The Backyard Series - Thirty Plants for Biodiversity

An introduction to key local native shrubs perfect for your garden

The Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden is thrilled to host The Backyard Series in 2026!

Come and learn how to develop a beautiful native garden and enhance habitat at your place. Local presenters will share their knowledge, offer practical advice and hands-on learning to inspire you to create a thriving and healthy backyard.

Thirty for Biodiversity: Local Shrubs for your Garden

Presented by Spencer Shaw, Forest Heart ecoNursery

Want to create a garden that supports local wildlife and is manageable? Choosing the right plants for your soil, space and conditions is one of the most important decisions to boost biodiversity at home.

In this workshop with Spencer Shaw, highly experienced bush regenerator, native plant specialist, and co-founder of Brush Turkey Enterprises and Forest Heart ecoNursery in Maleny, you'll learn his diverse pick of local native shrubs suited to different garden situations. Learn how to select species for varying soil types, light conditions and garden sizes, while gaining practical insights into creating habitat, increasing resilience and supporting local ecosystems.

Participants will receive a take-home fact sheet packed with plant recommendations to help put your new knowledge into action. Spencer will also lead a short guided walk through the nearby feature gardens, highlighting native species growing in situ and sharing valuable establishment and management techniques drawn from decades of hands-on experience in ecological restoration and native landscaping.

Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to increase the biodiversity value of an existing garden, this is a fantastic opportunity to learn from one of the region's most knowledgeable native plant practitioners.

Registration is limited, so book now to secure your spot.

See more events in The Backyard Series