Spring has sprung – and so have the weeds. There is no better way to dispose of weeds than at Eurobodalla Council’s plant swaps, where you can exchange them for free native plants.
There are two swaps this spring; on Saturday 16 September at Moruya Country Markets, Riverside Park, from 8am-12pm, and Dalmeny Handmade Markets at Dalmeny Community Hall, Sunday 8 October from 8.30am-1pm.
Council’s Environment Project Officer Emma Patyus said plant swaps were about 'getting to the source' of local weed outbreaks.
“We spend a huge amount of resources, both time and money, controlling invasive species across Eurobodalla. Unfortunately many of these begin unknowingly in people's backyards,” she said.
“When we get talking to residents about some of the more common weeds that we treat in reserves they are often surprised to learn that these include some of their home-grown favourites – like Agapanthus, African Daisy and Honeysuckle.
“Unfortunately they spread easily, are highly invasive and require resources for their removal that would be better spent elsewhere.”
Bush-friendly gardens also require less water and less maintenance, provide food and habitat for native species and can flower year-round.
To take part in the plant swaps simply remove environmental weeds from your garden, put them in a bag, and bring them to either swap event. You will receive up to four native plants in exchange.
“While it may seem like a small contribution to bring along a bag full of weeds, collectively Eurobodalla residents can create positive and lasting change,” Ms Patyus said.
“The more conversations we have, the more weeds surrendered and the more natives going in the ground, the more resilient our community and our landscapes will become.
“So come and visit us at one of our stalls, have a chat, get some free plants and become part of the solution. After all, every garden counts.”
More information about South Coast weeds is on Council’s website www.esc.nsw.gov.au under ‘Living in’ and ‘Natural environment’. Alternatively phone the environment team on 44741000.
Above: Growing a beautiful native garden is child’s play – you can find out how at Council’s upcoming plant swaps at Moruya Country Markets on 16 September and Dalmeny Handmade Markets on 8 October.
