Brisbane City Council’s Free Native Plants Program is a great way to green up your garden while supporting local biodiversity.

If you’ve just picked up your free plant and aren’t quite sure what to do next, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.

Here’s a simple guide to help you plant, care for, and get the most out of your new native.

Just picked up you free native plant?
Here’s what to do next

So you’ve collected your free native plant from the Brisbane City Council Free Native Plants Program? Nice work! Native plants are a great choice for your garden – they’re beautiful, low-maintenance, and perfectly suited to Brisbane’s climate.

If you’re wondering what to do next, here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to get your new plant settled into its forever home.

1. Find the right spot

Take a moment to check the label or look up your plant online. Does it prefer full sun or part shade? Does it like dry soil or something a little damper? Picking the right spot in your garden will help it thrive from the start.

2. Dig a generous hole

Grab your shovel and dig a hole that’s about twice as wide as the pot your plant came in. This gives the roots room to spread out comfortably.

3. Give it a drink first

Before you place the plant in the ground, pour some water into the hole and let it soak in. If you have a bit of seaweed solution, even better – it gives the roots a healthy kickstart.

4. Gently remove the plant

Tip the pot on its side and gently slide the plant out. Try not to tug on the stem. If the roots are tightly packed, loosen them slightly with your fingers so they can grow outward more easily.

5. Plant and backfill

Place your native plant in the hole and backfill with the soil you dug out. If you’ve got some compost handy, mix it in to give your soil an extra boost.

6. Mulch around the base

Add a layer of mulch – bark chips, leaves, or even grass clippings work well. This helps retain moisture, keeps the roots cool, and discourages weeds.

7. Water it in

Give your new plant a good soak after planting. Keep watering regularly for the first few weeks while it settles in. Once it’s established, you’ll find it needs much less attention than non-native plants.

8. Feed (if needed)

After a few months, a small amount of native plant fertiliser can help it along – but don’t overdo it. Native plants are used to growing in local soils and generally don’t need much help. 

Ready to get growing?

Planting native is one of the easiest ways to support local wildlife and create a garden that works with the Brisbane climate – not against it. With just a bit of care, your free plant will be thriving in no time.

Ready to grow your native plant collection? Visit the Brisbane City Council website to find out how you can claim more free native plants from a local nursery near you. And if you need a quick refresher, check out our how-to video on Instagram.