Opportunity to join fountain grass plant swap

Fountain grass, previously mass planted in gardens as an ornamental species, is declared under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019. It forms dense clumps that suppress native vegetation, spreads easily through wind-dispersed seed and increases fire risk.

The landscape board have observed a growing number of these plants encroaching into native vegetation and establishing along roadsides.

To help prevent further spread, the landscape board is running a free plant swap, giving landholders with fountain grass on their properties the opportunity to trade it for native grasses.

Participants can register online and work with their local district officer to identify and remove fountain grass. They will then receive free native grass seedlings to replace it.

Riverland District Officer Sally Crafter said this initiative is a collaborative effort between the landscape board, Riverland community and local government.

“This is a great opportunity for community members to get involved in protecting our environment.” Sally said. “By removing fountain grass and replacing it with native grasses, it not only beautifies properties, but also reduces fire risk and supports biodiversity.”

The plant swap has already been trialled with local schools and community groups.

“We’ve recently carried out fountain grass plant swaps at Ramco Primary School and Berri Tennis Club, and they’ve been a great success. We’re excited to now offer the opportunity more broadly to the community” Sally added.

For more information about the fountain grass plant swap or to register, go to flow.landscape.sa.gov.au/fountain-grass-plant-swap

This project is supported by the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board through funding from the landscape levies.