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Meet native plants and animals that may be hidden in your garden
Your hidden native garden
3 Knowyourgardensnatives
3 Wheredothenativeplantscomefrom?
4 Whatisspecialaboutlocalnativeplants?
4 Whatcananatural,nativegardenlooklike?
5 HowdoIfindthenativeplantsinmyyard?
6 Commonbackyardnativeplants
22 WhatcanIdowithmynativeplants(onceIfindthem)?
23 WhatifIdon’tfindanynativeplants?
24 Aboutnativewildlife
26 Commonbackyardnativewildlife
36 Wildlifefriendlygardeningtips
40 Whatisaweed?
40 Howdoweedsspread?
41 Whygetridofweeds?
42 HowcanIeffectivelycontrolmyweeds?
44 Furtherweedingtips
46 Weedremovaltechniques(illustrated)
52 References,linksandcontacts
YourHiddenNativeGardenhasbeendevelopedbyKarinaHanemannandissupportedbytheInternationalEnvironmentalWeedFoundation.
ContactKarinaat:[email protected]
FormoreinformationonIEWFgoto:www.iewf.org
Photographs:KandBHanemann,BDebrincat,VBear,JMiles.
Wildlifefriendlygardeningillustrations:AMcCabe.
Weedremovaltechniquesadaptedfrombushregenerationinformationsheets:NationalTrust,AABRandNPWS.Illustrations:VBear.
ISBN:978-0-9803349-0-62007
Printedon100%recycledpaper
ThisbooklethasbeencreatedbyalocalSydneywomantohelppeoplefindandrestorelocalnativeplantsintheirgardens.
Acomplimentarywebsite:www.knowyourgardensnatives.orghasfurtherphotographsandinformationonnativeplants,animalsandweeds.Italsohasexercisestohelpyoufindyournativeplants,andphotographsofwhatotherpeoplehavefoundintheiryards.
Contents
�About your hidden garden
Know your garden’s natives
Haveyoueverseenaplantoranimalinyouryardandwonderedwhatitwas?
Manynativeplantsandanimals(aswellasweeds)willtrytogrowinyouryard.Somemaysucceed!
Localnativeplantscanbegrowingnaturally(unplanted)inyouryard.AcommonvisitortoSydneygardensisthenativeviolet(above).
Youmayfindmanydifferentnativeplantsgrowinginyouryardonceyoustartlooking,fromgroundcoversandferns,toshrubsortrees.
Usethisbooklettohelpfindyournativeplants,helpthemandlocalwildlifetosurvive,aswellasidentifyandremovecompetingweeds.
Where do the native plants come from?Nativeplantsmaygrowfromseedsinyoursoilthatwereblownin,droppedbybirdswhohavevisitedyouryardfromnearbybushland,ortheymaycomefromancientsoilsthatsurviveinyouryardtoday.
�About your hidden garden
What is special about local native plants?Localnativeplantsarevaluable.Theyareoftenbeautifulanduseful.Theycanprovideuswithmedicinesandfoods.Theycanalsoprovidefornativeanimals.Nativeanimalsfindfood,homesandshelterinmanynativeplants.Evenonesingletree(egabottlebrush)canprovidefoodforvariousbirdsduringtheday,andthenforpossumsatnight(aswellasshelterforboth).
Localnativeplantscanalsoreflectwhatwasgrowingintheareabeforeyoursuburb(orhouse)wasbuilt-whenitwasnaturalbushland.NativeplantscanprovidesignificantHeritagevalue:preservingapieceofAustralia’shistory.
What can a natural, native garden look like?Well,thisdependsonwhatyoufindgrowinginyouryard.
AtHillmanOrchard(below)theyhavealawnofnativegrassesandcyperus,withfernsandvioletsgrowingalongthesideofthehouse(ViennaCottage).
� �About your hidden garden
How do I find the native plants in my yard?
Well,wewillshowyouhowtotry.
Whenyoufindnativesinyouryard,theycouldbeinmanyshapesandsizes.Theycouldbewellmaintained(likethefernandjuncusabove),ortheycouldbemownoverandhiddeninthelawn.
Nearlyallnativescanbeuncoveredandrestoredtogoodhealth.
Goodplacestolookfornativesincludeanyuntouched,neglectedormessyareasinyouryard.
Trylooking:
• Behindtheshed.• Alongfencelines.• Underoldtrees.• Inareasthatarenotmown.
Herenatives,aswellasweeds,mayflourish.
Youcanalsofindmanysmallnativeshiddeninyourlawn,evenifyoumowit.Thisisacommonplacefornativegroundcovers,grassesandviolets.Theyaresosmall,theycansurvivehere.
Take this booklet and go for a walk in your yard to see what you can find!
�Common backyard native plants �
Kidney weed
Dichondra repensAspreadinggroundcoverthatcangrowtobe10cmhigh.Ithaskidneyshapedleaves.SmallwhiteflowersappearfromSpringtoSummer.
Oftenfoundinmoistshadyareas,inbothsandyandclaysoils.
Nativekidneyweedisoftenfoundhiddeninyourlawn.Itpopsupandgrows(verywell)whenthelawnisshadedanddiesoff.
Oftenconfusedwith:nativevioletViola hederaceaandmanysmallherbyweeds.
� �� Common backyard native plants
Native violet
Viola hederaceaAspreadingorcreepinggroundcover.Hastoothedhairlessleavesabout1to3cmwide.Itsflowersarepurpleandwhiteandappearformostoftheyear,especiallyinSpring.
Oftenfoundinmoist,shadyareas,onbothsandyandclaysoils.Theycangrowtoformacarpet.
Similarnativespecies:purplevioletViola betonicifolia(rare-foundmostlyontheCumberlandplain)andtinyvioletViola sieberana(foundneartheRoyalNationalPark).
Oftenconfusedwith:dichondraDichondra repens.
�Common backyard native plants �
Commelina
Commelina cyaneaAspreadinggroundcoverwhichcangrowvigorously.Sometimesconsideredtobeaweedingardens.Itsleavesareslightlywavyandfleshyorwatery.Blueflowersappearinwarmermonths.
