The Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney

Tuck into a bush tucker garden

Are you interested in bush tucker plants but unsure where to start? Biripi man from Taree and Aboriginal Education Officer with the Garden's Community Greening program, Brenden Moore, shares his love for native plants and tips for a bush food garden at home.

Two hands cupped full of bush tucker.

Restaurants and home cooks alike are embracing native plant ingredients that have been used in Australia for countless generations.

Bush food plants like lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) and finger lime (Citrus australasica) are already recognised and well-loved. Midgen berry (Austromyrtus dulcis), native saltbush (of which there is a variety), lilly pilly (Syzygium smithii), pigface (Carpobrotus glaucescens) and many more are attracting increasing interest.  

By no means is this a complete list of the most popular Australian bush tucker plants, but it is a good place to start if you're thinking of introducing a few sustainable (and special) plants to your home garden.

It's easier than you think

The beauty of native plants is that they grow well in Australia's climate, so a bush tucker garden at your place is easier than you may think.

Whether it’s a hedge, garden bed or small balcony space, there is a diverse range of stunning native plants to choose from. 

It may not be a case of planting a bush tucker garden - so much as taking a good look around your own backyard to see what you already have growing and adding to it.

Start your bush tucker adventure today!

Learn more in the video below and scroll down to check out our eBook 'Your guide to bush foods and native gardens' – it includes a bonus recipe for you to try too.

Biripi man from Taree, Brenden Moore shows you how to plant bush tucker plants at home.

Enjoy your free Bush Tucker eBook

Check out the bush tucker plants at Cadi Jam Ora

Visit the Cadi Jam Ora - First Encounters garden at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney to be inspired by these important native plants. You can also learn more from the Community Greening team and get your home garden flourishing.