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Respecting the Source

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Western Australia is fortunate in having several specialist nurseries and garden centres dedicated to Australian and, particularly, Western Australian plants. Both common and unusual varieties from Western Australia are also grown by the volunteer group, Friends of Kings Park, and sold at their plant sales twice a year.

Consequently, availability is not a problem. Please never dig up plants from natural habitats. This practice is illegal. It impoverishes the environment, and it can also be a means of introducing pests and diseases to your own garden. What you see growing in the bush may be the same species that you see at a specialist nursery, but often it will not be the same form.

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Banksia media

Plant selectors have brought into cultivation many different forms with more horticultural appeal, such as dwarf, compact and prostrate forms of certain shrubs and trees. Plant breeders have also developed cultivars with showier flowers or extended flowering periods.

There are now plenty of superb Australian plants - and, in particular, Western Australian ones - to suit every style of garden, from cottage to classic formal to minimalist courtyard.