Preferstogrowinmoistshadyplaces.
Livesinbothsandyandclaysoils.
DiesbackalittleinWinter.
Theblueflowersofcommelinacanattractthenativestinglessblue-bandedbee.Theleavescanprovidehabitatforsmalllizardsandfrogs.
Theyoungshootswerecookedandeatenover200yearsago,asanantidotetoScurvy(adiseasecausedbyalackofvitaminC).
Oftenconfusedwith:tradorwanderingjewTradescantia fluminensis (whichhaswhiteflowers,ismorefleshy,breaksoffandspreadseasily).
� �� Common backyard native plants
Native geranium
Geranium homeanumAdelicate,spreadinggroundcover.Ithashairyleavesandsmall(~1cm)palepinktowhiteflowersthatareusuallyfoundinpairs.FlowersappearfromSpringthroughtoSummer.
Itspreadsintoaneasilymanageableandsoft-lookinggroundcover.
Prefersclaysoils.
Similarnativespecies:Geranium solanderi (whichhasnarrowersegmentedleaves).
10Common backyard native plants 10
Tender brake
Pteris tremula Atuftedfern,whichgrows50to120cmhigh.Itsfrondsarealighttomediumcolourgreen.Thestalkisbrownandshinywithadeepnarrowgroove.
Foundinmoistandrockyareasonsandstone.Oftenfoundnexttostructuressuchassheds,fencesandplantpots.Alsofoundonclay.
Tenderbrakes,likemostferns,areusefultohaveinyourgarden.Theyhelptoretainmoistureandcreateashelteredmicro-climateforbirdsandotherwildlifetovisit.
Similartomanyotherferns.
10 1110 Common backyard native plants
Maidenhair fern – common
Adiantum aethiopicum Averyprettyanddelicatefern.Grows15to40cmhigh.Likeswetandshadyspots.Thefrondsare3-8mmlongandgreen.Thestalkisthin,dark,smoothandshiny.
Canoftenbefoundalongwatercourses,orunderthehouseindampandshadyareas.
Commonlysoldasanindoorplant.
12Common backyard native plants 12
Bracken
Pteridium esculentum Anerectfernwithharsh,stifffronds.
Grows1to1.5mhigh.Thestalkisred-brownandrough.
Brackengrowsinbothmoistanddryareasonsandstoneandclaysoils.
Itcanformadensematindisturbedareas,helpingtonourishthesoil(bymakingnitrogenmoreavailable).
Smallbirdssuchasbluewrensmayseekshelterormakenestsinclumpsofbracken.
Crushingayoungleaforjuicystemandapplyingittoantorotherinsectbitescanhelptoalleviatetheirpain.ThisisAboriginalbushmedicine.
12 1�12 Common backyard native plants
Slender sedge
Cyperus gracilisAsmallsedge,10to20cmtall.
Foundinmoistclayordisturbedsandysoils.Oftenfoundinlawns.Canbegrownasalawn.
Lookslikeashortgrassandislusciousandsoftwhenmoist.
Candiebackwhendry,infullsunorwhenheavilywalkedupon.
Spreadsviait’sseeds.
Similarspecies:many,includinglocalweedMullumbimbycouchCyperus brevifolius (youcantellthedifferencebylookingattheseedhead,C. brevifoliushasalarger,rounded,fluffyandwhiteseedhead).
1�Common backyard native plants 1�
Weeping grass
Microlaena stipoidesAlovelyweepinggrass.Smallandslender,grows15to70cmhigh.
Itsleavesareflat,thinandoftenslightlyroughtotouch.Itsseedsarelongandthinandwrappedinapointysheathwhichcaneasilysticktoclothing.
Itisfoundinbothsandyandclaysoils.
Microlaenacanprovideprotectionforlizardsfrompredators,foodfornativebeesandbutterflies,aswellasseedforbirds.
Similarweedspecies:ehrharta(whichhasrounder,smallerseedsandsmoothleaves).
Amicrolaenaleaf,whenfeltfromthetiptothestemshouldberough,whereastheweedyehrhartaleafwillbesmooth.
1� 1�1� Common backyard native plants
Basket grass
Oplismenus aemulus Asmall,softgrass,withshort,broad,wavyleavesandascendingorsprawlingstems.
Likeswetandshadyplaces.Growsinsandyorclaysoils.
Itoftenpopsupandgrowswell,whenthelawnisshadedandstartstodieoff.
Basketgrass,whengrowntall,providesgoodcoverforinsectsandlizards.
Similarnativespecies:Oplismenus imbecillis(hasthinnerstalksandmoreslenderleaves).
Oftenconfusedwith:nativecommelinaCommelina cyanea,orweedtradTradescantia fluminensis(bothofwhichhavelarger,morefleshyleavesthanbasketgrass).
1�Common backyard native plants 1�
Kangaroo grass
Themeda australisThisgrasshasatuftofslenderlightgreenleaves,withlongwiry,floweringstemsupto1mhigh.Ithasdistinctivebrownandpurplishspikeletclusters.
Whenfullygrown,kangaroograsscanprovideseedforbirdsandprotectionforsmallreptilesandamphibians.
Itisastrikingfeatureinyourgardenandtakesonalovelybronzeappearancewhenmature.
Itiscommononallsoiltypes,yetisoftenout-competedbyintroducedspecies.
1� 1�1� Common backyard native plants
Pixie orchid
Acianthus fornicatusThisisaverycommonorchid.ItflowersfromMarchtoAugust.Ithasahooded,spider-likeflowerthatisapproximately10mmlongand5to7mmwide.
Ithasaheart-shapedleaf,whichisgreenontopandredtopurpleunderneath.
Pixieorchidsliketogrowinshelteredareas,oftenonsandstonebasedsoils.
Itisdormant(onlyatuber)duringextremesofheatordrynessinSummer.
Smallfliespollinatetheflowerswhentheyfeedonthenectar.
1�Common backyard native plants 1�
Glycine
Glycine microphyllaAslendertwiner,withleavesinsetsofthree.HasprettymauveflowersfromSpringtoSummer.
