Wahlenbergia stricta or Australian Bluebell is a striking little plant with gorgeous purpley-blue flowers found throughout south-eastern Australia. Growing to only about 30cm tall with diminutive leaves and stems it is covered with colour in spring and summer. Readily self-seeding in bare ground it makes a lovely garden plant and would do well in a pot though will disappear under weeds if neglected in wetter areas and prefers a bit of sun. Wahlenbergia was named after Swedish botanist Göran Wahlenberg, while stricta refers to its upright or “strict” growth habit. Flowers can be eaten in salads and are also an important source of food for pollinators like butterflies and native bees. You can buy Australian Bluebell plants from the Shrub Club Community Nursery for only $3. If you’d like to learn more about local native plants, the Southern Otway Landcare Network (SOLN) runs a weekly plant walk over the summer season, usually departing from the office at 69 Nelson St at 2:30 pm each Tuesday and going somewhere different each week.