Free native plants

Free native plants are being offered to residents of Cardinia Shire.

The council will give away two indigenous tube stock plants to the first 2000 people that apply.

Mayor Brett Owen said the scheme has a two-fold purpose; to mark the opening last Thursday of the Cardinia Environment Coalition’s nursery at Deep Creek reserve and encourage residents to plant native species in their gardens.

He said the nursery project had been developed over nine years by the council, environment coalition and Pakenham and district golf club.

The offer of the free plants will remain open until June 18 or while stocks last.

Cr Owen said native plants were important for biodiversity.

They provide nectar, pollen and seeds that are a goof source for insects, butterflies, birds and other wildlife and, once established, can survive on rainfall and do not require fertilizer.

People wanting to receive plants need to visit the nursery and provide proof of address.