Oftenfoundinmoistareasamongstdenseunder-growth,suchasgrasses.
Similarnativespecies:thelovecreepersGlycine clandestinaandGlycine tabacina.
1� 1�1� Common backyard native plants
Hardenbergia violaceaAscramblerortwinerwithrichpurplepea-flowersthatareyellowinthecentre.TheflowersgrowfromonestalkandappearinSpringingreatnumbers.
Leavesappearrectangularatoneendandpointyattheother.Whengrowingonanexposedarea,theleavesareerectintheheatoftheday,thenreturntobeflatatnight.
Seedlingsmayspringupafterafire,orfromsoildisturbance.
Hardenbergialiketogrowinsandstone-basedsoil.
Butterflieslovetofeedontheflowersofhardenbergia.
Avarietyofhardenbergiaissoldcommerciallyas‘happywanderer’.
Hardenbergia
20Common backyard native plants 20
Homalanthus populifoliusAshrubwhichgrows2to4mhigh.Itsheart-shapedleavesturnamagnificentdeepredonmaturing.FlowersaretinyandinlateSpring.
Growsinwetareasandonsandyorclaysoils.
Veryopportunistic.
Maybeseencolonisingbushlandareasafterfire.
Bleeding heart
20 2120 Common backyard native plants
Sydney green wattle
Acacia parramattensisAshruborsmalltreegrowingto8mhigh.
Thiswattlehaspaleyellowflowers,mostlybetweenlateNovemberandFebruary.Itsleavesareveryfine,darkgreenandplacedoppositeeach-otheronthestem.
TheSydneygreenwattleisfoundinwoodlandondry,shallow,sandyorclaysoils.
Mostwattlesarequick-growingandopportunistic,appearinginareasafterfireordisturbance.Theyhelpnourishthesoilforfuturespeciestogrow.
Wattlescanprovideseedforbirdsandantsaswellasnectarfornativebutterfliesandbees.Somecanprovideshelterforsmallbirds.
Theword‘wattle’comesfromtheirusein‘wattleanddaub’hutsacoupleofhundredyearsago.
22About your hidden garden
What can I do with my native plants (once I find them)?
1.Nothing?2.Protectthem?3.Promoteandencouragethem?Ifyouwishtopromotethem,youcandosoinavarietyofways.Try:
• Notwalkingon,ordamagingyourplants.• Keepingawayfertilisers,paints,andother
chemicalsthataretoxictonativeplants.• Removingcompetingspecies(weedaround
thenatives-seeoursectiononweeding).• Maintainingthem.Makesuretheyhavethe
water,sunlightorshade(theconditions)theyneedtogrowwell.
Youarewelcometosendusaphotoofthenativesinyouryardsowecanshowotherpeoplewhattheymaylooklikeinanurbansetting.
Ifthereissomethingyouhavefoundinyourgarden,butitisnotinthisbookletoronourwebsite,pleasesendusaphotoofit.Wewilltrytoidentifyitforyou.Contactusat:[email protected]
YoucanalsolookonthePlantNETwebsite(www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au)ifyouthinktheplantmightbeanative,orontheWebWeedLookup(www.iewf.org)ifyouthinkitmaybeaweed.
22 2�About your hidden garden
What if I don’t find any native plants?Ifyouhaven’tfoundanythingatall:don’tdespair!
Youmaystillhavenativeseedsinyoursoilthatarereadytosproutwhennurtured.
Therearemanywaystoregeneratetheseseeds.Thesimplestofallistostopmowinganarea,ortoleaveitundisturbedandseewhatgrows.Ifthesoilhasbeencompacted,youcandisturbitalittlebybreakingupthesurface.
Thebestareastotryareoriginalpocketsofland,thathavenotbeenchangeddramatically.Theplantsmaytakeawhiletogrow.
Note:ifaseedlingappears,itmaybeeitheranativeoraweed(oroneofyourgardenplants).Itisimportantthatyouknowwhatitis,BEFOREyouremoveorpromoteit.Donotletitseedorspreadbeforeidentifyingit,justincaseitisaweed.
Ifyouhavetriedtofindandrestorenatives,buthavehadnoluck,andyoustillwantnativesinyouryard,thenperhapsyoucouldtryplantinglocalnatives.
Askyourlocalcouncil’sBushcareOfficeroralocalbushlandregenerationgroupwhereyoucanbuynativeplantsthathavebeengrownfromlocallycollectedseedinyourarea.
2�About your hidden garden
Nativewildlifemaybelivinginyouryard,frombirdsandbutterflies,toinsectsandpossums.
Theymaybenestinginyourtrees,eatingleaves,fruitorinsects,perhapsevenraisingtheiryoung.
Byprovidingthemwithsomeoftheirneeds(suchasfood,shelterandwater)wecanhelpthemtosurvive.
Eachanimalhasitsownspecialneeds.Youcantrytoattractthewildlifeyoulikebycreatingtherightenvironmentforit.
Undermanyphotosofanimalsinthisbooklet,thefoodsthateachonelikestoeat,aswellasnestingdetailsarementioned.
Asnativewildlifelive,eatandsurviveinyouryard,everythingyoudoinitcanaffectthem.
Thetreesyouchoosetoplant,thewayyoutidyup,ifandhowyouusechemicalsonyourplantsallaffectwildlife.
About native wildlife
2� 2�About your hidden garden
Forexample:ifyousprayyourplantsorplacebaitsinyourgardentokillgrubs,thebirdsthateatthegrubscanalsobepoisoned.ManytawnyfrogmouthshavediedthiswayinSydney.
Havingevenonenativeplantortreeinyouryardcanbevaluablefornativewildlife.Forexample:agrevilleamayprovidefoodforbothbirdsandpossums–forbirdsduringtheday,andforpossumsatnight.
Itisbesttoprovidewildlifewiththetreesandenvironmentthatcreatestheirnaturalfoodsource,ratherthanfeedingthemyourselfwithotherfood.Thisisbecauseourmodernandprocessedfoodscanactuallymakethemsickandsusceptibletodisease.
