Did you know you can help revegetate Borthwick Park or Pioneer Park from your own backyard??
We’re looking for people who enjoy plants or gardening, people who are keen to support our shared environment or people who are interested in learning a new skill.
Is this you?? Have a go at propagating native plants from cuttings this Spring/Summer. KRA volunteers will plant them into Borthwick Park or Pioneer Park next Winter!
Creeping Boobialla (Myoporum parvifolium) is a native ground cover which thrives in Borthwick Park (photo below). They provide excellent shelter and food for small critters (lizards, insects, etc), keep the soil cooler in summer and out-compete weeds. Sticky Goodenia (Goodenia varia) is a hardy, drought-tolerant low-growing shrub which cascades over the ground (photo below). They flower almost all year (cheery pops of yellow) and attract native butterflies and other insects. Both these species are easy to propagate from cuttings. They have vigorous root systems which help them establish quickly.
Or you could try your hand at striking bidgee-widgees (Acaena novae-zelandiae) (photo below) but they are a little more finicky. Up for the challenge? Jump in!
Growing native plants from cuttings is pretty easy, a good project for all ages and, best of all, will make a positive difference to the biodiversity of Kensington.
We’ve had success with two different methods of cutting propagation – outlined in our guide which you can download here. Have a read through and If you’d like to join the KRA’s Grow Group, contact John on 0422 909 710 or email contact@kra.org.au …. we’ll set you up with potting mix, pots, whatever you need, and show you where to harvest your cuttings in Borthwick Park.
KRA member, Poi, collected stems from the park in Summer 2023/2024, got them growing and cared for them until mid 2024 when volunteers planted them in this location.