The City’s Native Plant Giveaway 2026 has officially wrapped up, with 10,000 native and waterwise plants distributed to more than 2,000 residents across the community as part of the City’s ongoing commitment to creating cooler, greener and more biodiverse neighbourhoods.
Delivered in partnership with Water Corporation and WA Wildflower Nursery, the program encouraged residents to establish waterwise gardens that support local wildlife, increase urban greening and help build climate resilience across the City.
Expressions of interest for the Native Plant Giveaway opened in March 2026, with strong community demand once again highlighting residents’ enthusiasm for native gardening and urban greening initiatives. Successful applicants collected their free plants throughout April, ready to plant in gardens, verges and outdoor spaces ahead of the cooler winter growing season.
Now in its third year, the program continues to prioritise species that provide important environmental benefits for both the community and local biodiversity. Approximately half of all plants distributed were black cockatoo habitat species, helping provide valuable food sources and habitat for threatened native birds including the endangered Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo. In addition, 42% of the plants provided were trees, supporting increased urban tree canopy and contributing to cooler, greener neighbourhoods into the future.
Supporting waterwise and wildlife-friendly gardens
The Native Plant Giveaway program forms part of the City’s broader work to encourage sustainable gardening and waterwise landscaping throughout the community.
Native plants are well suited to Perth’s climate and soil conditions, meaning they typically require less water, fertiliser and maintenance once established. They also provide important habitat and food sources for local wildlife including birds, bees, butterflies and reptiles.
By replacing lawns, artificial turf and exotic, high-water-use gardens with native gardens, residents can save money by reducing water use, improve biodiversity in their backyards and contribute to cooling the urban environment.
Participants in the program received five free native plants along with resources and guidance on establishing wildlife-friendly gardens and caring for their new plants. Residents also had access to advice and support from the City and program delivery partner WA Wildflower Nursery throughout the program.
The City also delivered a sold-out Native gardening for urban spaces workshop in partnership with the Wildflower Society of Western Australia as part of the Native Plant Giveaway and WA Tree Festival 2026 program. The practical workshop provided residents with guidance on designing, establishing and maintaining native and waterwise gardens, including selecting suitable local species, soil preparation, planting techniques and long-term garden care to help Native Plant Giveaway participants with caring for their new seedlings.
Community impact
The success of the Native Plant Giveaway 2026 demonstrates the growing interest within the community for sustainable gardening and urban greening initiatives.
The 10,000 plants distributed through the program will contribute to greener streetscapes, increased habitat connectivity and improved biodiversity across the City for years to come.
Increasing urban tree canopy remains a key priority for the City, with trees playing an important role in reducing urban heat, improving amenity and supporting community wellbeing. Programs such as the Native Plant Giveaway empower residents to play a direct role in greening their neighbourhoods and creating healthier urban environments.
Creating a greener City
The Native Plant Giveaway continues to build on the City’s broader sustainability initiatives and ambition to be a leading waterwise community. The program directly supports the City’s Climate Change Plan 2025–2035, which identifies urban greening, biodiversity protection, climate resilience and sustainable water use as key priorities for the future.
Thank you to all residents who participated in this year’s program and helped create a greener future for our community.
The Native Plant Giveaway is proudly co-funded by Water Corporation’s Waterwise Greening Scheme and is part of the City’s ambition to be a leading waterwise community.
