If you have gazanias in your coastal garden, now is the time to replace them with local native plants that are water-wise, resilient, and attract birds, butterflies and animals.

Green Adelaide says gazanias are a declared weed that harm the natural environment. 

It will hold two swap sessions in Yankalilla, giving away free native coastal plants to people who can demonstrate they have rid their gardens of gazanias.

The first is tomorrow, 7 June, from 12noon to 5pm at Yankalilla Community Nursery on Kemmiss Hill Road and the second will be Monday 21 June, same time same place.

Green Adelaide says Gazanias commonly 'escape' from gardens as their seeds easily spread; they are dumped in garden waste or are planted illegally. 

Once established in coastal environments, they quickly outcompete local native plants and reduce habitat, food and shelter for local wildlife.

Coastal residents, holiday homeowners and businesses can help by getting involved in the native plant giveaway.

Register via Eventbrite for the swap session that suits – 7 June or 21 June – to collect a bucket of local coastal plants and a free Coastal Gardens planting guide.

You don’t need to take the removed gazanias along, just take a picture before carefully disposing of the weeds.

To find out more about gazanias and how to identify and deal with them, take a look at the PIRSA fact sheet.

Gazania free gardens is a project originally developed by Alexandrina Council. These swap sessions are supported by Green Adelaide, South Coast Environment Centre and the District Council of Yankalilla.