plant. strap-like leaves. tetragonioides LOW

Native Violet 0.1m Flowers for most of Weeping Grass 0.7m Slender, tufted Viola hederacea the year. Forms dense Microlaena perennial grass. mats in damp areas. stipoides LOW LOW

Pigface 0.2m Prostrate perennial Zones Carpobrotus with bright pink glaucescens showy flowers. LOW

Stout Bamboo Grass 1.5m Upright, branching Austrostipa grass. ramosissima [Stipa ramosissima] Zones 22 Ground Covers Ground Covers 23 Escarpment/Foothills Sunlight Preferences Tolerate Wet Areas Escarpment/Foothills Sunlight Preferences Tolerate Wet Areas Average Height Coastal Frontline Bush Food PlantLow Fuel Plant Average Height Coastal Frontline Bush Food PlantLow Fuel Plant Plant Name Description Coastal Plain Plant Name Description Coastal Plain Plateau Plateau

Mat Rush 0.8m Tufted perennial Warrigal Spinach 0.2m Prostrate, spreading Lomandra longifolia grasslike plant, with Tetragonia edible plant. strap-like leaves. tetragonioides LOW

Native Violet 0.1m Flowers for most of Weeping Grass 0.7m Slender, tufted Viola hederacea the year. Forms dense Microlaena perennial grass. mats in damp areas. stipoides LOW LOW

Pigface 0.2m Prostrate perennial Zones Carpobrotus with bright pink glaucescens showy flowers. LOW

Australian Indigo 1.5m Spreading shrub with Coastal Saltbush 1m Low spreading plant, Indigofera australis showy pink/purple Rhagodia bird attracting red flowers. candolleana berries. Hardy on the coast. LOW

Boobialla 3m Bushy shrub, tolerates Coastal Tea-tree 3m White flowers in Myoporum coastal exposure. Leptospermum spring. Prefers sandy boninense subsp. Prefers well drained laevigatum soils. australis soils. LOW

Brisbane Laurel 3m Shrub with bushy Coastal Wattle 2m Spreading shrub with Pittosporum brown-felted young Acacia longifolia yellow flower spikes. revolutum stems. Showy orange var. sophorae fruit. LOW

Broad-leaved 4m Vigorous, rounded Common Tea-tree 2.5m Shrub or tree with Hakea shrub with creamy Leptospermum lemon-scented leaves. Hakea dactyloides white flowers. polygalifolium LOW

Coast Beard-heath 1.5m Small shrub with Daisy Bush 1.5m Shrub with small white Leucopogon fringed white flowers. Olearia viscidula daisy flowers. parviflorus Prefers sandy, coastal sites.

Coastal Rosemary 1.5m Rounded shrub with Hop Goodenia 2m Upright, ascending or Westringia fruticosa grey foliage and white Goodenia ovata prostrate shrub. flowers. Very hardy.

Zones Zones 24 Shrubs Shrubs 25 Escarpment/Foothills Sunlight Preferences Tolerate Wet Areas Escarpment/Foothills Sunlight Preferences Tolerate Wet Areas Average Height Coastal Frontline Bush Food PlantLow Fuel Plant Average Height Coastal Frontline Bush Food PlantLow Fuel Plant Plant Name Description Coastal Plain Plant Name Description Coastal Plain Plateau Plateau

Broad-leaved 4m Vigorous, rounded Common Tea-tree 2.5m Shrub or tree with Hakea shrub with creamy Leptospermum lemon-scented leaves. Hakea dactyloides white flowers. polygalifolium LOW

Coast Beard-heath 1.5m Small shrub with Daisy Bush 1.5m Shrub with small white Leucopogon fringed white flowers. Olearia viscidula daisy flowers. parviflorus Prefers sandy, coastal sites.

Coastal Rosemary 1.5m Rounded shrub with Hop Goodenia 2m Upright, ascending or Westringia fruticosa grey foliage and white Goodenia ovata prostrate shrub. flowers. Very hardy.

