The Newham District is geologically complex, and it follows from this that there is marked variation in the soils, the nature of which is dependent on the geology. As one heads south from the Cobaw ridge line across the valley and then up the northern slope of Mt Macedon the soil changes with the changing base geology. From granitic sand to heavy clay soils – we have them all!

Whilst it is possible to give general plant lists for the area, as we have done before, it is possible to be more specific, according to certain variables of the site:

1. Original Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC)
2. Site aspect – facing north or south? east or west?
3. Relationship to waterways or drainage lines
4. Altitude

A starting point is to look at remnant vegetation on your property, or another in close proximity. The number of plant species surviving may be far fewer than pre-settlement due to grazing impacts (both farmed animals and native herbivores) but those left are generally the more robust and these can be expected to do well.

Given the extent of clearing in Victoria many properties do not have any remnant that can be used as a reference point. NDLG has been using the services of a botanist to survey remnant in a variety of locations within our district, on roadsides, public and private land.

An EVC gives a very basic species list – the botanical surveys undertaken give us a more diverse selection of species, moving us towards the complexity that would have been present pre-settlement. The NDLG library contains a map set showing the extent of particular EVCs pre-1750.

Botanical survey results for areas with the following EVCs are available (some funded by NDLG, other by private landowners):

• # 55, Plains Grassy Woodland  (Carlsruhe cemetery, some remnant roadsides) (NB also Woodend Grassland Reserve);
• # 894 Scoria Cone Woodland (Hennerbergs roadside at the Whitebridge Rd end and private land)
• #23 Herb-rich Foothill Forest (private land on the slopes of Mt Macedon and the Cobaw Range)
• # 83 Swampy Riparian Woodland (roadside remnant, private land)
• #128 Grassy Forest
• # 47 Valley Grassy Forest (roadside remnant, private land).

The DEWLP website has a page with the full list of bioregions and EVC benchmarks.

NDLG now has 14 years of accumulated knowledge on the local flora and revegetation.

It is apparent that many species occur over a wide range – for example Lomandra longifolia (Spiny Mat-rush) occurs along the creeks at lower altitudes and in dry forest on the upper slopes of the Cobaw Range – but the density of the plants may vary dramatically.

Generally the density of plants will be greater in areas prone to inundation or along drainage lines or waterways whilst drier areas may have far greater species diversity.

Click on blue plant names to link to a photo in a separate window.

Your Landcare Group

In the past, and from 2021 again, Newham Landcare placed an order each year with TreeProject for volunteer-grown, locally provenanced tubestock. They were made available to members at 50c, the cost of materials, and from 2022 orders are placed in bulk.

Surplus stock grown by a few individuals and the Newham Primary School parents propagating group have been made available to members at 50c per tube.

A notice goes out in Autumn and Spring indicating what species are available.
Species available varies, but generally includes most of the tree species and a number of under-storey and ground level plants that are local to this area.

• Our Landcare group no longer sells recycled plastic wrappers and hardwood stakes.
• Folding wire frames were available through the group at $1.70 each – these are easy to use, hold wrappers tight and will last for multiple uses. [they are at least $4.50 from other suppliers]. Some stocks are still stored – contact Penny 5427 0795 for availability.

If you want to learn how to grow your own:

1. Volunteer to be a TreeProject grower. They provide a training session and you receive a kit with tubes, potting mix, seed and comprehensive instructions. If you are interested, see the TreeProject web page.

The Successful tree planting guide for the Maribyrnong and Werribee catchments. Ian Taylor, Western Plains Flora, 2008, 2p

Commercial growers

Small scale growers all prefer to grow to order but are likely to have a range of plant species available to the casual purchaser.

Western Plains Flora
Ian Taylor
628 Wildwood Rd, Wildwood
03 9740 3178
Retail outlet is not open all year – check before you go…ian@wpflora.com.au – but prefers a phone call. Email only to confirm your order
Melways ref. 383 K2

Note: as a service to his customers, Ian Taylor has arranged manufacture of unbranded 160 micron plastic wrappers [ie heavy duty] at a cost below the price we can obtain from the other 2 major suppliers even, with a bulk order.

Grow Locals
A retail outlet opened in 2022, located at the old Acres Wild nursery at 42 Anslow St Woodend, as well as having a production nursery set up in Elphinstone.
www.growlocals.com.au or call Tully Sumner on 0412 806597 or Richard Gray on 0490 214 195.

Larger scale growers based in Bendigo or Sunbury do not usually use seed local to Newham area but are able to produce large quantities to order and will use local seed if available or supplied by you. If you want local seed ring Penny Roberts on 5427 0795 – small quantities may be immediately available or assistance can be given with sourcing local seed.

Goldfields Revegetation Native Nursery

230 Tannery Lane, Mandurang Vic (10 mins from Bendigo)
03 5439 5384
www.goldfieldsrevegetation.com.au