Nursery
N4C has a nursery attached to its HQ at 66 Baron St Greenslopes, and we re-launched it in 2015. The goal of the nursery is to provide plants for bushcare sites in our catchment and surrounding areas, and to involve the local community in an enjoyable social activity (ie not as sweaty as bushcare!). You can get free plants too! Read on...
N4C's nursery has an increasing stock list of local native plants available for free to Habitat Brisbane bushcare groups. In 2018, nursery volunteers put in over 550 person hours to propagate plants and maintain the nursery. 6458 free plants went out to bushcare sites - thanks to all volunteers for their great contribution!
We collect seed from nearby natural areas, under our permits to collect. We have had good germination of a range of local species and our brilliant volunteers do a great job potting them up. Some seed has also been shared with Brisbane Youth Education and Training Centre, and they have delivered hundreds of plants back to us - thanks!
The sprinkler system was fixed in late 2015 and in 2017 our rain water harvest was improved by installing gutter guards on the N4C office roof. In 2018 we renewed the nursery work benches, which was funded by part of our BCC Environment grant. A team of skilled and generous volunteers repaired the nursery work benches with new timbers and repurposed sinks and mesh. This will make pot washing a far more enjoyable and safe activity.
On the topic of water, the nursery is subject to flooding, so we make sure anything which is stored on the lower shelves is lashed down or lashed together so it doesn't make a mess if it goes for a swim!
(To our evening visitors: there are no valuables or cash in the nursery, and our security cameras are working very well.)
N4C members
In 2019, the N4C nursery will be giving 10 free plants to N4C members each year. Members will benefit by having more native plants to put in their gardens and observing how animals, birds or butterflies use them. Local native species are evolved to provide food and shelter for animals and birds, letting you bring more nature into your garden.
With more people coming to the nursery, we can share knowledge about local plants and about what is going on in the catchment.
We've got 49 species picked out as suitable for gardens; availability will vary due to weather and other factors. Why not pop in during the next nursery working bee?
If you'd like to get involved in the nursery, attend one of our monthly working bees - check our Facebook page
Bushcare Group Leaders
Need plants for your bushcare site? This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we'll see if we have got what you need. We can supply you with free plants but we'll leave the species selection to you, as you know your site best. Or consult your Habitat Brisbane Officer.
The N4C nursery is a member of the SEQ Community Nurseries Network.
Acknowledgement
N4C's nursery is proudly funded by a Lord Mayor’s Community Sustainability & Environmental Grants Program Grant from Brisbane City Council.
We thank SOWN nursery for a kind donation of plants.
We are grateful to the students and teacher at Brisbane Youth Education and Training Centre for their work propagating additional plants for our nursery.
