Spring sparkle: What to do, see and plant this season

Diverse displays at the three Botanic Gardens across Sydney are in full bloom right now, waiting to be explored.

From fragrant daffodils, to picture perfect paper daisies straight out of Barbieland, here are our spring highlights and tips so you can start curating your botanical adventure.

Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan

You’re invited to the paper daisy party! The horticulturalists have put on another spectacular show of the largest mass native Western Australianpaper daisyAsteraceae plantings in Sydney. Explore fields of pink, yellow and white as our talented volunteer guides take you on an immersive Connections Garden tour every Friday to take a closer look and learn more about these native plant jewels.

Stop by the Wattle Garden to see 300 of the known 950 species of Acacia.  

Feel more like a road trip? Wind around Bells of Line Road and encounter local treasures such as Bilpin Cider and The Hive café on your path before you land in cool climate plant heaven to take a guided walking tour.

Stop by the Brunet Meadow to see one of the largest cupped daffodils up close, tulips and jonquils.  

Plant some new seeds of inspiration and immerse yourself in the new seasonal bed displays at the Love Your Nature exhibition at The Calyx. There are over 20,000 plants on display, and plenty of delicious food and beverage treats to enjoy at the Leaf Dept café. 

Stop by the historic Spring Walk dating back to 1816 to see wisteria, foxgloves, and purple torch in flower.

From natives to ornamentals to edibles – spring is the perfect season to set seed. Here are our top spring planting tips so you can cultivate your own botanic-inspired backyard or balcony garden. 

Native: Acacia fimbriata ‘Dwarf fringed wattle’ 

Wattle you know! The Dwarf fringed wattle needs very little feeding and works with bacteria in the soil to make their own fertiliser. When they are full of flowers the branches can droop to the ground but try not to cut them back if you can help it. They are the perfect low-spreading shrubs for spring to bring pops of colour to your home garden.  

Ornamental: Wisteria floribunda ‘Japanese Wisteria’ 

If you’re looking for some cascading sweet-smelling flowers, then Japanese wisteria is for you. Just plant it in full sun and watch as you gift native bees and butterflies a diverse selection of nectar. Don't be disappointed if your Wisteria doesn’t flower for the first few years, they just need some time to mature. Remember, Wisteria loves to be pruned, but do your research because pruning at the wrong time might cut you off from next season's flowers!

Edibles: Radishes and turnips 

This is for the impatient veggie gardeners who are looking for fast-growing edibles. All you need to do is plant radish and turnip seeds in full sun and you will have fresh produce within 1–2 months. Make sure you keep the tops! They make great pesto or cooked greens.  

Discover more gardening tips in our Oh My Garden gardening guide which is blooming with useful tips to transform your home into your own plant sanctuary.

You can also purchase rare and exotic plants from your nearest Growing Friends Plant Sales.