Free native plants for residents

The City of Armadale together with the Armadale Gosnells Landcare Group (AGLG) are once again encouraging members of the community to plant and green their properties by giving away native plants to residents.

The native species provided to residents through the program will help grow our city’s urban forest and support local wildlife.

The giveaway event will return to the carpark at Rushton Park in Kelmscott on Sunday 5 May from 9am to noon, or until the stock of plants run out.

Mayor Henry Zelones OAM, JP said that for the last two years the program has been a huge success with residents from all over the City keen to take advantage of acquiring free plants for their gardens.

“Staff from the City, AGLG and other environmental groups will be on hand to offer advice on the care and maintenance of natives, and information on the most suitable plants for your area.

There will be a variety of seedlings available with 8,000 plants to be given away on the day. The native seedling species have been selected based on their long term growth potential and survival capacity to suit the local soil and climate. These species will grow well, establish quickly, be water wise and support our special wildlife.

“Planting natives not only reduces weed invasion into bushland and helps control soil erosion, but also provides an array of environmental benefits.

“The City is keen to assist with increasing flora diversity in our residential areas, providing habitat diversity as well as shade and shelter for birds, reptiles and small native mammals,” he said.

Eligible ratepayers will receive up to 10 plants per household, and plants will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Residents are asked to bring their own bags/box to carry the seedlings in and must bring photo ID (driver’s license/passport) and current proof of residential address to obtain their free plants.