From the deserts to the sea, the flora of South Australia is as unique and beautiful as its varied landscapes.
Australian Native Plants Society (Australia) Conference
Amazing Arid Australia
Mparntwe Alice Springs 24-28 August 2026
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About Us
The Regional Society – Australian Plants Society (SA Region) Inc.
The Australian Plants Society SA Region (APSSA) is a community based, non-profit group of people who share an interest in Australian native plants.
Our aims are –
- To encourage the cultivation and study of Australian plants.
- To promote the establishment of gardens in all types of soil and climates for the preservation of Australian flora.
- To pass on our knowledge as widely as possible.
- To support or initiate efforts to protect Australian plants and their habitats.
The society, originally named the Society for Growing Australian Plants (SGAP), was created in 1958, shortly after similar bodies were formed interstate.
Our Vision is
To encourage appreciation of the beauty of native plants, and see native plants valued, cultivated and protected.
To apply our appreciation and practical knowledge of native plants to encourage and assist people and communities to recognise the aesthetic and physical benefits of natural environments.
To combat loss of biodiversity in local environments.
Our Vision
The National Association – Australian Native Plants Society (Australia)
 The ANPS(A) is the national association of the various state-based societies. The origin of ANPS(A) dates back to the early 1950s. The idea of a Society that is dedicated to the cultivation of Australian plants was proposed by Arthur Swaby who, for several years from May 1954, wrote a column “Know Your Natives” in the popular gardening magazine “Your Garden“.
As a result of Swaby’s initiative, the first regional Society was established in 1957 in Victoria. The idea was quickly taken up in other parts of Australia to form the separate independent Regional Societies which are now based in each Australian State and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
The national association was formed in 1962 to foster the interchange of ideas and information throughout Australia and to coordinate issues extending beyond regional boundaries. Prior to December 2008, the organisation’s name was the Association of Societies for Growing Australian Plants (ASGAP). The name was changed to better reflect the wider interests of member societies, which extend beyond cultivation of Australian native plants. ANPSA is an administrative body and does not have individuals as members. Individual membership is available through the State based Regional Societies.
(Based on an excerpt from the ANPSA website)
Society Newsletters
- May 31, 2026 APSSA Newsletter
- May 3, 2026 Revised APSSA Newsletter
- May 3, 2026 APSSA Newsletter
- February 4, 2026 APSSA Newsletter
- October 31, 2025 APSSA Newsletter
- September 5, 2025 APSSA Newsletter
- July 30, 2025 APSSA Newsletter
Society Updates
Local Groups
Adelaide Group
Our members come from the Adelaide metropolitan area and from the nearby Adelaide Hills. Our aims are to investigate, propagate […]
Northern Yorke Peninsula Group
For Gardeners, non gardeners, enthusiasts or anyone on NYP with an interest in the conservation, propagation, planting and promotion of Australian plants. […]
Fleurieu Group
Our members come from the Lower Fleurieu Peninsula including Goolwa, Victor Harbor and surrounding areas. We meet monthly on visits […]
COOTS Group (Conservation of our Threatened Species)
Conservation is possibly the most important part of the Australian Plants Society. We are actively involved in several conservation initiatives. In one […]
Eastern Eyre Peninsula Group
The Eastern Eyre Group is currently in recess.
Brinkworth Group
Meetings at Brinkworth Hall Supper Room unless indicated otherwise
Gawler and Barossa Group
The Gawler and Barossa Districts Group meets at 7:30pm on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at the Lyndoch Institute […]
A message from the COOTS Group.
The 10th of October 2026 is going to be a very special workshop, which once again costs you nothing, and will be held at the same venue where we hold our popular propagation workshops.
That is at 21A Richards Terrace in Goodwood.
The session starts at 12.00 noon and will last for around three hours.
This workshop is very different to our propagation workshops, which have been focused on the various ways of growing Australian native plants. This workshop is on the specialised subject of growing Australian native terrestrial Orchids, and really only those who are genuinely interested should register their interest, as it can get very involved.
The ultimate aim is to get those who are serious about this subject to work with the native orchid society (NOSSA) growing terrestrial orchids.
Contact me, Jeff Reid, at [email protected] to register your interest.
This workshop will depend on the amount of interest that is shown in the subject.
Jeff Reid. ... See MoreSee Less
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Message from the COOTS Group.
A big reminder to everyone: there are two propagation workshops left in 2026, and now is the time to book the one that suits you.
The next workshop will be from 15th August to 19th September.
The last for this year will be from 31st October to 5th December.
Now remember that these workshops cost you nothing, and they are held over six weeks at 21A Richards Terrace in Goodwood, starting at 12.00 noon and going through to around 3-3.30 pm.
We have had 17 actual workshops now, and over 130 participants have attended, which has been very successful.
The course is over six consecutive weeks, and is done by Samantha Rayson and me, plus several very knowledgeable presenters, finishing off with an actual field day where you put into practice what you have learned.