Crimson 3m Bushy shrub, lemon Red Spider Flower 1.5m Upright shrub, bright Bottlebrush scented leaves. Grevillea oleoides red flowers. Prefers Callistemon citrinus Profuse crimson flower well drained soils. spikes. LOW

Cut-leaf Mintbush 2m Upright, openly Red-fruited Saw 1.5m Tufted, perennial Prostanthera incisa branching, scented Sedge sedge, bearing red shrub. Gahnia sieberiana fruit on long spikes. LOW

Native Broom 3m Slender shrub or small Small Leaved 1.5m Small rounded shrub, Viminaria juncea tree. Showy yellow Bleeding Heart with heart shaped flowers. Homalanthus leaves. Older leaves LOW stillingiifolius turn red. LOW

Native Raspberry 2m Shrub with trailing Sticky Hop Bush 3m Upright shrub with Rubus rosifolius stems and edible Dodonaea viscosa linear leaves. Fruit is raspberry fruit. subsp. angustifolia green, turning purple. LOW

Orange Thorn 2m Dense, spiny, shrub Sydney Golden 3m Upright or spreading Pittosporum multi- with bright orange Wattle shrub or tree. florum [Citriobatus berries. Habitat for Acacia longifolia pauciflorus] small birds. LOW subsp. longifolia

Red Flowered 3m Dense, bushy shrub Toothed Daisy 0.6m A small shrub with Paperbark with red flowers. Bush white daisy like Melaleuca Tolerates severe Olearia tomentosa flowers. hypericifolia coastal exposure. Zones Zones 26 Shrubs Shrubs 27 Escarpment/Foothills Sunlight Preferences Tolerate Wet Areas Escarpment/Foothills Sunlight Preferences Tolerate Wet Areas Average Height Coastal Frontline Bush Food PlantLow Fuel Plant Average Height Coastal Frontline Bush Food PlantLow Fuel Plant Plant Name Description Coastal Plain Plant Name Description Coastal Plain Plateau Plateau

Cut-leaf Mintbush 2m Upright, openly Red-fruited Saw 1.5m Tufted, perennial Prostanthera incisa branching, scented Sedge sedge, bearing red shrub. Gahnia sieberiana fruit on long spikes. LOW

Waratah 1.5m Upright shrub with White Correa 1.5m Attractive rounded Telopea striking red flowers. Correa alba shrub with attractive speciosissima Prefers well drained white flowers in soils. winter.

Wedding Bush 2m Mass displays of white, Willow Hakea 8m Small tree, fast Ricinocarpos showy flowers. Prefers Hakea salicifolia growing screen plant. pinifolius sandy soils. LOW

Whalebone 6m Small tree, bird Yellow Elderberry 4m Attractive tall shrub, Streblus attracting small fruit. Sambucus prefers sheltered sites. brunonianus Hardy on exposed australasica sites. LOW LOW Zones Zones

28 Shrubs Shrubs 29 Escarpment/Foothills Sunlight Preferences Tolerate Wet Areas Escarpment/Foothills Sunlight Preferences Tolerate Wet Areas Average Height Coastal Frontline Bush Food PlantLow Fuel Plant Average Height Coastal Frontline Bush Food PlantLow Fuel Plant Plant Name Description Coastal Plain Plant Name Description Coastal Plain Plateau Plateau

Waratah 1.5m Upright shrub with White Correa 1.5m Attractive rounded Telopea striking red flowers. Correa alba shrub with attractive speciosissima Prefers well drained white flowers in soils. winter.

