Learn how to create a beautiful native garden

A new event series is set to transform backyards across the Sunshine Coast.

 
Learn how to create a beautiful native garden
Backyards for Biodiversity

The Backyard Series, proudly brought to you by Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens, will run year-long practical hands-on workshops about how local native plants can be incorporated into a beautiful backyard garden design.

The low-cost workshops will be delivered by experts in the topics and align with the seasonal calendar and will be delivered in partnership with the region’s leading plant nurseries and gardening experts.

The Autumn workshops will focus on backyard basics of caring for soil, designing beautiful cottage and contemporary style native gardens and how to consider diversity as a design principle using layers and levels.

Sunshine Coast Environment and Liveability Councillor Peter Cox said the workshops aimed to improve backyard biodiversity across the Sunshine coast.

“These workshops are perfect for people who are already interested in gardening, or for people who are just starting their journey into native gardens and designing for biodiversity,” Cr Cox said.

“Everyone is welcome, however the knowledge gained would particularly suit people with small to medium sized blocks who would like improve their backyards to suit our climate, soils and local wildlife.”

Division 5 Councillor Winston Johnston said Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens was an exceptional example of a large native garden in action.

“Local native gardens make your life easier – they are drought tolerant, low maintenance, wildlife friendly, sustainable and can have stunning, vibrant flowers,” Cr Johnston said.

“As an added bonus, by using local natives you can be sure they have evolved to suit our local Sunshine Coast conditions.

“So, whether you’d like a formal, cottage, coastal or contemporary style garden or whether you’re after the perfect native tree or shrub for a screen, or groundcover to draw in the butterflies and bees, this series of events will help you find the perfect native plant for the job.”

Registrations are essential for each event, which cost $20 per workshop. Register under “see and do” on Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens website

Workshop #DatesWorkshop presenters and topicsRegistration link
Backyard: basics


1April 1, 2023

Dr Sandra Tuzsynksa – Giving Soil

Caring for soil: Soil microbiology, fungi and worms for healthy growing conditions, Worm Flow set up.

Caring for Soil
2April 15, 2023

Shaun Walsh – Shaun Walsh Landscape Architect  

How to design a beautiful native garden: achieving formal, cottage and contemporary styles with local plants.

How to Design a Beautiful Native Garden
3April 29, 2023

Natalie Sanderson – Backyards for Biodiversity

Designing gardens for diversity using layers and levels.

Designing Gardens for Diversity


Backyards in Winter


4June 6, 2023TBCTBC*
5June 17, 2023

Spencer Shaw – Forest Heart

Winter garden hacks: pruning for plant growth and health.

TBC*
6July 1, 2023

Land for Wildlife – SCC

Better the weed you know – identifying and dealing with invasive plants.

TBC*
Backyards in Bloom


7August 5, 2023

Karen Shaw – Forest Heart

Down the garden path: groundcovers and gorgeous plants for pathways and tiny yards.

TBC*
8August 19, 2023

Tim Lang and Clementine Ford – Coolum Community Native Nursery

Designing coastal gardens: wallum flowers and selecting beautiful plants for sandy soils.

TBC*
9September 2, 2023

TBC Suzie Pearce – Florabunda Bushcare

Topic TBC

TBC*
Backyard habitats


10October 7, 2023

Maureen Sheargold – MRBBG founding volunteer.

Inviting birds for a bath: how to form your own birdbath.

TBC*
11October 21, 2023

Trevor Morrison and John (surname) – ECOllaboration.

DIY Frog Hotels: making simple habitats for amphibian friends.

TBC*
12November 4, 2023

Jessica Raintree – Mooloolah River Landcare.

Attracting butterflies: planting and caring for a butterfly garden.

TBC*


*To be confirmed – please subscribed to the OurSC e-newsletter at OurSC.com.au to learn when registrations open.