Last weekend for the first time native plant products were on sale at Darwin’s Garden Spectacular. There were 70 exhibitors and the NT Government provided $30,000 funding for Darwin’s premier nature and outdoor living event.
Wild thyme tea from the Katherine area and bush medicine soap from the Pine Creek area are products developed by traditional aboriginals in conjunction with Parks and Wildlife ethnobotanists – the Greening Australia store will be selling them.
Scientists have been working with indigenous people in the Top End and the Kimberley, recording plant and animal knowledge for economic advantage.
The 2005 theme for Darwin’s Botanic Garden spectacular was ‘Water for Life’. Water-efficient plants decorated the display area and the main focus was on aquatic weeds and native alternatives for pond and fish tanks.
Information on cane toads, featuring a cane-toad pond and info on a ‘Toad Muster’ to be held later this month was also available.