One of my quiet pleasures in life is walking or cycling around the Illawarra, and just checking out what plants are growing where. Local verges are a real revelation, as a wealth of local native species call them home. Local grasses, in particular, are able to withstand the difficult conditions of full sun, heavy foot traffic and regular mowing.

The first image below shows Red-leg Grass (Bothriochloa macra) growing on a verge in Mount Pleasant. This super-tough grass has been growing on verges around the region for decades, and looks its absolute best where its tall seed heads are waving gently in the afternoon sunlight. April, right now, is about the best time to see Red-leg Grass in full flower. 

There are just so many of these little local grassy gems, which have somehow managed to evade the mower, the Roundup and other activities. Another grass that does a similar 'runner' is naive Plume Grass. Three different species of Plume Grass call the Illawarra home, and all three can be sen on verges around the place. 

It's not just grasses that can contribute to a gorgeous verge.

A range of other local ground covers are suitable for verges, including Kidney Weed (Dichondra repens) and many other low-growing cuties. If you're in Wollongong, do check out the Council's Verge Garden Guidelines. 

Pretty well all of these hardy grasses that tough it out on local verges are components of an endangered ecological community, the Illawarra Lowlands Grassy Woodland. Less than 20% of this ecological community still remains, much of it on private land where it depends on private citizens to protect and conserve it. It's just amazing to think that residential verges are hosting elements of this endangered vegetation. 

There are also opportunities to collaborate to help protect and restore the Illawarra Lowlands Grassy Woodland.

For example, the NSW Government's Saving Our Species team is holding a special community day on Monday, 14th April to connect the local community with grassy woodlands. All are welcome at the event. It's being held at Integral Energy Park, Stream Hill, from 10am-1pm.

There will be tree planting, activities about native bees, seed bomb making, roving performers and more. You can book here.