Wedding Bush 2m Mass displays of white, Willow Hakea 8m Small tree, fast Ricinocarpos showy flowers. Prefers Hakea salicifolia growing screen plant. pinifolius sandy soils. LOW

Acronychia 8m Bushy shrub to small Brush Cherry 8m Dense, bushy, striking Acronychia tree. Syzygium australe crimson edible fruit in oblongifolia summer. LOW LOW Black Plum 10m Small rainforest tree Brush 8m Shrub or small tree. Diospyros australis with fleshy black Muttonwood Rusty, hairy new fruits. Myrsine howittiana growth. LOW [Rapanea] LOW Black She-oak 6m Small tree, prefers Cheese Tree 8m Bushy habit. Allocasuarina sandy, poor soils. Glochidion Interesting cheese littoralis ferdinandi shaped fruit. LOW

Black Wattle 8m Tall shrub or small Coast Banksia 8m Bird attracting yellow Callicoma tree. Wattle-like cream Banksia integrifolia flowers. Hardy on the serratifolia flowers. coast. Edible nectar. LOW

Blueberry Ash 4m Attractive blue fruit, Grey Myrtle 8m Bushy shrub or small Elaeocarpus and showy white, Backhousia tree. Scented leaves, reticulatus fringed flowers. myrtifolia long flowering period. LOW LOW

Boobiallla 4m Attractive corky Guioa 8m Attractive small tree Myoporum bark when mature. Guioa semiglauca with panicles of white acuminatum Tolerates coastal sites. flowers. Bird attracting LOW fruit. LOW Zones Zones 30 SMALL TREES SMALL TREES 31 Escarpment/Foothills Sunlight Preferences Tolerate Wet Areas Escarpment/Foothills Sunlight Preferences Tolerate Wet Areas Average Height Coastal Frontline Bush Food PlantLow Fuel Plant Average Height Coastal Frontline Bush Food PlantLow Fuel Plant Plant Name Description Coastal Plain Plant Name Description Coastal Plain Plateau Plateau

Boobiallla 4m Attractive corky Guioa 8m Attractive small tree Myoporum bark when mature. Guioa semiglauca with panicles of white acuminatum Tolerates coastal sites. flowers. Bird attracting LOW fruit. LOW Zones Zones 30 SMALL TREES SMALL TREES 31 Escarpment/FoothillsSunlight Preferences Tolerate Wet Areas Escarpment/Foothills Sunlight Preferences Tolerate Wet Areas Average Height Coastal Frontline Bush Food PlantLow Fuel Plant Average Height Coastal Frontline Bush Food PlantLow Fuel Plant Plant Name Description Coastal Plain Plant Name Description Coastal Plain Plateau Plateau

Lilly Pilly 8m Glossy leaves with Rough Tree-fern 8m A rough barked tree- Acmena smithii red autumn growth, Cyathea australis fern, growing tall with cream flower masses maturity. in summer. LOW

Native Quince 8m Small tree. Attractive Sandpaper Fig 6m Small tree with Alectryon black and red fruit. Ficus coronata sandpaper-like leaves. subcinereus Edible fruit. LOW

Christmas Bush 4m Decorative tree or Snow in Summer 8m White papery bark. Ceratopetalum shrub with mass Melaleuca Abundant showy gummiferum displays of red sepals linariifolia white flowers in at Christmas time. LOW summer. Hardy.

Old Man Banksia 6m Gnarled, twisted Water Gum 6m Attractive spotted Banksia serrata branches. Gold flower Tristaniopsis laurina bark, glossy leaves and spikes in summer. yellow flowers. LOW Red Olive Plum 6m Shrub or small tree to Willow 8m Dense shrub or small Elaeodendron 8m high. Attractive, Bottlebrush tree with papery bark, australe [Cassine bright orange-red Callistemon young growth is pink. australis] fleshy fruit. LOW salignus

Zones Zones

32 SMALL TREES SMALL TREES 33 Escarpment/FoothillsSunlight Preferences Tolerate Wet Areas Escarpment/Foothills Sunlight Preferences Tolerate Wet Areas Average Height Coastal Frontline Bush Food PlantLow Fuel Plant Average Height Coastal Frontline Bush Food PlantLow Fuel Plant Plant Name Description Coastal Plain Plant Name Description Coastal Plain Plateau Plateau

Lilly Pilly 8m Glossy leaves with Rough Tree-fern 8m A rough barked tree- Acmena smithii red autumn growth, Cyathea australis fern, growing tall with cream flower masses maturity. in summer. LOW