Adisease‘runners’inrainbowlorikeetshasbecomeverycommontoday.Artificialfeeding(whichlowerstheimmunesystem),togetherwithareducednumberofclean,availabletree-hollows,makesthebirdsmoresusceptibletodisease.Oncetheyhave‘runners’,theycannolongerfly,andfallpreytocatsanddogs.Also,somecockatooshavehadtheirbeaksrotwhenfedsugarregularly.
Nearlyallnativewildlifelivinginourgardensneedourhelp.Seeourwildlifefriendlygardeningtipsformoreideasonattractingthemtoyouryard,andassistingtheirsurvival.
Note:Ifyoufindasick,injuredororphanednativeanimalthatisatrisk,youcancallSydneyWildlifeorWIREStocollect,careforandhopefullyre-releasetheanimalintothewild.
Whileyouhavetheanimalinyourcare,makesureitisinawarm,dark,quietandsafeplace,freefromanystress.Stresscankilltheanimal.Donotforce-feedit,asthiscanalsokilltheanimal.Itneedstorest.Speaktothewildlifecarersforadvice.
Youneedalicencetolookafternativewildlifelongterm.Wildlifecarershavethis.Ifyouwouldliketobecomeawildlifecarer,helpingtorehabilitateinjuredororphanedwildlife,thencontactSydneyWildlifeorWIRES(theirphonenumbersareatthebackofthisbooklet).
2�Common backyard native wildl i fe 2�
Rainbow lorikeet
Trichoglossus haematodusArainbowcolouredparrotwithabluehead,orangechestandgreenontopofitswingsandback.Growstobe30cm(fromheadtotail).
Canmakenoisyandchatterysounds.
Eatsnectarandpollen(sometimesfruit,seedsandinsectsaswell).
Nestsintreehollowsorhollowedouttermitenests.BreedsfromJunetoJanuary.
Canflyover30kmperday.
Nativeplantsthatwillgivethemnectarinclude:grevilleas,bottlebrushesandfloweringgumtrees.
Issues:whenrainbowlorikeets,likeotherwildlife,arefedprocessedfoodssuchasbread,sugarorhoney,theirhealthcandeclineandthismakesthemsusceptibletodisease.Itisbesttoprovidethemwiththeirnaturalfoodsource.
2�2� 2�Common backyard native wildl i fe
Superb fairy wren
Malurus cyaneusFairywrensareabout14cminlength.Adultmalesdevelopbrightblueandblackfeathersontheirheadandthroatduringbreedingseason.Theyremaingrey-whitebelowtheirchest.Theyhaveablackbillandbrownlegs.Femalesandyounghaveamorelight-brownplumage,withabrownbeakandreddishstripeovertheireye.Youmayseeahintofgreenintheadultfemalestail.
Fairywrensmaybeseeningardens,dartingbetweenlow,denseshrubs.Theyareoftenseentogetherwithothersfromtheirgroup.Theyeatmostlysmallinsectsandspiders,catchingthemontheground,orfromsmallbushes.
Thefemalebuildsadome-shapednestwithgrassesandothermaterials,usuallyinlow-lyingshrubsorgrasses.
Groundcoversandgroupsofsmallpricklybushesinyouryardcansuitthem.They’llalsoneedinsects.Perhapssomemulchorleaflitteramongstyourgroundcoverscanattractinsects.
Issues:withoutsmallpricklybushesaround,affordingthemprotectionfromlargerbirdsandanimals,theyareunlikelytovisit,orsurviveinyourgarden.
2�Common backyard native wildl i fe 2�
Noisy minor
Manorina melanocephalaMostlygrey,withablackcrownandcheeks,yellowbeakandfeet,withyellowalsobehindtheeye.Averagelengthis26cm.
Ithasaboldpersonality,andcanoftenbeheardcallingloudlytogetherwithit’sgroupwhendisturbed.Itmakesaloud,piping‘peepeepee’soundwhenalarmed.
VerycommoninSydney.
Iteatsnectar,fruit,insectsandsometimessmalllizards.Theyfeedfromtrees,orsometimesfromtheground,usuallyinlargegroups.
Noisyminorsbreedincolonies.Theymayrearseveralbroodsinoneseason.Together,males,femalesandhelperbirdsmayfeedtheyoung.
NoisyminorsareoftenconfusedwithIndianmynas,whicharebrownandanintroducedspecies.
Issues:theirpopulationhasbeenincreasinginSydney,pushingoutmanysmallerbirds.Thisisthoughttobebroughtonbytheprevalenceofhybridgrevilleas(picturedabove).
2�2� 2�Common backyard native wildl i fe
Tawny frogmouth
Podargus strigoidesAlargebird,45to50cmlong.Itsfeathersareamottledsilver-greycolour.Ithasyelloweyes.Soundsasoft,deep,continuous‘ooo-ooo-ooo’.
Theyflysilentlythroughthenight,catchinginsects,worms,snails,slugs,lizardsandsmallmammalstoeat.
Duringtheday,theyperchonatree,andareoftenhardtodistinguishfromit.
Theyarenocturnal.
TawnysbreedfromAugusttoDecemberandnestinalooseplatformofstickscreatedonaforkedtreebranch.
Foundinmosthabitats,butnotusuallyrainforests.
Issues:iftheyeatpoisonedorsprayedsnails,slugsorinsects,theytooareslowlypoisoned.Tryusingorganicpest-control…orletthewildlifebeyourpest-control(youwillneedtoprovideforthewildlife’sotherneeds-shelter,nestingsitesandfreshwater-toattractthem).
�0Common backyard native wildl i fe �0
Powerful owl
Ninox strenuaAlargeowl,55cmfromheadtotail.Classedasa‘vulnerable’speciesinNSW.Theircolourisadarkgreytodarkgrey-brownabove,withwhitebarring,andoff-whitebelow.Hasyelloweyes.Soundsadeep,doublehoot‘woo-hoo’.
Feedsatnightonsmallpossums,miceandothermammals(mostlythosewholiveintrees).Itisthelargestnocturnalbird.
