Native plants

Native plants
Photo of pink flowers on a tree
Our unique local plants rightfully call the area their own, and we make every effort to protect native plants which assist in our eco-system. Local Plants biodiversity canterbury bankstown Our unique local plants rightfully call the area their own, and we make every effort to protect native plants which assist in our eco-system. Environment
photo of Eucalyptus Tree

 

Next native plant giveaway: 2-8 September 2023. Plants will be available at Bankstown, Earwood, Lakemba and Panania Library and Knowledge Centres.

 

 

 

Native plants are a good choice in gardens as they use less water than many non-natives and establish quickly. They are also great at attracting native animals and insects back into our area by providing shelter and food.

Every year, we offer free native plant seedlings to residents and schools. We also hold planting days to help our community create habitat.

Resident native plant giveaway

We offer free native plant seedlings to residents twice a year in Autumn and Spring. Typically, giveaways are week-long events, hosted in our libraries.
Plant giveaways are promoted in local newspapers, through our social media channels and on cb.city/whatson.

For library opening hours, please visit the locations and memberships page.

 

  

Event Date Location/s Details

Spring community giveaway

2-8 September 2023

  • Bankstown Library & Knowledge Centre.
  • Earlwood Library & Knowledge Centre.
  • Lakemba Library & Knowledge Centre.
  • Panania Library & Knowledge Centre.

​A selection of plants will be available. Max. four plants per household.

Talks will be held to help residents incorporate native plants into their gardens. Details TBC.

Autumn community giveaway​25-31 March 2023
  • ​Campsie Library & Knowledge Centre.
  • Chester Hill Library & Knowledge Centre.
  • Greenacre Library & Knowledge Centre
  • Riverwood Library & Knowledge Centre

​​A selection of plants will be available. Max. four plants per household.

Talks will be held to help residents incorporate native plants into their gardens. Details TBC.

 

Native plants are available for purchase throughout the year from these local nurseries:

School native plant giveaway

Once a year, we offer free native plant seedlings to schools within the City of Canterbury Bankstown to help green school grounds.

The giveaway is timed to support schools participating in Schools Tree Day (early Term 3), although schools can hold their planting activity anytime.   Planet Ark’s website (www.treeday.planetark.org) has further information on Schools Tree Day, as well as lesson plans and resources.

Schools can request up to 100 plants, however the final amount delivered will depend on overall demand for the program. There is a large diversity of plants to suit various school needs and all plants suit local soil conditions. Although species vary each year, there is always a range of ground covers, climbers, grasses, shrubs, small trees, medium trees and tall trees available.

Schools are encouraged to consider the location that requires planting, and to include this information on their order form. For example, schools may require plants to create a frog pond, to attract insects to their veggie garden, for screening or for a bush tucker garden.

School staff, school environment groups, P&C Committees and OOSH Groups on school property are eligible to submit a request on behalf of the school. Orders are submitted via an online form that is emailed to each school in Term 2.

  Timing Dates Details

Schools emailed current information on ordering process 

Term 2, Week 5

22 May 2023

Information is sent to the generic school email address, teachers that have ordered in the last two years and teachers requesting to be notified.

Term 2, Week 8​14 June 2023Order here​​​
Confirmation of order and delivery time​Term 2, Week 10​26 June 2023
Plant orders delivered​Term 3, Weeks 1-3

Community tree planting events

National Tree Day is Australia's largest community tree-planting and nature care event. We participate each year by hosting a community planting event and free native plant giveaway. Typically, the event is held on the last Sunday in July.

The event is promoted on Planet Ark’s website, and in local newspapers, through our social media channels and on cb.city/whatson.

Event Date Location/s Details

National Tree Day

Sunday, 30 July 2023

Band Hall Reserve, Ferrier Road, Birrong

​Join us from 10am to 1pm for planting and free native plants for volunteers. Please wear a hat and covered shoes. Gloves and tools will be provided. For more information click here.

Creating a native garden​

Our local area is home to a wide variety of plants and animals and your garden is an important habitat haven for them. A new guide is available to help you create habitat at home.

PDF icon Your native garden: A guide to bring native plan​ts and animals back to your garden​

Map of CBCity Planting zones

Native Plant Selector

Clean and Green e-Newsletter

Our Clean and Green E-Newsletter is the best way to keep up to date on the latest news and events about environmental events and free events in the City of Canterbury Bankstown.

Sign up here​​​

 

For more information, call Council's Natural Resource Management team on 9707 9000.