Most landholders are now well aware of the benefits to agricultural production of strategically located "trees on farms". These benefits relate to agricultural productivity and have been well documented elsewhere. In summary, they include:

Of the 77 species of banksia, the majority grow in southwest Western Australia - and (as many a gardener will be able to painfully recall) the majority of these cannot cope with Sydney's weather. The reason for this is that summer humidity provides ideal conditions for the spread of the rootrot fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi, to which western banksias are exquisitely sensitive. Some species, such as Banksia speciosa may appear to grow quickly and thrive for a couple of years before succumbing rapidly one summer.

Wattle pollen is often believed to be the culprit when people get the sneezes and snuffles - hayfever - or asthma. Wattle gets the blame but is it really the cause?

FOR THEIR:

		spectacular flowers - Grevillea, Banksia, paper daisy, bottlebrush
		unusual flowers - kangaroo paw, eucalypt, gymea lily
		interesting habit - foliage, bark, aroma - fig, hakea, gumtree, mintbush
		associations - Australian plants have a richness of association with the people, places, literature and history of our country. Whatever you grow, whether a waratah, wattle, saltbush or Sturts desert pea, natives will bring these associations to your garden.

BECAUSE THEY:

		extend your choice of garden plants
		are adapted to the climate and soils (local plants only)
		attract native birds and animals to the garden to bring your garden alive
		provide habitat for native animals, including small ones such as frogs, skinks, ants and crickets.

TO HELP:

		provide green corridors for fauna moving between patches of bushland
		bring back the bush
		create a sense of place, the character of your region, in gardens, street trees, parks and rural areas.

BY GROWING AUSTRALIAN PLANTS YOU WILL:

		contribute to the conservation of bush flora and threatened species
		explore the diversity, beauty and peculiarity Australian flora.

BEYOND THE GARDEN, AUSTRALIAN NATIVES ARE GROWN FOR :

		research into the place of the Australian flora in the ecology
		selection of superior varieties for commercial uses such as forestry, shelter belts, fodder, cut flowers, pharmaceuticals, bush foods
		development of plants for export industries
		displays and education in botanic gardens, schools and parks.

By growing Australian you will discover the beauty of our native flora, bring history to your garden and help conserve the biodiversity of our continent.

There are over 300 species and a huge number of bred or found varieties of grevillea in existence. The sheer number of them can make the beginner stuck for choice! Peter Olde (Grevillea Study Group Leader) suggests the following 10 species, 10 hybrids and 10 local species which are reliable and showy plants for gardeners to try in a Sydney climate garden. Note this list doesn't include the growing number of grafted Western Australian grevilleas which are also worth trying.