Residents of Hornsby Shire are proud of our native bushland setting, our leafy streets and bush reserves. On top of their critical functions for our local ecosystems and for wildlife habitat, an abundance of native plants and trees also gives the Bushland Shire its unique appeal in the Sydney region.
Many of the plants that line our streets and parks are grown at our Warada Ngurang Community Nursery in Pennant Hills, where Council staff and dedicated volunteers carefully propagate and grow plants until they are large enough to make their way around the Shire.
A number of these trees and plants are distributed to the community through our Native Plant Giveaway Program. The program welcomes residents of Hornsby Shire to visit the nursery to choose and take home complimentary native plants that they can plant in their own gardens or pots. Every residential property is encouraged to collect up to four free native plants per year.
Read on below for a Q&A that sheds some more light on the program, how to get involved and how to make the most of your free native plants.
When do the Native Plant Giveaways take place?
We hold native plant giveaway events in autumn and spring. Our autumn 2024 days will be held onFriday 15 and Saturday 16 March.Discover the dates and times.
How do I make a booking for the Native Plant Giveaways – Autumn 2024 program?
Bookings are essential and will open at 9:00am on Friday 23 February. To make a booking, please click the booking link on this webpage. You will be able to select a 30-minute timeslot. After you select a session and enter your details, you will receive a confirmation email. Please ensure that only one booking per property is made under this program.
Where is Warada Ngurang Community Nursery?
Warada Ngurang Community Nursery is located at 28 Britannia Street, Pennant Hills. For those driving, please park along Britannia Street, taking care not to block any Hornsby Council facility driveways.
How do I collect my plants after my booking is confirmed?
Please arrive during your specified booking time at the nursery, and don't forget to wear sturdy shoes suitable for walking on gravel. The access paths are generally level, ensuring a comfortable visit. Your half-hour timeslot allows ample time for you to carefully choose up to four plants. Children under 16 need to be fully supervised.
What type of plants will be available?
There will be a great variety of native plant species to choose from at each session including grasses, groundcovers, shrubs, climbers and various-sized trees. Information will be provided so that residents can choose the plants that best suit their gardens and pot plants. The plants will be in small pots ('tubes') and are easy to carry 'as is' or in reusable shopping bags (BYO).
What advice will be available to help the plants thrive in my garden?
We will have staff and volunteers on hand to help you select the best plants for your needs. Information about each species on offer will be displayed on a poster, helping you choose species that will suit the growing conditions in your garden or pots. Details will include the plant species' size at maturity, its desirable features, and other useful information. We suggest taking a photo of the poster so that these details are handy on your return home. There will also be 'How to Plant' flyers for you to take home.
Can I visit the nursery a second time to pick up more plants?
Residents are strictly limited to attending the nursery at their pre-booked time. Only one booking per property is permitted.
Do I need to show proof of residence in Hornsby Shire?
Yes. To receive free plants at the Native Plant Giveaways you need to provide evidence that you live within Hornsby Shire, so please bring along your driver's licence, rates notice or utility bill (digital or hard copy). Property addresses (but not names) of free plant recipients will be recorded by Council to monitor distribution and ensure the maximum number of plants per property is not exceeded.
Will other native plant giveaways be held in 2024?
Yes. If you are unable to attend the Native Plant Giveaways in autumn, there will be an opportunity in Spring 2024 (dates to be advised) to select and take home free native plants. Please keep an eye on Council's website, social media and e-news for details.
To book your appointment at this season's Native Plant Giveaways, see: https://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/plants
