Final Plant Sale of 2020

Image: Person holding native plant in Wollongong nursery

Looking to brighten your garden before the end of the year? Wollongong Botanic Garden is holding its last native plant sale of the year this Friday 20 November at the Greenplan Nursery on Northfields Avenue, Keiraville.

This will be the final plant sale of 2020 as the popularity of the Greenplan sales have grown dramatically with the renewed enthusiasm for gardening in the region.

“The native plant sale provides an affordable way to support the growth of Illawarra natives in our homes and it seems more and more people are discovering our Greenplan Nursery sales,” Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.

“Now is a great time to spruce up our gardens, and planting more natives has the added benefit of supporting our local environment.’’

Wollongong residents can come along to the plant sale to purchase from a selection of local native plants, shrubs, ground covers, grasses as well as worm farms and compost bins. A full list of what’s available can be currently viewed on the Garden’s website.

The traditional Super Saturday plant sale which is normally the last plant sale of the year, has been postponed until next year due to the heavy demand for plants.

“The Botanic Garden grows local specialist plants from scratch, and we don’t restock from other suppliers the way a local nursery would,’’ Cr Bradbery said.

“The Greenplan Nursery has been doing a wonderful job supplying the community with local natives, but they are on Mother Nature’s timeline when it comes to propagating more plants that are at a suitable stage to sell to our residents.

“Wollongong City Council have recently released new verge planting guidelines for our community, so being able to provide native shrubs for these areas at an affordable price helps support the uptake of these urban gardens.”

To keep staff safe and adhere to social distancing measures, horticulturalist staff advice will be limited. To make the most of your visit, plan ahead by visiting Wollongong City Council’s website for our Verge Guidelines and the Growing Illawarra Natives website for the up-to-date information on caring for native plants. Printed copies of Growing Illawarra Natives and Edible Plant Guides, and the Verge Guidelines also will be provided for free on arrival to the plant sale. There will also be information about Council’s new FOGO service.

This plant sale is a ratepayer-subsidised service, so a current Wollongong City Council rates notice is required on the day as proof of residency.

The Nursery carpark, at 65 Northfields Avenue (Gate 7) will be marked with bright flags on the day. The sale will be available from 7.30am – 2.30pm.

For more information please visit Wollongong Botanic Garden website or call the Garden on (02) 4227 7667.