Hornsby Shire Council is bringing back its popular Native Plant Giveaways this August for residents in the Shire’s northern suburbs, following the success of its March event for southern residents.

This year, the program has been divided geographically to give more residents the opportunity to take part. The March giveaway was available to those living in the southern suburbs, while the August event is open to residents of Arcadia, Asquith, Berrilee, Berowra, Berowra Heights, Berowra Waters, Brooklyn, Canoelands, Cowan, Dangar Island, Fiddletown, Forest Glen, Glenorie, Hornsby, Hornsby Heights, Laughtondale, Maroota, Milsons Passage, Mount Colah, Mount Kuring-gai, Singletons Mill and Wisemans Ferry.

The giveaway will be held at Council’s Warada Ngurang Community Nursery in Pennant Hills on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 August. Residents will be able to choose from a wide range of locally grown native grasses, groundcovers, shrubs, climbers and trees of various sizes, all cultivated by the nursery’s dedicated staff and volunteers.

Council staff and volunteers will also be on hand throughout the event to provide expert advice, helping residents select the most suitable plants for their gardens. Informative displays about each species will explain growing conditions, mature size and key features, making it easier to choose the right plants for every property.

Since its launch in 2003, the Native Plant Giveaways program has become a favourite among local gardening enthusiasts, supplying tens of thousands of native plants to gardens across the Hornsby Shire.

Hornsby Shire Mayor Warren Waddell said the program plays an important role in protecting the local environment.

“Our Native Plant Giveaways provide free local native plants that help preserve the integrity of our bushland and support healthy ecosystems. Following the great turnout at our March event, we’re pleased to now offer residents in the northern suburbs the same opportunity to contribute to local biodiversity.

“Every home gardener has an important role to play in protecting our biodiversity, particularly our native flora and fauna. Our experts on site can help identify the right plants for your property that will support biodiversity without creating future problems.”

The Native Plant Giveaways will be held at Warada Ngurang Community Nursery, 28 Britannia Street, Pennant Hills. The August event is open exclusively to eligible residents from the Shire’s northern suburbs.

Bookings are essential and open at 9am on Friday 31 July. For more information or to book a collection time, visit Council’s website.