Would you like to pick up some free native plants for your garden? Are you trying to create a low-maintenance garden for your home or property?
 
Hornsby Shire Council holds four plant giveaway days for ratepayers each year. Each giveaway targets a specific area of Hornsby Shire, providing every ratepayer with the opportunity to receive free native plants for their garden.
 
Hornsby Shire ratepayers from Arcadia, Berrilee, Canoelands, Dural, Fiddletown, Forest Glen, Galston, Glenorie, Laughtondale, Lower Hawkesbury, Maroota, Middle Dural, Singletons Mill and Wisemans Ferry only are invited to pick up six free plants on Saturday 24 September from 1pm to 3pm at the picnic shed at the Galston Recreation Reserve (next to Galston Aquatic Centre), Galston Road, Galston.
 
“Our giveaways are a great opportunity to receive local native plants which are indigenous to your area,” said Leanne Johnston, the Coordinator of Council’s Bushland Community Programs.
 
“The native plants are well suited to the soil and climate of Hornsby Shire and often need less water than non-natives,” said Leanne.
 
The plants have been propagated and grown at Council’s Community Nursery in Pennant Hills by staff and volunteers. A current rates notice and appropriate identification must be shown on the day to receive the free plants. Residents are asked to bring a cardboard box or reusable green bag to carry their plants.
 
Plants available on the day include tea trees, mint bush, grevilleas, banksias, bottlebrush, wattles and native grasses. Limited plant stock will be available on the day.
For more information and future giveaway days, please call 9847 6853 or visit www.bushland.hornsby.nsw.gov.au.