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

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 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.

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.

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.