BreedsfromApriltoSeptemberandmatesforlife.Canlivetobeover30yearsold.Nestsin‘oldgrowth’trees–therearenotmanyoftheseleftinSydney.
Theymostlyliveinremnantbushland,alongsidecreeksorrivers.Theyarealsoseeninopenareasnearforests,suchasparksandsuburbanareas.
Issues:iftheirnaturalfoodsarepoisoned(suchaspossumsandmice),theytoocanbepoisoned.
TheyarelargelyatthreatinSydneyduetolossofhabitat.
�0�0 �1Common backyard native wildl i fe
Brushtail possum (common)
Trichosurus vulpeculaHasgreyishfur,apinknoseandpointypinkears.Hasadark(black)fluffy,bushytail.Theirbodyis35-55cmlongandtheirtail25-40cm.Possumscansometimesbeheardhissingandcallingoutloudly.
Theyeatleaves,fruit,flowersandbuds.Theyliketofeedonmanyplantsandtrees,includinggrevilleas,bottlebrushesandgums.
Beingmarsupials,brushtailpossumscarrytheiryoungintheirpouch,yetlaterofferapiggy-backride,whereyounglearnnecessarysurvivalskills.Theycanbreedintwoseasons:Spring(Sept–Nov)and/orAutumn(March–May).
Inthewild,brushtailpossumsusuallysleepinatree-hollow.Theseareformedinoldgumtreesandarenotalwaysavailableinsuburbanbackyards.Theymaythenseekothersuitableshelter.
Sometimestheycantrytonestinyourroof.Seeourwebsiteforadviceonhowtoevictapossumfromyourroofandprovideanalternativenest-box.
Oftenconfusedwitharingtailpossum,whichissmallerandhasawhite-tippedtail.
Issues:alackofconnectingtreebranchesmaymeantheyhavetocomedowntotheground,wheretheyarevulnerabletoattackfromcats,dogsandfoxes.
�2Common backyard native wildl i fe �2
Macleay’s swallowtail
Graphium macleayanumMacleay’sswallowtailisabeautifulbutterfly,withsmall‘tails’onit’shindwingsandgreenontheundersideofitswings.Itcangrowto6cm.
ItiscommonlyseenaroundSydneyfromAugusttoApril.
Itbeginsit’slifeinatinyegg,whichitsmotherlaysonafeedplant.ItemergesasacaterpillarandfeedsonavarietyofplantsincludingtheintroducedcamphorlaurelCinnamomumcamphora.Itlaterpupatesintothebeautifulbutterflyyouseeabove.
TheadultbutterflyfeedsonthenativesassafrasDoryphorasassafrasaswellasavarietyofshowy,nectarrichflowers,oftenfoundingardens.
�2�2 ��Common backyard native wildl i fe
Cicada - yellow Monday
Cyclochila australasiaeAninsectwithastoutbody,twopairsofwingsandthreepairsoflegs.Theyareharmlesstohumansandeattreesap.Therearemanyvarieties.
InSummer,youmayheartheear-piercingsoundsofthecicada.Youmayalsoseetheemptyshellfromwhichitemerges(above).
Thesongyouhearisthatofthemalestryingtoattractfemales.Thesoundcanreach120decibels.
Beforetheyarewinged,cicadasliveundergroundforuptosevenyears.Whenfullygrown,theydigtheirwayoutandshedtheirskin(theshellyoufindontrees).Theythenhavewings.Onceaboveground,theyonlyliveforafewweeks.Theyreproduceandthecyclebeginsagain.
��Common backyard native wildl i fe ��
Thereareover200speciesofnativebeeslivinginSydney.Theyrangeinshapeandsizeandareneededforthepollinationofmanynativeflowers.Theycanevenhelptopollinateyourveggiepatch.
Theyeatnectarandpollen,andunliketheintroducedhoneybee,manydonotsting.
Resin bee Megachile (left)Thereareavarietyofresinbees.Someareplainandblack,othersareverycolourful.Thisoneisstripedwithblackandyellow.
Resinbeesnestinpre-existingholesintimberorstone.Theygettheirnamefromtheirhabitofcollectingresintouseintheirnests.
Teddy bear bee Amegilla (right)Theteddybearbeeisroundandfluffy,likeachild’stoy.Theygrow7-15mmlong.
Theybuildshallownest-burrowsinsoftsoil,sometimesunderyourhouse.
Teddybearbeesareoneofthefewnativebeesthatareknownas‘buzz-pollinators’.Theycanshakeoutpollenfromflowers,whereotherscan’t.
Likemostnativebees,thesetwoliketofeedontheflowersofgumtrees,tea-trees,bottlebrushes,grevilleasandmanygardenvegetables.
Native bees
���� ��Common backyard native wildl i fe
Eastern blue-tongue
Tiliqua scincoidesAstout,longbodiedlizardwithshortlegsandabluetongue.Ithassilvery-greyandbrowny-blackbandsacrossbothit’sbodyandtail,withablackstripebehindtheeye.Itcangrowupto60cmlong.
Mostgardenersenjoyseeingblue-tonguesintheiryard,asablue-tongue’sfavouritefoodsaresnails,slugsandplant-eatinginsects!Havingablue-tongueinyourgardenwillhelptocontrolthesepests.
Blue-tonguesenjoyforaginginleaf-litter.Theyseekshelteringroundcovers,tussockygrasses,denselow-lyingshrubs,disusedpipesaswellasunderlogs,rocksorevenahouse.
Theyareusuallyfriendlyandnotaggressive,but,likeanycreature,maybiteiftheyfeelthreatened.Itisbesttoleavethemalone.
Issues:ifgardensnailsandslugsarebaited,thelizardsmayalsobepoisoned(whentheyeatthepests).
Useorganicgardeningmethodsinyouryardtohelpthem.
Checkforthemonyourdriveway,orinyourlawnbeforeyoumowit.
Cats,dogsandbirdsmayalsokilltheselizards.
Wildlife friendly gardening tips
��About your hidden garden
Mulch one or more areas in your garden.Thiswillnotonlysavewaterbyhelpingyoursoiltostaymoist,butitwillalsohelptosuppressweedsandimproveyoursoil.Inturn,thiswillcreatefoodforbirdsandotherwildlife(smallinsectsandwormsmaybeencouragedtolivehere,whicharefoodformanynativebirds).
