In this talk, I will describe research that uses genomics to inform plant conservation and ecological restoration, using case studies from our work at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney. This includes the formulation of plans to promote neutral diversity in managed populations of threatened plants, or in restoration plantings of common species. I will then discuss the challenges for species where we need to also manage a trait that is linked to fitness, such as adaptation to future climate conditions, or disease resistance. Here our goal is for populations to be both adapted (fit) and adaptable (diverse). I will discuss these challenges using examples of plant species that are being impacted by a disease, myrtle rust, which is caused by a fungal pathogen. This includes a case study of a species (Rhodamnia rubescens) that is critically endangered due to myrtle rust, but where limited resistance offers some prospect of recovery, and a foundation species of swamp habitats that exhibits variable levels of resistance.