Spectacular Natives

Fill your garden with native Australian plants and flowers and reap the rewards for years to come.

Growing a native Australian garden will help to support the local wildlife, be easy to maintain, require minimal water and is perfectly suited to Australian soil and conditions. With over 20,000 species to choose from there is something suitable for every garden and climate.

CLIMATE

Not all natives will thrive in every location across the country so visit your local nursery to find out which varieties will be most suitable for your locations and soil. Some natives can become a pest (such as the paperbark tree) if they are planted in the wrong location so it is important to check that they are suitable in your area before you start planting.

VARIETIES

There are so many varieties of native plants to choose from, we love Banksia and bird attracting Callistemon, Waratah for their sheer magnificence in the garden and Grevillia and Wattle for their bright blooms and blossom. For something a little more unusual try Flame Pea, Flame Palm and Finger Lime.

LOCATION

Native plants and flowers will typically like a dryer location in the gardan with full sun and a well drained soil. Try grouping native plants together for a visually beautiful effect. Plant in the cooler months for the best reults.

PRUNING

Prune lightly after flowering to ensure that native plants, flowers and bushes continue to look their best. Some native plants can start to get a straggly look if they aren’t well pruned and cared for.

WATER

• Contrary to popular belief native plants do require adequate watering to really thrive.

• 30mm of water every two weeks should be enough to keep native plants in good condition or try deep soaking every 3-4 weeks.

• If you plan to fertilise your native plants try a specific native plant formulation or an organic, slow release formulation.

PICKING

Floral arrangements of native blooms are quite spectacular and are often long lasting, looking good even as they dry out. Try mixing bottlebrush and wattle with nonnatives such as rosemary for a striking fragrant bouquet.

Elegance, wealth, prosperity - beautiful peonies have a reputation that precedes them including being difficult to grow. But once you master a few basic tricks, they may just be the most rewarding flowers to bloom in your garden.