Have you ever stopped to consider what native plants were originally growing on your property?

It’s an easy question to overlook. When we decide to plant something new for a revegetation project, we often ask: ‘what should I plant?’ However, there’s a greater question we can start with: ‘what used to grow here?’

Planting species native to your location can make a meaningful difference for biodiversity, sustainability and plant resilience. Native plant communities – being the groups of plants that grow together - are uniquely adapted to local soils, rainfall patterns and climate conditions. That means they typically require less water, fewer inputs and have a better chance of thriving long-term.

More importantly, they provide critical habitat for native wildlife. Birds, insects and other animals have evolved alongside these plants, relying on the vegetation for food, shelter and breeding. When we reintroduce native vegetation, we’re not just planting, we’re rebuilding ecological relationships.

Whether large or small, revegetation projects can become a stepping stone for biodiversity, helping connect fragmented habitats across the landscape.

A localised approach to planting

One of the most interesting things about native vegetation is how specific it is to place.

Many properties sit within a unique vegetation community, shaped by subtle variations in soil type, drainage, rainfall and topography. A slight rise, a seasonal wet area, or a change in soil can completely shift what naturally grows there.

This means that even neighbouring properties - seemingly similar at first glance - can support different plant communities. What thrives on one block might struggle just a few hundred metres away. Understanding this is why a targeted planting list is a valuable resource for revegetation success and a one-size-fits-all approach may be less effective.

How to begin

Start by exploring the native plant communities for your area on our website. Using location‑based mapping, you can find out which plants are naturally suited to your property and use this as a guide for your revegetation project.

From there, local native plant nurseries can help you choose species that suit your site and planting goals.

Find the right native plants for your area