After the first good autumn rains there is usually more moisture available to help new plants settle in. Planting in late autumn or winter gives native species more time to establish strong roots before the heat of summer arrives.
Native plants are a great choice for local gardens because they are naturally suited to our climate, low rainfall and nutrient-poor soils. Once established, many native species need less water, fertiliser and maintenance than non-native plants. They can also add colour, texture and beauty to your garden, with different species flowering throughout the year.
Growing native plants at home can also make a bigger difference than you might think. More greenery on private properties and in neighbourhoods helps cool local areas, boost liveability and support health and wellbeing. Plants provide shade, help filter water, produce oxygen and create more comfortable outdoor spaces.
Local wildlife also benefits from native gardens. Birds, insects and other animals rely on native plants for food, shelter and safe places to move through the landscape. Flowers, nectar, pollen, seeds, nuts, fruit and foliage all play a role in supporting biodiversity. When more residents grow native plants, it helps connect green spaces across streets and neighbourhoods, making it easier for wildlife to move through urban areas.
The City's updated native planting guide includes species that have been chosen because they are well suited to local conditions. Residents can use the soil type information in the guide to help choose plants that are more likely to thrive in their garden.
If you are not sure where to start, keep it simple. You do not need to transform your whole garden at once. Start with one small area, test and improve your soil, choose plants that suit your space and lifestyle, and plan how you will care for them as they establish.
Even native plants need support in their first summer. Watering during the hotter months can help young plants survive and become more resilient over time.
Whether you have a large garden, a verge, a courtyard or a small patch of soil, planting native species is a practical way to create a greener, cooler and more wildlife-friendly City of Swan.
To learn more, visit our Native Planting Guide.
