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

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.

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.

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.