Planting for Native Birds, Bees and Butterflies: How to create a garden that attracts Australian wildlife

by Jaclyn Crupi

An essential, eye-opening (and beautiful) guide to the simple, sustainable ways we can invite more native birds, bees and butterflies into our gardens and outdoor spaces.

'Simple everyday steps to growing habitat for our precious pollinators and wildlife.' Costa Georgiadis

'I love this book! There's so much to learn and apply for any garden context to help our native wildlife thrive.' Hannah Moloney

'Filled with down-to-earth advice, this wonderful book places environmental stewardship at the heart of successful home gardening.' Kate Flood, The Compost Coach

Countless Australian species of birds, bees and butterflies are in decline or threatened with extinction, but you can help.

Writer and gardener Jaclyn Crupi shows us that protecting and fostering precious native wildlife starts in our own backyards. The first start planting! And choose native plants where possible. This alone presents endless opportunities for habitat creation – sometimes it's the smallest actions that make the biggest difference. Providing a well-placed dish of water on a hot day or allowing leaf litter to stay where it falls are among the many other super simple ways you can make your garden more attractive to native birds, bees and butterflies, and in turn benefit all species.

Loads of practical advice for gardeners and novices alike
Detailed planting plans for all types of gardens, from native to exotic, coastal to food forests 
Bird, bee and butterfly galleries to help you identify your visitors

Includes conversations and insights from other beloved Australian garden experts (Jac Semmler, Sam Cox, Hannah Moloney and Clarence Slocklee) in a standout hardback package.

Genres: Nonfiction

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2025

Reviews

[Becs' reads Australia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Planting for Native Burds, Bees and Butterflies by Jaclyn Crupi 🇦🇺
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Australian Author Appreciation Month

This book is a gorgeous book for gardeners about how to create a garden that attracts Australian Wildlife. Glorious illustrations and practical illustrations and information, its a must read for Australian gardeners with large gardens like mine, or tiny yards.

"Countless Australian species of birds, bees and butterflies are in decline or threatened with extinction, but you can help.

Writer and gardener Jaclyn Crupi shows us that protecting and fostering precious native wildlife starts in our own backyards. The first step: start planting! And choose native plants where possible. This alone presents endless opportunities for habitat creation – sometimes it's the smallest actions that make the biggest difference. Providing a well-placed dish of water on a hot day or allowing leaf litter to stay where it falls are among the many other super simple ways you can make your garden more attractive to native birds, bees and butterflies, and in turn benefit all species.

Loads of practical advice for gardeners and novices alike
Detailed planting plans for all types of gardens, from native to exotic, coastal to food forests 
Bird, bee and butterfly galleries to help you identify your visitors"

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit different to my normal read, but I got so much out of this book. So many practical ideas and tips for habitat gardening without making it overwhelming (even for a complete novice!).

I’m very inspired, and have already started making changes to our garden to invite in more native birds, bees and butterflies!

[Leila · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10. this work restored my faith in myself and my garden, as it seems many of the plants, trees, tips, habitat reservation, native mix of plants local to my area etc... I have already implemented. I am always on the lookout to do more for the aussie wildlife, esp. the bees. I have recently created clay hotels in hopes to see our native blue banded bees as they are fascinating guys; the weather is too cold to tell but I am excited for the days to come. We can all do our part in caring for the world around us, and it can start with something as small as a water dish for birds or a saucer w/ rocks for insects.

I have so much happening in my garden now that have I completed my postgrad, more focus on my hobby. Before I start my work rotation. Gardening is so rewarding (I say as an avid gardener)

I recommend this to anyone who lives in Aus and feels like dabbling into creating positive outcomes for the fauna and flora. Our birds and insects have been displaced but we have such amazing people continually giving us advice and wisdom for free. I personally love to watch gardening australia on Youtube, visiting my local nurseries, talking to strangers and borrowing books like this one from the library.

Yes. This is my fav topic. I have planted a plethora of beautiful kangaroo paws ranging from purples, pinks and yellows in my driveway just last week. So fun.

[Kalliste · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much great info in this book. It make starting a native garden feel a bit less intimidating and has lots of useful information on birds, insects, lizards and more. I'm looking forward to making a better ecosystem wildlife in my backyard.

The only thing missing here was more info on weeding. It's mentioned multiple times how to weed between pavers/concrete but nothing if you have a lot of weeds to remove (which I do), other than to leave them where you pull them unless they've gone to seed.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plenty of good information. I found reading the pages with coloured paper quite difficult.

[happylittlebirdy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Hey · Rating 4 out of 5]

-informative
-simple
-inspiring

Reminds you to just plant natives and let things go wild