Native Quince 8m Small tree. Attractive Sandpaper Fig 6m Small tree with Alectryon black and red fruit. Ficus coronata sandpaper-like leaves. subcinereus Edible fruit. LOW

Zones Zones

32 SMALL TREES SMALL TREES 33 Escarpment/Foothills Sunlight Preferences Tolerate Wet Areas Escarpment/Foothills Sunlight Preferences Tolerate Wet Areas Average Height Coastal Frontline Bush Food PlantLow Fuel Plant Average Height Coastal Frontline Bush Food PlantLow Fuel Plant Plant Name Description Coastal Plain Plant Name Description Coastal Plain Plateau Plateau

Bangalay 12m Rough barked tree. Forest Oak 10m Slender, graceful Eucalyptus Tolerates saline soils Allocasuarina tree with weeping botryoides on the coast. torulosa branchlets.

Bangalow Palm 10m Fast growing palm, Illawarra Flame 12m Deciduous tree with Archontophoenix large bunches of lilac Tree brilliant masses of red cunninghamiana flowers followed by Brachychiton flowers in spring. red fruit. LOW acerifolius LOW Blackwood 10m Long lived tree Maidens Wattle 8m Small tree to 12m. Acacia melanoxylon preferring rich, moist Acacia maidenii Long, cream flowers. soils. Pale yellow Fine, narrow leaves. flowers. LOW

Cabbage Tree Palm 10m Rainforest palm, with Pencil Cedar 12m Attractive slender tree, Livistona australis fan like leaves. Polyscias murrayi forming an umbrella shaped canopy when LOW mature. LOW

Celery Wood 8m Rainforest tree, palm Plum Pine 12m Attractive yellow- Polyscias elegans like habit. Tiny flowers Podocarpus elatus green new growth. in large spray. Edible bluish-black LOW fruits. LOW

Coachwood 10m Rainforest tree. Large Prickly Paperbark 12m Hardy tree with Ceratopetalum clusters of white Melaleuca papery bark. Tolerates apetalum flowers and red new styphelioides wet soils. growth. LOW Zones Zones 34 TREES TREES 35 Escarpment/Foothills Sunlight Preferences Tolerate Wet Areas Escarpment/Foothills Sunlight Preferences Tolerate Wet Areas Average Height Coastal Frontline Bush Food PlantLow Fuel Plant Average Height Coastal Frontline Bush Food PlantLow Fuel Plant Plant Name Description Coastal Plain Plant Name Description Coastal Plain Plateau Plateau

Bangalay 12m Rough barked tree. Forest Oak 10m Slender, graceful Eucalyptus Tolerates saline soils Allocasuarina tree with weeping botryoides on the coast. torulosa branchlets.

Cabbage Tree Palm 10m Rainforest palm, with Pencil Cedar 12m Attractive slender tree, Livistona australis fan like leaves. Polyscias murrayi forming an umbrella shaped canopy when LOW mature. LOW

Red Ash 10m Shiny, green leaves, Two Veined 10m Hardy, fast growing Alphitonia excelsa silver underneath. Hickory tree. Pale yellow Profuse, cream Acacia binervata flowers. flowers. Red Cedar 15m Deciduous, medium Woollybutt 15m Medium sized tree, Toona ciliata sized tree in Eucalyptus preferring clay soils. [T. australis] cultivation. New pink longifolia growth in spring. LOW

Sassafras 12m Medium sized Zones Doryphora sassafras rainforest tree. Scented, glossy green foliage. LOW

Scrub Beefwood 8m Hardy rainforest tree Stenocarpus with bushy habit. salignus Sweet scented white flowers.

