Kangaroos are a common sight in many parts of Australia, and while they may be fascinating to watch, they can be a real nuisance for gardeners. These marsupials have a voracious appetite and will eat almost anything they can get their paws on, including many of the plants commonly grown in home gardens. Despite this, there are a number of native and exotic plants that can help keep kangaroos away, as well as some edible ones that are sure to attract them. Let's have a look at some of the best plants to include in your garden to keep kangaroos at bay, and some that will encourage them to visit.

Plants to Keep Kangaroos Away

If you are experiencing a problem with kangaroos in your garden, there are a number of plants you can use to deter them. Many of these plants have strong smells or prickly leaves that kangaroos find unappealing. Some examples include:

Lavender: This fragrant plant has a strong scent that kangaroos find repulsive.

Bottlebrush: These shrubs are highly prickly, making them a less-than-ideal food source for kangaroos.

Rosemary: Another herb with a strong scent, rosemary can be used as a natural deterrent against kangaroos.

Lemon-scented gum: This tree has a distinct aroma that kangaroos dislike, and its rough bark can be difficult to climb.

Silverbush: This plant has a furry leaf which kangaroos aren't a fan of.

Curry Plant: This has a strong aroma of curry. Cats also don't like it.

Daisy varieties: It could be the rough texture of the leaves that are unappealing to kangaroos.

Plants to Attract Kangaroos

If you are looking to attract kangaroos to your garden, there are a number of plants that are sure to do the trick. These plants are generally native to Australia and provide food and shelter for kangaroos. Some examples include:

Wallaby grass: These native grasses provide an important food source for kangaroos and other native animals.

Wattle: With its brightly coloured flowers and abundance of foliage, wattle is a favourite food of wild kangaroos, though more domestic kangaroos tend to leave older plants alone.

Eucalyptus: The leaves of eucalyptus trees are a staple food of many kangaroo species, making them an important addition to any garden hoping to attract these animals. You can still grow these, but it's improitant to keep them protected until they are a more mature tree.

Banksia: These native plants produce nectar-rich flowers that attract not only kangaroos, but also birds and insects.

Other Strategies for Dealing with Kangaroos in Your Garden

While planting kangaroo-resistant or kangaroo-attractive plants can be helpful, there are other strategies you can use to deal with these animals in your garden. Here are a few other tips:

Use fencing: One of the most effective ways to keep kangaroos out of your garden is to use a sturdy fence. Remember to make sure the fence is at least 1.8m high.

Avoid watering at night: Kangaroos are more active at night and are attracted to moist soil. Avoid watering your garden in the evening to discourage them from visiting.

Use motion-activated sprinklers: By scaring kangaroos away with a sudden burst of water, you can discourage them from returning.

Remove attractive food sources: If you aren't interested in attracting kangaroos to your garden, remove any plants that are particularly appealing to them.

If you still want to plant species that kangaroos love to eat, you can build a fortress around the plant with plants that the kangaroo doesn't like.

Kangaroos can be a challenge for gardeners, but by using a combination of kangaroo-resistant plants, kangaroo-attractive plants, and other strategies, you can strike a balance that works for you. Whether you want to keep kangaroos away or encourage them to visit, there are plenty of options available. So get out into your garden and start experimenting with different plants and techniques - with a little persistence and creativity, you'll be able to find a solution that works for you.