Native plant restoration

Introduction

Learn about sourcing and growing local plants for your restoration project.

Ideally bush areas will regenerate naturally from falling seeds, or those carried in by wind or birds. But sometimes nature may need a helping hand. With minimum effort and money, you can grow a range of easy-care native plants from seed.

Some native plant varieties are called 'primary species'. Examples are manuka, kanuka and ti kouka/cabbage trees. They like starting out on bare ground, and are hardy, easy to grow and will generally tolerate extremes in temperature, terrain, soil type and drainage. 

In many cases, planting even a few primary species can encourage birds to bring in the seed of a wider variety of plants, saving you the time and expense of growing them yourself.

Planning and planting a native garden

Planning and planting a native garden

Follow the four basic steps of – plan, prepare, plant, protect – for a successful native garden.

Collecting and propagating seeds

Collecting and propagating seeds

Find out about ecosourcing, and how to collect and grow seeds.

Establish a community nursery

Establish a community nursery

If you are planning a number of restoration projects you may want to set up a community nursery.

Local planting guides

Local planting guides

Find planting guides to help you with a local restoration project.