Swamp 12m Dark furrowed bark. You can also use the Illawarra Bushland Mahogany Prefers wet, swampy Database to find out what other local Eucalyptus robusta conditions, on sandy soils. native plants are growing in your area at www.southerncouncils.nsw.gov.au Swamp Oak 12m Hardy tree. Tolerates Casuarina glauca saline soils, very hardy. Here you can search by suburb, maps, or location to find flora survey information for bushland in your neighbourhood. Zones 36 TREES TREES 37 Escarpment/Foothills Sunlight Preferences Tolerate Wet Areas Escarpment/Foothills Sunlight Preferences Tolerate Wet Areas Average Height Coastal Frontline Bush Food PlantLow Fuel Plant Average Height Coastal Frontline Bush Food PlantLow Fuel Plant Plant Name Description Coastal Plain Plant Name Description Coastal Plain Plateau Plateau

Sassafras 12m Medium sized Zones Doryphora sassafras rainforest tree. Scented, glossy green foliage. LOW

Scrub Beefwood 8m Hardy rainforest tree Stenocarpus with bushy habit. salignus Sweet scented white flowers.

Blackbutt 20m Flaky black bark on Small Leaved Fig 30m Medium-sized to large Eucalyptus pilularis the bottom of trunk, Ficus obliqua strangling tree. with white upper limbs. LOW

Blue Gum - 20m Rough collar at base Thin-leaved 20m Attractive brown Bangalay hybrid of trunk with smooth Stringybark stringy bark, prefers Eucalyptus saligna x barked, white upper Eucalyptus clay soils. E. botryoides hybrid limbs. eugenioides

Coast Grey Box 20m Bark rough at base, White Topped Box 20m Grey, box bark. Eucalyptus becoming smooth Eucalyptus Common on the bosistoana higher up. Prefers clay quadrangulata Escarpment south soils. from Bulli.

Forest Red Gum 20m Attractive, smooth Zones Eucalyptus grey - white bark. tereticornis Prefers clay soils.

Grey Ironbark 20m Deeply furrowed grey/ Eucalyptus black bark. Attractive paniculata clusters of white flowers. Large trees are recommended for large or rural properties only. Port Jackson Fig 30m Spreading large tree, Ficus rubiginosa leaves rusty below. They are only recommended where they can be planted away from any LOW structures or property boundaries. Zones 38 LARGE TREES LARGE TREES 39 Escarpment/Foothills Sunlight Preferences Tolerate Wet Areas Escarpment/Foothills Sunlight Preferences Tolerate Wet Areas Average Height Coastal Frontline Bush Food PlantLow Fuel Plant Average Height Coastal Frontline Bush Food PlantLow Fuel Plant Plant Name Description Coastal Plain Plant Name Description Coastal Plain Plateau Plateau

Blackbutt 20m Flaky black bark on Small Leaved Fig 30m Medium-sized to large Eucalyptus pilularis the bottom of trunk, Ficus obliqua strangling tree. with white upper limbs. LOW

Forest Red Gum 20m Attractive, smooth Zones Eucalyptus grey - white bark. tereticornis Prefers clay soils.

Dusky Coral Pea Climbing or prostrate Headache Vine Woody climber with Kennedia rubicunda herb with red pea Clematis glycinoides masses of white flowers. flowers, sometimes becoming purple. LOW False Sarsparilla Showy purple flowers Twining Guinea Twiner with large, Hardenbergia with long flowering Flower yellow flowers. violacea period. Hibbertia dentata LOW LOW Golden Guinea Climber or prostrate Wombat Berry Vine with orange, Flower vine with large yellow Eustrephus latifolius fleshy berries. Hibbertia scandens flowers. LOW LOW

Jasmine Morinda Attractive, glossy Wonga Wonga Vigorous, glossy Morinda climber, bearing Vine climber. Masses of jasminoides orange berries. Pandorea white tubular flowers LOW pandorana with purple spots. LOW

Kangaroo Grape Fast growing, glossy Zones Cissus antarctica green climber. Edible black grape like fruit. LOW

Old Man’s Beard Vigorous climber with Clematis aristata showy white flowers.