Useweed-freemulchtoadepthofabout10cmforbestresults,andleavealittlegaparoundthebaseofplants,sotheycanbreathe.
Create hiding and sunning spots for lizards inyouryardbyplacingrocks,logsorbricksinsunnyareas,nearsomeshelter.Makesurethatyourmaterialsarenotremovedfrombushland,whereotheranimalscanbeusingthem.Lizardscanattractsomemeat-eatingbirds.
Use organic gardening and pest control methodsasmanycommonpesticidescanharmorkillnativewildlife.
Be careful not to ‘over-tidy’ your yard. Twigs,branches,leaf-litter,hollow-logs,trunksorrocks,ifleft,canprovidenestingmaterialsorevenaplacetonestinforlocalwildlife.
Wildlife friendly gardening tips
�� ��About your hidden garden
Install a nest-box forpossums,nativebirdsorotherwildlifethatmaybelackingatree-hollowtolivein(seeourwebsiteforfurtherinformation).
Keep your cat indoorsbeforeduskanduntilafterdawn,toprotectnocturnal(night)wildlife(suchasowlsandpossums).Otherwise,catsmaytrytoeatthem.Evenascratchfromacatcankillwildlife(ascatbacteriaispoisonoustothem).
Youmayliketoconsiderkeepingyourcatindoorsasmuchaspossible.Duringtheday,catscaneatwildlifesuchaslizards,butterfliesandbirds.
Add a water source(suchasabasinorbirdbath).Placeitinasafearea,highoffthegroundorsuspendedfromatree,wherecatsordogscannotaccessiteasily.
• Placeyourbirdbathnearashrubortreewhichcanbeusedasalookoutortorunintoforprotectionifneeded.
• Replacethewatersourceregularly...butnottooregularly,ifyouwanttoavoidthembecomingdependant,andgettingthirstywhenyougoaway.
• Cleanyourbirdbathwithfreshwateronly.• Placingtheclean,emptydishindirectsunlight
forafewhourscanhelptosteriliseit.
��About your hidden garden
Create frog-friendly habitatinyourgardenbybuildingapond.
• Varythedepthofthepondandplaceabranchfromthelandintothewatertoallowotherwildlifetogetinoroutofthepondeasily.
• Createanislandinthepondfromwhichwildlifecandrinksafely.
• Anoverhangingtreecanprovidefurthershadeaswellasavantagepointforbirds.
• Shrubsnexttothepondmayprovideprotectionforvisitingwildlife.
• Makesureyoubuildthepondawayfromanybedrooms(yoursandyourneighbours),assomefrogscanbenoisy!
�� ��About your hidden garden
Attract butterflies or native stingless beesbyplantingorgrowingseasonallyflowering,non-hybridgrevilleas,bottlebrushesandothernectar-producingnativeplants.
Avoid feeding wildlife processed foods suchasbreadorsugar.Sugarcancorrodebirdsbeaks,andlikebread,canupsettheirbodiesandmakethemsusceptibletodisease.Itisbesttogrownativeplantssotheycanfeednaturally.Ifanativeplantisthere,thewildlifeissuretocome!
Large-leavedprivet-fruitandleaves.Control:handpulling,cutandpaint,steminjection.
Small-leavedprivet-flowersandleaves.Control:handpulling,cutandpaint,steminjection.
Ochna-leavesandfruit.Control:stemscraping.
trees and shrubs
�0About weeds
What is a weed?Aweedisaplantoutofplace.Toagardener,thismightbeaplantyoudon’twantgrowinginyourgarden.Toabushlandregenerator,itmaybesomethingthatdestroysbushland.Toafarmer,itmaybesomethingthatdestroystheircrop.
Forthepurposesofthisbooklet,wehaveincludedweedsthatarebadforeveryone:gardeners,bushlandregeneratorsandfarmers.
How do weeds spread?Weedscanbespreadinmanyways,includingby:wind,water,wildlife,humansorequipment.
• Windmayblowlightseedsaround.• Stormwatermaycarryweedsaswellas
nutrientstohelpthemgrow.
Small-leavedprivet-flowersandleaves.Control:handpulling,cutandpaint,steminjection.
Ochna-leavesandfruit.Control:stemscraping.
Cotoneaster-leavesandfruit.Control:handpulling,cutandpaint.
trees and shrubs
Lantana-flowersandleaves.Control:handpulling,cutandpaint.
�0 �1About weeds
Weeds• Birdsmayconsumethefruitofweedplants,
thendepositthemsomewhereelse.• Peoplemaycarryseedsontheirclothing
orshoes…orevendumpweedsinthebush(onlyhelpingthemtospread).
Why get rid of weeds?Apartfromhelpingyourgardenplantsandnewlyfoundnativestogrow,removingweedswillalsohelplocalbushland.
Ifweedsenterbushland,theycansmotherexistingvegetationandout-competelocalnativespecies.Thiscanchangethestructureofthebushland.Manynativeanimalsfindithardtosurvive,andbiodiversitydeclines.Fireregimesarealteredandthreatenedplantsmaybecomeevenlesscommon.
Ehrharta-leavesandseeds.Control:handremoval.
grasses and groundcovers
�2About weeds
Manyenvironmentalweedscomefrompeople’sbackyards.Thesearecalledgardenescapes.
Foralloftheabovementionedreasons,itisimportanttobothsupportnativespeciesinyouryard,aswellastotryandremoveweeds.
Note:oftenweedspeciesarebeingusedbynativeanimals,forlackofchoice.Ifyouremovetheweedtheymayhavenothinglefttoliveinoron.Alwaysensureyouhaveasuitablereplacementplantfornativeanimalswhenremovingweeds.
How can I effectively control my weeds? Haveyouevertriedtoremoveaweedonlytohaveitregrow?Ifyouhave,youmaynothavebeenusingthecorrectremovaltechniqueforthatweed.