Check your calendars, and if one of those sets of dates suits you, please consider booking your spot and learn how to propagate Australian native plants.
I would love to see at least 10 to 12 per group, so please email me at [email protected] if you need more information or to book your spot.
Regards Jeff Reid. ... See MoreSee Less
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Message from the COOTS Group.
Well, I am back in business again.
I sadly had to spend another few days up at the Flinders Hospital, after having another round of breathing difficulties, and close to pneumonia.
Seems I am living up at that hospital, and many even know me now.
Now I am sending out a reminder to spend a few hours up at Sandalwoods to put trees into the ground/sand up there.
This is on July 5th, which is two weeks away now.
Want to start at 10.00 am if possible, and go through to around 1.00 pm, where we all head to the Palmer Hotel for lunch.
I have a couple of spaces in my car, so if you are stuck, let me know, and maybe we can fit you in.
Hopefully the weather will be kind, but if it's cold, do rug up well.
Anybody wanting a map to find their way, send me an email at [email protected], and I will forward a map to you.
May have to meet at the shed around 8.30 am if you need a lift.
Jeff Reid. ... See MoreSee Less
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Message from the COOTS Group.
Some time back, I mentioned that I would like to get plants into the ground up at Sandalwoods, especially as the weather is so favourable.
However, as I said, I feel a bit cheeky asking others to do my work, but as you all know my history, you can understand why I need to ask others for help.
Many of you have been to Sandalwoods before, but for those who haven't,
I have attached directions, and if all else fails, you can still call me.
This planting will be held on the 5th of July.
I know that it also falls on a "gathering" date, but the weather dictates when plants go in, and the ground should be perfect for planting.
Unfortunately, the sandy soil dries out once the weather starts to warm up, so it means plenty of watering.
Fortunately, I am still able to do that, whereas some of the other tasks are still beyond me, and I really need others to come and help me.
I have an area that has been worked on before, and many of those plants have succumbed to the harsh conditions, so many will actually be replacement plants.
I have also done a little weed spraying, which will assist any new plantings going in by reducing that competition from the Veldt Grass.
Now I have a box of Banksia marginata seedlings that must be planted, and many other various endemic species that need to be planted.
I am also planting more Banksia species (pretty ones) that I know don't belong in the area, but the bird life is increasing by the addition of these flowers, so I feel comfortable putting them in, plus it gives the locals something to admire as they drive past.
I plan to get to Sandalwoods by 10.00 am on the 5th, and work through to around 1.00 pm, and then we head off to the Palmer Hotel for lunch again, so it will be great if you check your calendars to see if you can be free on the day, and let me know, so I can advise the Palmer on numbers.
Now, for those who need a convenience, I do have a toilet on site, so it is not all that primitive up there.
Now, many of you (133 now), I have not seen for some time, so this is a good opportunity for a COOTS catch-up, and I would love to see you all.
Weather may be an issue, so rug yourselves up; however, if it rains, which is possible, and that rarely happens up there, it may need to be postponed for a few days.
Again, I say, I feel a bit cheeky asking, but my condition still stops me from doing much of this type of work now.
Jeff Reid ... See MoreSee Less
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Message from the COOTS group.
Hi everyone, something that I have been asked to pass on, and I am happy to do it, because it is something that the COOTS group is very passionate about, and for years, this project has been very poorly attended, so I am hoping we may be able to change that.
Gerard Wallace is the Southern Projects Officer, and Samantha Rayson is his offsider, and both of them want to see a renewed interest in people wanting to see and be involved in that amazing project.
I say that because I have been involved in Lands End for close to 40 years now, and even though I still intend to be involved, it is getting harder and harder for me, so out of the large group of Propagation Workshop participants (130 of them now), surely we can find a consistent group of enthusiastic volunteers, who can assist Gerard and Samantha in that valuable work that they do down there.
I am only able to attend on the Sunday, but I am always willing to take one or two others down there with me, so don't hesitate to ask, because I know it would be appreciated if there is a good group, willing to participate in future working bees.
The next one is over the weekend of the 26th, 27th and 28th of June.
Sadly, because of my recent hospital stay last month, I missed out on my trip to Pine Point, but it is my intention to go this month. So how many others wish to join me?
Come for a weekend, or just a few hours on Sunday, as I do, and it would be so rewarding for everyone involved.
Jeff Reid. ... See MoreSee Less
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Message from the COOTS group.
Just a reminder that group 17 is about to begin on Saturday, the 13th of June. This time around, there are only a small number of participants, so if you want your name included, you'd better send me an email as soon as possible.
I will only do a couple more workshops from now on, as the interest is beginning to wane a bit.
It is good to remind everyone that this course is free, and even though it is intended to draw new faces into the APS, it also opens up a whole new world for participants, by being able to grow and understand more about our beautiful Australian native plants.
So please do take advantage of this opportunity and put your name down.
Jeff Reid. ... See MoreSee Less
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