Find out which plants are the best for the Australian native environment and learn how to identify invasive weeds at the Bush Friendly Garden exhibit at Floriade this year, said Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Shane Rattenbury.
“The Bush Friendly Garden, which is now in its eighth year at Floriade, helps educate visitors about many of the invasive weeds that originate from suburban backyards, while showing alternative bush-friendly plants,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“Unfortunately there are many environmental weeds growing in Canberra backyards such as Bamboo, Broom, Chilean Needlegrass, Privet, Cotoneaster and Blue Periwinkle. These species can ‘jump the fence’ and spread into neighbouring bushland where they out-compete native species.
“If enough weeds grow in the bush we can lose entire ecosystems and destroy the habitats of animals that rely on them. The Bush Friendly Garden, which was established by the ACT Government and is run with the assistance of ParkCare and Australian Native Plant Society members, is designed to raise awareness of these invasive species.
“The Garden, which is split into two sides, contrasts ‘bush friendly’ species that can be grown in backyards with the invasive species. These bush-friendly plants include Xanthorrhea, Grevilleas, Hardenbergia and a number of feature plants such as the Dicksonia Tree Fern. Having the two gardens side by side illustrates that you can still have a beautiful garden with plants that are not a threat to the environment.
“Visitors to the garden will be asked to take part in a survey to gain a better insight into people’s understanding of the invasive nature of some of the most common garden plants. The results will inform future public education programs.
“I encourage visitors to Floriade to have a look at the Bush Friendly Garden, which is located between the Gourmet Garden and the Kangaroo Reflection Pond, speak to the friendly and informative volunteers and get some great ideas for how they can improve their backyard.”
For more information on Floriade please visit www.floriadeaustralia.com.au
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