Grow Natives on the Gold Coast:

a practical guide for gardeners

by Graham J McDonald

Graham McDonald, the author, is Gold Coast's well-known consultant botanist.

The book will help residents in SE Qld and northern NSW:

* create waterwise gardens which support local wildlife

* grow beautiful native plants appropriate for their area

* understand and solve their soil problems.

The book's initial chapters cover basic gardening design and construction, planting and maintenance.

The chapters that follow cover gardening in areas as diverse as dunes, canal estates, low lying wetlands, hilly eucalypt and rainforest areas. Typical soil types, and problems with solutions, are included in each chapter. There are lists of plants suitable for each area, including indigenous and those readily available in nurseries. In the 'Digging Deeper' section at the end of each chapter there is more in-depth information about the geology and natural plant communities, especially useful for revegetation enthusiasts.

An appendix helps the reader choose plants which are reliable for their ornamental features, screening ability, shade tolerance, hardiness, or attractiveness to birds, butterflies and frogs.

The comprehensive index includes every suburb on the Gold Coast as well as gardening topics.

The book is superbly illustrated with line drawings and photographs in colour and black & white.

'At last a reference book that both professionals and home gardeners can use!' Kate Green, MAIH, MIHort, HMA.

'... an invaluable resource' Dianne Wagner, Bushland Management Extension Officer, Greening Aust.

'Ideally suited for both novice gardeners and old hands. Being easy to read and highly informative, it's a handy do-it-yourself manual...' Glenn Leiper, Principal, Outdoor Education Centre, Jacobs Well.

Recommended retail price: $15-00 plus $3 p&p; $10-00 for orders of ten (10) or more + p&p; SGAP members $13.50 plus $3 p&p.

(Rates for Nurseries or Booksellers on request.)

Published by S.G.A.P. (Qld Region) Inc, Gold Coast Branch trading as Australian Plants Society.

Available from P.O. Box 498, Earle Plaza, Nerang, Qld 4211

Enquiries to L. Reilly ph (07) 5537 3354