Environs Kimberley releases new guide to help North West residents grow native plants in their own yard

A Kimberley based environmental group aims to increase the number of residents growing native plants in their yards with an easy guide Environs Kimberley’s Seed Collection and Propagation Guide for Plants of the Kimberley is available free online (hard copies are available for a fee) and provides advice for collecting, storing and propagating plants from the West Kimberley. The guide has been developed as part of the EK’s enriching Kimberley native food producers and enhancing ecosystems project, funded by the Federal Government’s Landcare Program. Environs Kimberley project officer Ayesha Moss said the organisation hoped the publication would prove a lasting, useful resource for Aboriginal rangers and community members as they grow plants and expand their looking-after-country activities. “To ensure that this booklet is as useful as possible for the Kimberley rangers we work with, including Bardi Jawi, Nyul Nyul, Yawuru, Karajarri and Bunuba, we have included Aboriginal language names for plants, where known, alongside scientific names,” Ms Moss said. Society for Kimberley Indigenous Plants and Animals co-author Phil Docherty said the guide include sustainable harvest guidelines to ensure collections follow legal and cultural protocols, as well as care for the bush. The book is available for free online at Environs Kimberley with hard copies are also available for a small fee.