On Sunday, February 24, residents can bring their weeds in a bag to the Eurobodalla Council stall at the Narooma Rotary Markets, swap them for native plants, and have a chat about weeds or sustainable gardening.

Council’s Natural Resource Supervisor Heidi Thomson said weeds commonly found in Narooma gardens included asparagus fern, madeira vine, creeping groundsel or morning glory.

“There are also woody weeds like cassia, cotoneaster and privet,” Ms Thomson said.

“If you’re unsure, head to Council’s website and search for ‘weeds’ – you’ll find plenty of information, including a link to our award-winning weeds finder application.

“By removing weeds from their garden, residents help to decrease seed sources of weeds and reduce the chance of reinfestation.”

Ms Thomson encouraged gardeners to consider going native.

“There are so many benefits of having a native garden – they need less water, they can add colour year-round, they attract native birds, bees and butterflies and they thrive in our conditions,” she said.

“This Sunday’s plant swap is a great way to get started with free native plants, advice and inspiration.”

The plant swap will be held from 8.30am to 1pm on Sunday, February 24 at the Narooma Rotary Markets at NATA Oval (behind the Narooma Visitor Centre).

For more information visit Council’s website www.esc.nsw.gov.au or contact Natural Resource Supervisor Heidi Thomson on 4474 1329 or email Heidi.thomson@esc.nsw.gov.au.

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Broadly, a weed is a plant that is growing outside its natural environment and has some sort of adverse impact.

The majority of weeds are from overseas, however, some native Australian plants can also become weeds within Australia.

Whatever their origin, they spread 'like weeds' because they arrive in a growth environment which is favourable, often because they have left their natural pests and diseases behind them.