Eachweedhasaspecificremovalmethodthatissuitedtothatplant.Thesemethodsarelistedundereachphotographofaweedinthisbooklet.Therearehelpfulillustrationsattheback.
Whenyouremoveaweed,youhelpanyplantthatisnotremoved,andifyouweedaroundnativeplantsthenyouhelpthemaswellasthewildlifethatneedsthem,togrow.
Trad-flowersandleaves.Control:vinesandscramblers-handpulling,ortryraking.
grasses and groundcovers
�2 ��About weeds
Note:besureyouknowwhatsomethingisBEFOREyouremoveorpromoteit!Ifyoudonotcorrectlyidentifyaplantbeforeremovingorpromotingit,youcouldmistakenlyremovethenativeplantsthatyoudesire,orspreadtheweedsyoudon’twant.(Seethereferencesandlinkssectionforfurtherhelpidentifyingplants).
Usethefollowingweedingtechniquestopromoteyourhiddennativeplants:
• Weedfromthenativeplantsoutwards,towardsthecompetition.
• Youmaymakea5to10cmweed-freeringaroundeachnative.Thiscreatesabufferwherenothingelsecancompetewiththeplantyouaretryingtogrow.
• Minimiseyourdisturbanceofthesoilwhenremovingtheweed.
• Trytoremovetheweedwithoutremovinganysoilfromtheground(getbareroots).(Ifsoilisleftontheweed,itmaycontinuetogrowwhenthrownaside,aswellasdepletethesoilofimportantbacteria).
• Keepanyweedseeds/flowers/nuts/fruitawayfromnatives.Placetheminthebin.
• Usethecorrectweedremovaltechniques.• Paceyourweeding(plantsmaygrowback
tocoveranareaquickerthanyouthink–andquickerthanyoucanremovethem).
Honeysuckle-leavesandflower.Control:handpulling,stemscraping.
Turkeyrhubarb-leavesandundergroundtuber.Control:digouttubers,bagseeds.
Purplemorningglory-leavesandflowers.Control:handpulling,stemscraping.
vines and scramblers
��About weeds
Further weeding tips:Ifyouareclearingalargearea,trytoscaleyourworks.Thatis,removeabitatatime,perhapsworkina‘mosaic’orchequerboardpattern,ensuringtherearealwayssomeareaswithvegetation,sothewildlifecanuseitandmovebetweentheareaswithoutbeingtooexposed.
Trytotakeandleaveavarietyofdifferentspecieswherepossible.Forexample:leaveafewlargetreesinanarea,sobirdscanstillperch.Leaveafewshrubs,forsmallerbirdstohidein,andshadyareasforthemtokeepawayfromtheheat.
Turkeyrhubarb-leavesandundergroundtuber.Control:digouttubers,bagseeds.
Balloonvine-leavesandfruit.Control-handpulling,stemscraping.
Turkeyrhubarb-seeds.
Madeiravine-aerialtubers.Madeiravine-flowersandleaves.Control:stemscrapinganddiguptubers.
vines and scramblers
�� ��About weeds
Staggeringyourremovalofplantscanalsohelptopreventerosion,lossoftopsoilandthegeneraldegradationofyoursite.
Almostanythingcanbeahome(oruseful)towildlife.Trees,boxesinthegarden,messytwigsleftaside...mostthingscanprovidesomethingusefultowildlife(whetheritisnaturalorunnatural,nativeornot).Amessygardenmaybeagreathomeforwildlife.
Examinehowsomethingmaybeusedbeforeremovingitfromyouryard.Forexample:apileofbricksmaybeprotectingskinks,thatspikyovergrowntreemaybeprovidingprotectionforsmallbirdsfromcats,etc.
Gently remove any seeds or fruit and carefully place in a bag.Grasp stem at any level.
��Weed removal techniques ( i l lustrated)
Control of small hand pullable plants
Examples: small, soft weeds e.g. fleabane, crofton weed and small grasses.
Seedlings of any weeds including privet, lantana and moth vine.
Gently remove any seeds or fruit and carefully place in a bag.
Grasp stem close to the ground.
Rock plant backwards and forwards to loosen roots, then pull out gently.
Carefully tap the roots to dislodge any soil and pat down.
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ConsiderationsLeave weeds in a place where the roots do not make contact with the soil e.g. on a rock, hung from a tree (for small debris) or removed from the site.Vary your body position regularly when using hand removal over long periods, to avoid fatigue.
Method: hand removal (minimal disturbance)
Gently remove any seeds or fruit and carefully place in a bag.Grasp stem at any level.
�� ��Weed removal techniques ( i l lustrated)
Control of small hand pullable plants
Method: hand removal (minimal disturbance)
Control of vines and scramblers
Take hold of one runner and gently pull it along the ground towards you.
Check points of resistance where fibrous roots grow from nodes. Cut roots with a knife or dig out with a trowel and continue to follow the runner.
The majority of root systems need to be removed manually or scraped/cut and painted with herbicide.
Bag any reproductive parts.
Examples: balloon vine, morning glory, honeysuckle, cape ivy, jasmine, madeira vine and blackberry.
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Method 1: hand removal
Method 2: stem scraping
21 With a knife, scrape 15 to
30cm of the plant to reach the layer below the bark.
Immediately apply herbicide along the length of the scrape.
ConsiderationsA maximum of half the stem diameter should be scraped. Do not ring bark.Larger stems (>1cm) should have two scrapes opposite each other. Aerial tubers on madeira vine should die with the plant when stem scraping is used. Those that fall from the plant need to be bagged. Vines can be left hanging in trees after treatment.
Method 1: cut and paint
��Weed removal techniques ( i l lustrated)
Examples: lantana, bitou bush, cotoneaster, privet (use cut and paint).
Camphor laurel, ochna and cassia/senna (use stem scraping).
Useful for small to medium sized woody plants up to 10cm basal diameter.
Make a horizontal cut close to the ground with secateurs, loppers or a bush saw.
Immediately apply herbicide to the exposed flat stump surface.
