Episode: #6 7/10/2006
Presenter: Melissa King

There is an indigenous plant to suit every situation from pretty lilies and wildflowers to shrubs, climbers, grasses and trees. Even plants perfect for hedges and borders and the good news is that they require little water, fertiliser or maintenance to keep them looking great at home.

Indigenous plants occur naturally in your local area which means they have adapted to your soil conditions and climate.

The palette of indigenous plants available to you will vary from region to region, but there a few beauties that grow locally around the Manningham area that are tough and attractive.

Bulbine Lilies (Bulbine bulbosa) light up gardens and the bush in spring with their spikes of vibrant starry yellow flowers. The bulbous root of this species was a source of food for local aboriginals. In the garden it looks outstanding planted on mass for seasonal colour.Indigophera australis is another stunner, with lovely mauve flowers in spring and summer and a graceful habit.Who could forget the brilliant prickly moses (Acacia verticillata), with sunny well flowers during winter and spring and prickly foliage which makes great habitat for the small birds.Pink Bells (Tetratheca ciliata) is another small shrub that really comes into its own in spring, with showy pink flowers that last until December.

If you want to bring birds and animals into the garden, local native plants are the way to go because they are an important source of food, shelter and habitat for our local fauna.

As far as getting your hands on some indigenous plants, more and more garden centres are starting to stock a good range. There are also some great community run indigenous nurseries or specialists around but to find out more just ask your local council.

This week?s water saving tip of the week.

Indigenous plants are perfectly suited to their environment so they thrive on local rainfall and in the local soil which means they are beautiful and waterwise.

If you are hungry for more gardening information or you have a question that needs the Gurus attention, then don?t forget to log onto the Garden Gurus on-line club.