Low-maintenance lovelies: how indigenous plants can benefit your garden

You’re probably familiar with native plants, but what are indigenous plants and why are they an even better choice for your garden? 

While native varieties come from anywhere in Australia, indigenous plants originate from a more specific area, or bioregion. 

Greater Western Water recommends indigenous plants, because they’re perfectly adapted to the local soil, climate and geology – requiring less water and maintenance. Long term, this can save you time, and reduce your water bill. And while you sit back and enjoy your garden, so will the native bees, birds and animals who'll soon be paying you a visit.

Choosing indigenous plants also allows us to connect, heal and care for Country, explains Aunty Kym Monohan, Greater Western Water's Senior First Nations Advisor.

For First Nations peoples, when we talk about caring for Country, an important part of that is the restoration of traditional plants and animals.

“This restoration supports the relationship between the environment and all of us. In other words, ‘healthy Country, healthy people’.”

Discover your bioregion and indigenous plants

Visit the Victorian Government website to discover your bioregion and the hundreds of indigenous flowers, trees and grasses available.

Pictured, the Austral Stork's-bill (Pelargonium austral) is indigenous to the bioregions of the Central Victorian Uplands and Victorian Volcanic Plains – on Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country, or the Macedon Shire.