Considerations when using herbicideRead the label before opening the container and follow the instructions.Wear protective clothing as directed on the label.Wash hands after use and before eating, drinking or smoking.Cuts should be horizontal to prevent herbicide from running off the stump. Sharp angle cuts are hazardous.Do not get dirt on the cut as it may neutralise the herbicide.Herbicide must be applied immediately, before the plant cells close and translocation of herbicide ceases.If plants resprout, cut and paint the shoots after sufficient regrowth has occurred.Stem scraping can be more effective on some woody weeds.
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Control of woody weeds
�� ��Weed removal techniques ( i l lustrated)
For use on larger shrubs or trees above 10cm in diameter and in inaccessible sites where removal is a problem. Please contact your local council if you are considering removing trees of this size.
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Method 2: stem injection Method �: frilling or chipping
ConsiderationsPlants should be healthy and actively growing. Deciduous plants should be treated in Spring and Autumn when leaves are fully formed.For multi-stemmed plants, inject or chip below the lowest branch or treat each stem individually.Herbicide must be injected immediately before the plant cells close and translocation of herbicide ceases (within 30 seconds).
INJECTION: At the base of the tree drill holes at a 45 degree angle into the sapwood at 5cm intervals.ORFRILL/CHIP: Make a cut into the sapwood with a chisel or axe.
Fill each hole/cut with herbicide immediately.
Repeat the process at 5cm intervals around the tree.
Method 1: hand removal of plants with a taproot
Method 2: crowning
�0Weed removal techniques ( i l lustrated)
Control of weeds with underground reproductive structures
Examples: catsear, dandelion and fleabane.
Gently remove and bag seeds or fruit.
Push a narrow trowel or knife into the ground next to the taproot. Carefully loosen soil. Repeat this step around the taproot.
Grasp stem at ground level, rock plant backwards and forwards and pull gently.
Gently tap the roots to dislodge soil. Replace disturbed soil and lightly pat down.
Examples: many grasses, asparagus fern.
Gently remove and bag stems with seed or fruit.
Grasp the leaves or stems together so that the base of the plant is visible.
Insert, at an angle, a knife or lever, close to the crown.Cut through all the roots around the crown. Remove and bag the crown.
NB: a mattock is useful for plants such as phalaris, that form large clumps.
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Examples: Weeds with
• Tap roots - catsear and dandelion.• Rhizomes - asparagus fern and ginger plant.• Bulbs and corms - oxalis, onion weed,
Watsonia, freesias and montbretia. • Tubers - madeira vine and turkey rhubarb.
Method 1: hand removal of plants with a taproot
Method �: removal of plants with bulbs corms or tubers
�0 �1Weed removal techniques ( i l lustrated)
Control of weeds with underground reproductive structures
Move leaf litter away from base of plant, dig down next to the stem until the bulb or tuber is reached.
Remove plant and carefully bag the bulk or tuber.2
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Gently remove any seed or fruit and carefully place into a bag.
Using a herbicide applicator, swipe the stems/leaves.
ConsiderationsFurther digging may be required for plants with more than one tuber (e.g. arrow head vine).Some bulbs (e.g. oxalis, onion weed) may have small bulbils attached or present in the soil around it. These need to be removed.It may be quicker and more effective to dig out the weed. Make sure native plants and seedlings will not be affected.Learn and understand how the herbicide works - for bulb and corm species the most effective time is after flowering and before fruit is set.Have you addressed all safety issues ?
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Method �: herbicide - stem swiping
Examples: onion weed, watsonia, turkey rhubarb and montbretia.
ThisprojecthasbeenassistedbytheNewSouthWalesGovernmentthroughitsEnvironmentalTrust.
References, links and contactsBooksNative plantsField Guide to the Native Plants of Sydney.LesRobinson.2nded.1994.KangarooPress.
Native animalsField Guide to the Birds of Australia.KenSimpson,NicolasDayandPeterTrusler.6thedition.2000.PenguinBooksAustralia.
The Mammals of Australia.RonaldStrahaned.1998.ReedNewHolland/AustralianMuseum.
The Nestbox Book.1997.GouldLeagueofVictoriaInc.
Native plant regenerationBringing Back the Bush.JoanBradley.1988.Lansdowne-Rigby.
Bush Regenerators Handbook.2005.NationalTrustofAustraliaNSW.
Bush Regeneration: Recovering Australian Landscapes.RobinBuchanan.1989.TAFEStudentLearningPublications.
WeedsBush Invaders of South-East Australia: A guide to the identification and Control of Environmental Weeds Found in South-East Australia.AdamMuyt.2001.R.GandF.JRichardson,Victoria,Australia.
Environmental Weeds: A Field Guide for SE Australia.KateBlood.2001.CHJerramandassociates,MtWaverley.
WebsitesNative plantsAustralian Musuem www.amonline.net.au/explore/index.cfm(ExploreAustralia’swilldlife,history,cultureandmore).
Royal Botanic Gardens www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au(Usetheirdatabases,suchasPlantNETforinformationonplants).
Native animalsBackyard Buddies www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/content/backyard+buddies(Learnaboutnativewildlifethatmaybelivinginyouryard).
Birds in Backyards www.birdsinbackyards.net(Birdsandtheirneeds).
Birds Australia www.birdsaustralia.com.au(Birdsandtheirneeds).
The Australian Native Bee Research Centre www.aussiebee.com.au(Meetandlearnaboutmanyofourwonderfulnativebees).
Wildlife of Sydney www.faunanet.gov.au (Informationonnativewildlife).
Native plant regenerationAustralian Association of Bush Regeneratorswww.aabr.org.au (Supportandinformationfornativeplantregenerationinbushland).
Know Your Garden’s Natives www.knowyourgardensnatives.org(Findyourgarden’shiddennativeplantsandmeetlocalwildlife).
WeedsInternational Environmental Weed Foundation www.iewf.org(Informationonenvironmentalweeds).
NSW Department of Primary Industries www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/noxweed(NoxiousweedsinSydney).
Sydney Weeds Committeeswww.sydneyweeds.org.au(Sydneysweedsandtheircontrol).
Phone numbersWildlife rescue and rehabilitation
Sydney Wildlife(02)94134300
WIRES1300094737
