Noosa is renowned for its woodlands of Melaleuca quinquenervia (Paper Barks / Tea Tree) along its rivers, lakes and in wetlands. Also the north queensland species Melaleuca leucadendra is common on our streetscapes, particularly in the fine leaf form that evokes weeping willows. But these trees can be too large for the suburban garden – what species of Melaleuca are better suited to gardens and can attract the same array of wildlife?
Living in Lake MacDonald, I wanted to have a balanced and harmonious garden, with local native plants that thrived in their natural environment while also providing food and shelter for native species. Some native plants also provide food I can eat.
Go native this festive season. Show your love for our native trees this Christmas! Potted native plants make fantastic Christmas trees and exude a unique Australian Christmas vibe that just can’t be achieved with a plastic tree, or an exotic farmed pine.
I always look forward each year to the Sunshine Coast Wildflower Festival. There are so many interesting walks, it’s hard to choose which to do.
This walk was organized by Noosa and District Landcare and took us through a section of Tewantin National Park.
It was a beautiful Sunday morning, the last day of August 2025, and we were blessed by the wildflowers. A very passionate Sarah Lawson guided us from Park Edge Road entrance into the Noosa National Park Headland section walk.
Co-authored by seasoned forester and bush regenerator, Paul Ryan, and Noosa and District Landcare horticulturist, Bernice Rosier, this publication offers detailed insights into the Sunshine Coast’s natural environment.