LOW

Zones 40 Vines & climbers Vines & climbers 41 Escarpment/Foothills Sunlight Preferences Tolerate Wet Areas Escarpment/Foothills Sunlight Preferences Tolerate Wet Areas Average Height Coastal Frontline Bush Food PlantLow Fuel Plant Average Height Coastal Frontline Bush Food PlantLow Fuel Plant Plant Name Description Coastal Plain Plant Name Description Coastal Plain Plateau Plateau

Kangaroo Grape Fast growing, glossy Zones Cissus antarctica green climber. Edible black grape like fruit. LOW

Old Man’s Beard Vigorous climber with Clematis aristata showy white flowers.

LOW

Zones 40 Vines & climbers Vines & climbers 41 Resources Where to Find Local References Web Resources Books Birds Australia (2001) Guidelines for the development of bird Australian Native Plant Society. Casey, K. (1996) Attracting Frogs to Your Garden: Creating An Native Plants? habitat, for domestic gardeners. For guidance on growing native plants. Ideal Habitat for Native Frogs in your own Backyard. The local native plants listed in this guide are those which are Retrieved from www.birdsinbackyards.net http://anpsa.org.au Kimberley Publications. most readily available. Not all nurseries will have all of the Botanic Gardens Trust (15/7/2011) Growing Native Plants in Bush Foods of NSW. Clyne, D. (2011) Attracting Butterflies to Your Garden. species listed, all of the time. Ask your local nursery to source Sydney. Retrieved from www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au A botanic record and an Aboriginal oral history. New Holland Publishers. the plants if you are unable to find them. www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au Fuller, L (1995) Wollongong’s Native Trees. Dengate, J. (2009) Attracting Birds to Your Garden in Australia. The nurseries listed here provide locally propagated, local Published by Kingsclear Books. Birds in Backyards – Birds Australia. New Holland. native plants. Resources for creating bird habitat. Wrigley, J.W. and Fagg, M. (1997) Australian Native Plants. www.birdsinbackyards.net Elliot, R. (1994) Attracting Wildlife to Your Garden. Lothian. Wollongong Botanic Garden Nursery - Greenplan Propagation, cultivation and use in landscaping. Plants can be purchased from the Botanic Garden nursery, on Fourth edition. Reed Books. Grow Me Instead: A Guide for Gardeners on the NSW South Coast. Fairley, A. and Moore, P. (2010) Plants of Sydney Region. Northfields Avenue, Keiraville, on the third Friday of every www.esc.nsw.gov.au/weeds/ Allen & Unwin. month from 7.30am until 2.30pm (except public holidays). Isaacs, J. (1987) Bush Food, Aboriginal Food and Herbal Available to Wollongong City Council ratepayers. Medicine. Weldons Pty Ltd. Common Coastal Weeds of the Illawarra Franks, A. and Franks, S. (2003) Nest Boxes for Wildlife: – A Guide to Management and Control. a Practical Guide. Bloomings Books. www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/botanicgarden Land for Wildlife (2003) Nest Boxes for native wildlife. Land Available from Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority. Grant, P. (2003) Habitat Garden: Attracting Wildlife to Your Call 4227 7111 for enquiries. for Wildlife Note 19. or online at www.southern.cma.nsw.gov.au Retrieved from www.sustainablebluemountains.net.au Garden. ABC Books. Shellharbour City Council Wholesale Nursery South Coast Weeds. Grant, J. et al. (1997) The Nestbox Book. Gould League of Vic. Located at 132 Industrial Road, Oak Flats and open to the Lowe, T. (1991) Wild Food Plants of Australia. www.esc.nsw.gov.au/weeds public (not restricted to Shellharbour ratepayers) from 7:30am Harper Collins Publishers. Pizzey, G. (2000) The Australian Bird-Garden. Creating Havens until 3:45pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays). The Frogs Australia Network. for Native Birds. Angus & Robertson. nursery is able to order in stock if you cannot find what you www.frogsaustralia.net.au need in the nursery. Call 4221 6191 for enquiries. There are also other nurseries in the Illawarra and southern Sydney which sell native plants.

