27/10/2025
Hidden Weeds of the Surf Coast: What’s Growing in Your Garden? 🌿
Around Anglesea and the Surf Coast, we’re lucky to have coastal breezes, and a mix of native and coastal plants that thrive. But among the native beauty, there are plenty of sneaky w**ds that can blend right in. They’re often mistaken for ornamental or harmless plants.
Here are a few you might spot in your garden that are actually w**ds in disguise 👇
🌾 Agapanthus – Commonly seen along driveways and fences, Agapanthus might look neat and hardy, but it spreads aggressively into bushland and chokes out native groundcovers. If you’ve got older clumps, consider removing them before they set seed.
🌼 Gazania – These bright, daisy-like flowers love our sandy soils and sunshine, but they escape gardens easily. They spread quickly along dunes and roadsides, competing with native coastal flora. Try swapping them for native Yellow Buttons or Coastal Everlasting for the same pop of colour.
🌱 Arum Lily – Striking, but invasive. Arum lilies spread by rhizomes and seeds, forming dense patches along waterways and damp spots. This can be a real issue in our local wetlands.
🌿 Mirror Bush (Coprosma repens) – Originally from New Zealand, this glossy shrub often sneaks into gardens as a screen or hedge. It’s tough, and easily spreads into coastal heath and dunes, displacing natives.
🌸 Bluebell Creeper (Billardiera fusiformis) – A beautiful climber with delicate blue flowers, but don’t be fooled. It’s a serious environmental w**d in this region and can strangle shrubs and trees, especially in shady spots.
If you’re not sure what’s native or w**dy in your garden, it’s always worth checking. Replacing invasive plants with local species helps protect our unique Surf Coast ecosystems and creates a healthier, more balanced garden. 🌿
Want some help identifying or replacing problem plants?
👉 Contact Gus’s Gardens for local advice on w**d removal, garden restoration, and native-friendly design. We would love to replace your w**ds with some beautiful natives, especially ones from .
