Why I choose to plant native and why you might like to, too

When I first started gardening, I picked plants from the nursery based on what I liked the look of, not ever considering where they originated from or the damage they could cause.

As I’ve spent more time researching our local landscapes—and paying attention to what lived and died in my own plot—cultivating a native garden felt like the right choice.

1. Native plants thrive where they're meant to

Native plants are naturally adapted to Australia's conditions—from nutrient-poor soils to unpredictable rainfall and scorching summers.

That means less watering, less fertiliser and a better survival rate. I don’t have to nurse plants in my garden or adapt their circumstances as the seasons change – they just get on with it no matter what’s thrown at them.

If you’re a beginner, native plants are a great choice. They're resilient, rewarding and mostly happy to be left alone once established. 

2. Supporting local biodiversity and not adding invasives

Native plants create habitat and food for local insects, birds and small animals that exotic plants often don’t support.

Many of the plants I get are from our local, council-run Indigenous nursery. That means the plants have been grown from seeds in the area I live. Some are endangered, so by planting them in my garden I’m supporting an even greater mission.

By staying true to this approach, our garden is full of life. Giant Stick Insects, Lorikeets, Swift Parrots, Black Cockatoos, Skinks, Frogs, Blue Tongue Lizards, Kangaroos, Ring-Tail Possums and even a Tiger Snake have dropped by.

Seeing these animals gives me the greatest kick because it's a good indicator I'm doing something right. Search for a native nursery in your area for information on plants that are local to you. 

Invasive species in Australian gardens and bushland is an enormous problem. They outcompete native flora, disrupt local ecosystems and reduce habitat for native animals. Many of them didn’t arrive through illegal means or accidental import — they were introduced through well-meaning gardening trends and sold at local nurseries for decades.

Plants like Agapanthus, Lantana, Watsonia, Blackberry, and Cotoneaster were once popular ornamental choices. Even today, some nurseries still sell species known to be invasive in certain areas. These plants thrive because they grow vigorously, resist pests and tolerate poor conditions — traits that seem attractive in a garden setting but become a major problem once they escape into the wild.

3. A unique beauty

Australian plants are some of the most diverse and beautiful in the world, so having enough variety, colour and structures is not an issue. The textures, colours and forms aren’t what you see in a standard suburban yard and that’s what makes them so interesting. 

A grouping of lomandra, grevillea and banksia is just as striking as any cottage garden—and in many ways, more expressive of place. It feels grounding to have a garden that reflects the landscape around me, rather than one borrowed from a different climate and culture.

4. Values alignment

As someone who’s trying to live more sustainably, choosing native plants is an obvious extension of that. They use less water, require fewer resources and support rather than disrupt the environment.

It’s not about perfection—it’s about making small choices that align with the way I want to live: closer to nature, with less impact.

5. Lots to learn

The more I learn about native plants, the more I realise how little I know. That’s part of the fun. Native gardening has helped me reconnect with local ecology, Indigenous plant knowledge and sustainable gardening practices that don’t rely on quick fixes or chemicals.

Every time a local bird visits or a seed self-sows, it feels like the garden is becoming more than just a project—it’s becoming part of a living, breathing ecosystem.

Choosing a native garden has made gardening more meaningful – I see it as one of my greatest accomplishments. 

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, I encourage you to consider the plants that truly belong to your land.