42 43 Resources Where to Find Local References Web Resources Books Birds Australia (2001) Guidelines for the development of bird Australian Native Plant Society. Casey, K. (1996) Attracting Frogs to Your Garden: Creating An Native Plants? habitat, for domestic gardeners. For guidance on growing native plants. Ideal Habitat for Native Frogs in your own Backyard. The local native plants listed in this guide are those which are Retrieved from www.birdsinbackyards.net http://anpsa.org.au Kimberley Publications. most readily available. Not all nurseries will have all of the Botanic Gardens Trust (15/7/2011) Growing Native Plants in Bush Foods of NSW. Clyne, D. (2011) Attracting Butterflies to Your Garden. species listed, all of the time. Ask your local nursery to source Sydney. Retrieved from www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au A botanic record and an Aboriginal oral history. New Holland Publishers. the plants if you are unable to find them. www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au Fuller, L (1995) Wollongong’s Native Trees. Dengate, J. (2009) Attracting Birds to Your Garden in Australia. The nurseries listed here provide locally propagated, local Published by Kingsclear Books. Birds in Backyards – Birds Australia. New Holland. native plants. Resources for creating bird habitat. Wrigley, J.W. and Fagg, M. (1997) Australian Native Plants. www.birdsinbackyards.net Elliot, R. (1994) Attracting Wildlife to Your Garden. Lothian. Wollongong Botanic Garden Nursery - Greenplan Propagation, cultivation and use in landscaping. Plants can be purchased from the Botanic Garden nursery, on Fourth edition. Reed Books. Grow Me Instead: A Guide for Gardeners on the NSW South Coast. Fairley, A. and Moore, P. (2010) Plants of Sydney Region. Northfields Avenue, Keiraville, on the third Friday of every www.esc.nsw.gov.au/weeds/ Allen & Unwin. month from 7.30am until 2.30pm (except public holidays). Isaacs, J. (1987) Bush Food, Aboriginal Food and Herbal Available to Wollongong City Council ratepayers. Medicine. Weldons Pty Ltd. Common Coastal Weeds of the Illawarra Franks, A. and Franks, S. (2003) Nest Boxes for Wildlife: – A Guide to Management and Control. a Practical Guide. Bloomings Books. www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/botanicgarden Land for Wildlife (2003) Nest Boxes for native wildlife. Land Available from Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority. Grant, P. (2003) Habitat Garden: Attracting Wildlife to Your Call 4227 7111 for enquiries. for Wildlife Note 19. or online at www.southern.cma.nsw.gov.au Retrieved from www.sustainablebluemountains.net.au Garden. ABC Books. Shellharbour City Council Wholesale Nursery South Coast Weeds. Grant, J. et al. (1997) The Nestbox Book. Gould League of Vic. Located at 132 Industrial Road, Oak Flats and open to the Lowe, T. (1991) Wild Food Plants of Australia. www.esc.nsw.gov.au/weeds public (not restricted to Shellharbour ratepayers) from 7:30am Harper Collins Publishers. Pizzey, G. (2000) The Australian Bird-Garden. Creating Havens until 3:45pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays). The Frogs Australia Network. for Native Birds. Angus & Robertson. nursery is able to order in stock if you cannot find what you www.frogsaustralia.net.au need in the nursery. Call 4221 6191 for enquiries. There are also other nurseries in the Illawarra and southern Sydney which sell native plants.

42 43 How you can Assist in Protecting Local Native Flora and Fauna

Plant local native plants in your garden Keep your cat indoors at night • as much as possible • Don’t leave pet food outdoors Remove environmental and noxious weeds • Become a Bushcare or Landcare volunteer • from your garden • Compost your garden waste at home Don’t feed native wildlife • • Prune off spent flowers on potential weeds Don’t dump garden weeds in the bush • before they set seed • or on road edges

Inspired?! This booklet has a companion - check out the GROW LOCAL: Illawarra Edible Garden Guide, also available through Kiama, Shellharbour and Wollongong Councils.