The Native Garden: A Balanced Approach

July 21, 2024 in Australian Native Plants, Garden Talk

Amid discussions about exotic species becoming problematic in Australia, it’s crucial to re-examine native plants' role in our gardens. While I cherish native plants, I also appreciate many exotic species and believe they can coexist harmoniously.

Recognise that native plants can become weeds, like the Cootamundra Wattle (Acacia baileyana), which can invade higher rainfall areas. Native gardens require effort, including soil cultivation, fertilising, and regular maintenance.

Genetic modification to meet consumer demands for constant flowering plants risks diluting native species' genetic integrity, weakening resilience and harming ecosystems.

By prioritising robust genetic traits and educating consumers, we can create sustainable gardens that celebrate both native and exotic species.

Native Cottage Garden

July 19, 2024 in Australian Native Plants

Want a beautiful cottage garden using only Australian native plants? This list should help you on your way with both natives for dry sandy soils and natives that can handle humidity, dry, frosts, clay soils

Real Living Christmas Trees

December 01, 2023 in Australian Native Plants, Garden Talk, Summer Colour in the G..., Indoor Plants

Conifers are everyone’s first choice when it comes Christmas trees but if you want a different type of Christmas tree here’s a few hints.

Diospyros australis

January 29, 2023 in Australian Native Plants, Fruit Trees

What’s not to love about a beautiful native tree that work wonderfully as a feature tree or slow growing hedge that also produces edible fruit?

Diospyros australis, commonly known as Black Plum or Native Persimmon, is a small native rainforest tree found from south-east NSW up to tropical Queensland.

Native Large Leaf Tamarind - Edible

December 15, 2022 in Australian Native Plants, Fruit Trees

Diploglottis australis, this beautiful native plant is commonly called Native Large Leaf Tamarind.

Soft and Delicate Native

October 30, 2021 in Australian Native Plants

Phyllanthus cuscutiflorus is a glorious native with the softest most delicate foliage and dainty flowers.

Native Daisy

September 25, 2021 in Australian Native Plants, Summer Colour in the G...

Brachyscome multifida is endemic to Australia and a brilliant free flowering hardy ground cover daisy. This cute little daisy has fine feathery foliage and can grow to about 50cm diameter and about 40cm high.

Native Basil

September 25, 2021 in Australian Native Plants, Vegetable Gardening, Scented Garden

Coleus graveolens is commonly called Bush Basil or the Five Spice Herb! This plant is native from Cape York all way down to NSW.

Native Ground Cover

September 25, 2021 in Australian Native Plants, Spring Colour in the G...

Scaevolas are a hardy, low growing plant with lush green foliage all year long. They have striking fan-shaped flowers that cover the bush for most of the year. You can get them in a range of colours - blue, pink, white and yellow.

Native Shade Tree

September 17, 2021 in Australian Native Plants

Luscious® is a cultivar or Tristaniopsis laurina. It is one of my favourite Australian native shade trees. Luscious® can grow in a small garden, provide some shade and allow your children to still play around it.

Elaeocarpus

August 25, 2021 in Australian Native Plants

Elaeocarpus are one of my all time favourite native tree speices. Two of my favourite cultivars for home gardens are Elaeocarpus reticulatus Prima Donna and Elaeocarpus eumundi.

Leptospermums - Spoilt for Choice

August 25, 2021 in Australian Native Plants

Easy to grow, exceptionally hardy Australian native is happy in full sun to light shade. It can handle most soils and once established will handle a little dry and a light frost. Plus flowers are brilliant wildlife attractors

Leptospermums - Aussie Blossom Range

August 25, 2021 in Australian Native Plants

The Aussie Blossom Range is a beautiful range of Leptospermums that have masses of stunning flowers in a range of pink shades that cover the bush for about 8-10 weeks in winter and early spring.

Backhousia citriodora

August 25, 2021 in Australian Native Plants, Fruit Trees, Scented Garden

Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) is an absolute delight for any garden. It is a small growing tree (around 3-5m) with leaves that release a strong lemon scent when crushed or after rain. I love breaking off a few and throwing them on the lawn before I mow. It makes mowing so much more enjoyable!

Macadamia tetraphylla

August 25, 2021 in Australian Native Plants, Fruit Trees

Macadamia tetraphylla is native to southern Queensland and northern New South Wales and is now classed as a vulnerable in the wild. Macadamia tetraphylla has a higher sugar content than Macadamia integrifolia. Having a higher sugar content makes it really yummy when eaten raw but can lead to burning when used in baking.

Finger Lime

December 10, 2020 in Australian Native Plants, Fruit Trees

Finger Limes - Little balls of goodness on your tongue and a sweet Lime explosion happens in your mouth, giving a unique flavour sensation.

Australian Native Kanagroo Paws

September 01, 2014 in Australian Native Plants, Spring Colour in the G..., Winter Colour in the G...

Kangaroo paws belong to the genus Anigozanthos, which are native to south western Western Australia. This area of Australia is dryer, slightly warmer and the soil is sandy...very sandy. A little different to Ipswich's climate and soil.