We asked Rebecca Barnes from Playing With Fire, our Native Foods stall, to give us some
tips on what native foods we can grow in a small garden.
When talking about our Native Foods people think about our amazing rainforest fruits and
spices like finger limes, Davidson plums and lemon myrtle but did you know Australia has a
plethora of easy to grow plants with salty flavours? Which can be used as aa direct salt
replacement, condiment or seasoning. And most of these are small ground covers and
shrubs – perfect for the small space and container garden! Some grow along the coastal
fringe and others are from the arid regions so there’s sure to be one to suit your space.
SUCCULENTS
In arid and semi arid environments native succulents can provide life saving water and food
with their salty juicy leaves. They also grow naturally along the coastal fringe with some
varieties producing melon like fruits. The leaves are great additions to salads and stirfries
and they all grow well in containers. Use well drained soil and mulch with mineral rich
seaweed!

SAMPHIRE is a common name for 43 species of salt marsh plants which have crunchy edible
shoots
KARKALLA aka pigface or yuli grows in the coastal sand dunes with a few varieties growing
inland.
SEABLITE is a seaside herb that is a type of amaranth growing on salt lakes and coastal
marshes.  Leaves stems shoots and seeds are edible.
SEA PURSLANE loves a wetter spot  – pick and eat.

SALTBUSHES
Species of Atriplex are known as Saltbushes – most grow in the arid interior but some are
from coastal areas. There are about 40 species of small shrubs, usually with grey/silver
foliage, drought tolerant, fire retardant  and super delicious! You can use fresh leaves in
salads, stir fries, batters and roasts (perfect for lamb)

OLD MAN SALTBUSH –  a large silver foliaged plant suitable for full sun or part shade.
BARILLA SALTBUSH – aka coastal saltbush has a mineral rich flavour reminiscent of sage. Its
long slender pastel coloured leaves look beautiful in the garden.
MARSH SALTBUSH – perfect for the hanging basket with pale pink stems and small leaves.
You can find Rebecca, from Playing with Fire every Tuesday at New Brighton Farmers
Market from 8am to 11am and every Friday at Mullum Farmers market from 7am-11am
This week at 8am Belle Budden will Acknowledge Country, talk about the significance of
NAIDOC Week and this year’s themes, tell some stories and dance at Mullum Farmers
Market.