Physical distancing restrictions and recent rain have triggered a surge in sales at regional South Australian plant nurseries.
Mid North garden centre owner Ian Roberts says people are becoming aware that natives are the way to go when it comes to home gardening.
"People are stuck and home and when you get out in the garden, you don't have to worry about social distancing … and we've had rain to kick the season off, so from a nursery point of view it's been the perfect storm," Mr Roberts said.
He estimated there has been a 70 per cent increase in the number of visitors to his Blyth nursery.
"It's just been wonderful, I've been really heartened by the support I've had," Mr Roberts said.
Mr Roberts said he had customers from all across the state.
"Had a few people from Adelaide … and [Port] Pirie, Orroroo, just coming from all over the place," he said.
'Great time to be planting natives'
It was a similar story for Teesha and Brenton Whellum.
The couple runs Nuthin' but Natives in Boolaroo in the southern Flinders Ranges.
Ms Whellum said they had seen a huge influx of customers over recent rainy weekends.
"Coming from Port Pirie, Port Augusta, Quorn, Burra, Blythe, Gladstone," she said.
"People are spending time at home, and with the rain, it makes it much easier to dig a hole, and this is a great time to be planting your natives."
Saltbush in high demand
Ms Whellum said an ever-increasing demand for saltbush over the past three years has contributed to the boost in sales.
"Our first year we probably pre-sold about 1,000, this year we're up to pre-selling about 9,000," Ms Whellum said.
"It doesn't require a lot of water, great for stock, great for the soil, and it's also fire retardant.
"It's for everyone — from your home-gardener through to [buying] purely for stock, for boundaries and fences around farms."
