Ideally, in natural area restoration we have large bushland areas
within which we are working to re-establish on-site habitat or wildlife
corridors to even more extensive areas of native wildlife habitat
The reality is often much less than this: we are working in narrow
urban riparian reserves infested with Lantana, Privet, Bitou and
Camphor Laurel, or we only have our own backyard in which to work. Even
so, you can still make a substantial contribution to protection of
native wildlife in your area by creating a “stepping stone” oasis for
fruit-eating (frugivorous) wildlife.
Local Native Plants
Creating Stepping Stones for Frugivores
Fire Retardant Plants
Some lucky people live in, near or next to bushland. This can be great
if you want to take a walk and watch the birds, wonder about the daily
routines of the wildlife, or catch a waft and witness the new flowers
of the season. The Australian bush is a beautiful place, but also a
dangerous one which can threaten your life and property.
Creating Stepping Stones for Nectar Feeders
One of the pleasures of creating a native garden is the sight of native animals, birds, possums, bats, and butterflies, using the "oasis" you have created even in the middle of suburbia.
You get to reconnect with the natural world without having the responsibility of keeping a pet, and if you have the right plants and a source of water, such as a bird bath or a pond, the wildlife looks after itself. This fact sheet will suggest some local native plants to attract nectar feeders, and will give an indication of the size of the plants so you can choose plants to suit your site.
Veg on the Verge
What to plant on the verge?
The verge is the space between the footpath and the road, sometimes called the ‘Nature Strip'. It is usually grassed and often quite weedy unless you have looked after it well.
Urban Forests, Farm Forestry and Cabinet Timbers
Increasingly,
property owners are expressing interest in growing native tree species as street
trees, park trees, shelter-belt plantings, wildlife habitat zones, riparian
restoration corridors, and, occasionally, as farm forestry projects.
There is little regional information available on urban forestry/farm forestry projects incorporating rainforest cabinet timber trees, and land-holders embarking on such a project locally would be pioneering this land use.
A Local Seaside Bushfood Garden
Do you love to live beside the seaside? Do you want your plants
to grow into a gorgeous garden? Would you like to eat your garden?
TIN's Species List
Looking for a local native plant? TIN's plants have been grown
from seed collected in the local area. We can also grow to order and
collect seed from your local area. We have a large selection of
plants that can suit any area in the Lower Hunter.
Stabilising Creekbanks, Ponds & Dams with Local Native Plants
The edges of creekbanks, dams and ponds are important places to
keep vegetated. By holding the soil in place, erosion is prevented and
the amount of soil entering the waterways is reduced. The
zone between the water and the land, the riparian zone, is some of the
most productive and most susceptible to degradation.
A Tropical Garden using Local Natives
Want a tropical/Balinese garden? You can do it with local native plants. Not
only will these plants give you the lush, tropical look that you're
after, but you get the added bonus of attracting native wildlife like
the Regent Bowerbird or Satin Bowerbird to your patch of paradise.
A Native Cottage Garden
Unfortunately, with the smaller size of many house blocks and
town-house /villa developments around the local area, not everyone can
plant large native trees in their backyard. The good news is that there
are many low-growing, local native plants that can be grown in a
"cottage" garden situation that will not destroy your sewer pipes,
block your winter sunshine or fall on your house in a storm.These
recommendations are aimed at restoring some "bushland" values to a
mulched garden area.