How to create a thriving garden this spring

How to welcome birdlife into your garden

 What birds can we expect to see in our gardens in South-East Queensland during spring?

Brisbane has a diverse range of bird species, including our large, spectacular birds such as the Bush Stone-Curlew, King Parrot and the Brushturkey. We also have the native yet pesky Noisy Miners who are known to chase many of the smaller birds including Scarlet Honeyeaters, Grey Fantails and Fairywrens out of our gardens. 

How can Contact readers make their gardens more welcoming for the smaller species of birds?

The best way to welcome these smaller species is by having prickly shrubs, untidy areas, dense vegetation and less manicured lawn spaces. Running water is also very attractive to birds. Their beaks and feet tend to get sticky from feeding, so they use water to bathe. Incorporating running water into your garden, such as a drip system, will attract them. Alternatively, you can use a fountain or bird bath but ensure the water is regularly replaced to keep it fresh and clean.

If any of our readers are interested in taking up birdwatching, what steps should they take? 

I am the President of BirdLife Australia, an organisation devoted to stopping more bird extinctions.  We have half a million supporters and over 100 staff around Australia. We hold the Aussie Bird Count (19–25 October), which encourages Australians to take 20 minutes to record the birds they see and helps conservationists take note of the species that are still thriving.

As for every day, buy a decent pair of binoculars and go down to your local park with a field guide. Look, listen and start recording your sightings.

What’s one change our readers could make at home that would meaningfully support biodiversity? 

Don’t use insecticides in your garden; they kill the insects that kill the pests. They may not be aesthetically pleasing, but plants with holes in them reflect a healthy garden. It means there are plenty of insects present, which contribute to a healthy and functional ecosystem.

Tackling weeds to create a healthy ecosystem

Why are weeds more active in spring?

Spring provides the ideal conditions for many weed species to germinate and grow. As temperatures increase, soil warms up and day length (sunlight hours) increases, and many seeds that have been dormant over winter receive the environmental signals needed to germinate.

Spring also often brings rainfall, creating favourable soil moisture conditions for rapid seedling establishment. Because weeds are actively growing during this period, they compete strongly with desirable garden plants for light, water and nutrients. Acting early, when weeds are small, is the most effective way to prevent them from becoming established and producing seeds.

What's the most effective (and sustainable) way to deal with weeds in a home garden?

There is no single solution — successful weed management relies on an integrated approach. The most sustainable strategy is to prevent weeds from establishing in the first place by maintaining healthy, vigorous garden plants that can compete effectively. Applying mulch helps suppress weed emergence by blocking sunlight and reducing opportunities for seeds to germinate.

Hand-pulling or hoeing young weeds before they flower and set seeds is highly effective for small infestations. For persistent perennial weeds, removing as much of the root system as possible is important to prevent regrowth. Herbicides should only be used when necessary and according to label directions; consider them one tool within an overall management strategy rather than the only solution.

What are some of the common mistakes people make when trying to control weeds?

One of the most common mistakes is waiting until weeds become large or produce flowers and seeds before taking action. A single mature weed can produce hundreds or even thousands of seeds that remain viable in the soil for years, creating ongoing problems.

Another mistake is relying on a single control method, such as repeated herbicide use, which can select for herbicide-resistant weeds over time. Poor identification is also common — different weed species require different management approaches, and some native plants are mistakenly removed because they resemble weeds.

Finally, gardeners often overlook the importance of preventing weeds from setting seeds. Remember the saying, "One year of seeding means 7 years of weeding." It's a reminder that preventing weeds from producing seeds is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce future weed problems. A single plant of milk thistle or fleabane, for example, can produce thousands of seeds, which then spread via wind.

How can gardeners prevent weeds from threatening native biodiversity in their gardens?

Many garden weeds such as lantana, Singapore daisy and cat's claw creeper have escaped cultivation and become serious environmental weeds, invading bushland, waterways and natural ecosystems where they outcompete native plants. Gardeners can help protect native biodiversity by removing invasive weeds before they produce seeds, disposing of weeds responsibly so seeds and plant fragments do not spread, and avoiding planting species known to be invasive in their region.

Replacing invasive ornamentals with native or non-invasive alternatives provides habitat for local wildlife while reducing the risk of weeds escaping into surrounding environments. Regular monitoring of the garden is also important because small weed infestations are much easier to manage than established populations.