From the deserts to the sea, the flora of South Australia is as unique and beautiful as its varied landscapes.
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
- 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 […]
Message from the COOTS Group:
Two things.
For those of you who keep an eye on the COOTS Facebook page, especially those of you people who live in our country towns around South Australia, I am toying with the idea of conducting Propagation Workshops in a country town.
It would be a one-day session, but judging by the popularity here in Adelaide, I would like to see if that idea appeals to everyone, and whether it would be something that I should consider.
I would appreciate comments, please.
Secondly, and for those doing the present workshop. This message is to advise you that the propagation workshop will not be held next Saturday, the 11th of April, as I have overlooked the fact that we will be holding our Autumn Plant Sale at Urrbrae Agricultural High School, and I had forgotten that I was in the middle of workshops at the same time.
Please adjust your calendar accordingly, and return on the 18th of April - one week after.
Sorry if I have inconvenienced you in any way by this adjustment, but it does allow you to come to a plant sale instead.
At my age, this does happen from time to time.
Regards, Jeff Reid. ... See MoreSee Less
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A message from the COOTS group.
Anybody interested in our next propagation workshop, please email me as soon as possible.
Email: [email protected]
So far only eight people have applied, so a few more would be beneficial.
It begins on the 4th of April, 2026, and starts at 12.00 noon.
We are located at 21A Richards Terrace in Goodwood.
There is no charge, and the course lasts for six consecutive Saturdays.
See if you can spare some time and be a part of Growers group 16.
Regards, Jeff Reid. ... See MoreSee Less
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
Our colleagues from Victoria put the fun little video together! ... See MoreSee Less
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Everyone is welcome, however the school does not permit dogs on site as they are a working farm and have quarantine restrictions. ... See MoreSee Less
9 CommentsComment on Facebook
Notice from the COOTS group.
Just to advise, that only one person has replied to me about being a part of our next propagation course (Growers group 16) on the 21st of March, which indicates that Facebook is not being seen, so I will ask again.
If I don't get numbers, I will need to reschedule for another time.
Jeff Reid. ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Message from the COOTS conservation group.
On the 21st of March 2026, the Propagation Workshops will be happening once again.
This new group will be the 16th COOTS group.
As always, it will be held at 21A Richards Terrace, Goodwood, and will begin at 12 noon every Saturday for six days.
There is no cost for this valuable six (6) consecutive Saturday course; all I ask is for a gold coin towards coffee and cake.
What I need now are participants. If this is something that appeals to you, please email me at [email protected] to register your interest in the course.
I need around 10 to make it a comfortable group. Group 15 filled in two days, so see if we can better that. Those who missed the last session can now apply for this round.
The course looks closely at how to grow Australian Native Plants, and my intention is to look in detail at how best to do that being seed or cuttings.
There will be a field day amongst the courses, and a couple of very experienced speakers speaking on their particular subject.
Don't miss out on this opportunity, where your possibilities are quite extensive. Many of the earlier participants have taken on roles in the COOTS group, and I look forward to many more enthusiastic people joining them to make this progressive conservation group grow in the coming years.
See if you can join the COOTS propagation workshops, and join this fun experience.
Once the course is completed, there will be ample opportunity to bring your seedlings back to the shed to pot them on into larger pots ready to plant out, or sell to the general public.
Jeff Reid. ... See MoreSee Less
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