Creating A Sustainable Native Garden

If you’re able to bring a native garden to life, the rewards and benefits go far beyond having a green space that resembles the original Australian landscape. 

Do you love the idea of a welcoming green area in your yard, but loathe the prospect of the upkeep that it may potentially require? If you take a few special precautions, home owners can have all of the benefits of a thriving garden without having to sacrifice too much of their own time as a means to keep it in tip top shape. To achieve such a feat, planting Australian native trees and shrubs is a growing trend for reasons that go beyond less maintenance. 

Choosing to cultivate a native garden is a way to embrace your climate and form a mini ecosystem. Depending on where you live, plants that are native to our landscape are considered to be relatively easy to grow, and are often already accustomed to the rainfall and soil conditions exclusive to your abode. You’ll also be actively encouraging locals to swing by, such as birds, butterflies and bees – a posse otherwise known as nature’s best pollinators. 

However, the key to creating the perfect native garden lies in knowing what to plant. Some Australian trees and shrubs are better suited to particular areas than others, but which are considered to be the most popular choices?

What To Plant In Your Native Garden 

In a nod of respect to our unique landscape, planting native and indigenous shrubs, trees and flowers has seen a surge in popularity. This trend is somewhat of a double act –  it creates a thriving, attractive and robust garden, while also conserving biodiversity by encouraging native wildlife. 

However, Australia has a large number of climates, and what thrives in Mount Isa may not do as well in Melbourne. In the same breath, the below are a few of the more common Australian trees and shrubs that do well in many gardens right around the nation.

Australian Fan Palm – Although best suited to subtropical and temperate climates, the Australian fan palm is arguably one of our most popular palm varieties grown domestically. The striking fan shaped fronds can make quite the statement in large scale areas as it can grow up to 15 metres, but it’s also able to be kept in pots if provided with enough shade to thrive. 

Grevillea – If you’re looking to add a splash of colour to your native garden, grevilleas come in over 350 different varieties and are found in just about all corners of Australia. From ground cover to shrubs and even tall trees, they come in a wide variety of sizes and attract bees and birds thanks to their year round flowering habits.

All Aglow – The callistemon plant is yet another gorgeous native bottlebrush variety that is one of the best plants for clay soil gardens. As an upright growing shrub that can reach heights of 2.5 metres, the pink, orange and red brush blooms not only provide shelter for birds, but also attract native bees. As such, it makes a great choice for hedges. 

Banksias – Arguably one of the most iconic of the many Australian native trees and shrubs, banksias are a common sight in any native garden. Flowering in shades of white, yellow, orange and red, banksias do well in full sun with well drained, sandy soils. Once established, they’re regarded as low maintenance and are relatively a drought tolerant species. 

Gum Trees – Eucalyptus, otherwise known as gum trees, are the quintessential Australian native tree. Easily adaptable, they will often grow in very different areas from where they are native, and are a safe bet for any budding native garden. With over seven hundred species, there’s a high chance that there’s a gum tree native to your part of Australia. 

Australian Daisy – Perfect as ground cover and also known as the Swan River Daisy, this native flower is not only sustainable, but is also visually attractive as a garden staple thanks to its delicate mauve, white and blue petals. Highly adaptable, Australian Daisies grow just about anywhere but prefer well-drained soil in either full sun or half-sun. 

Ultimately, the more you’re able to encourage a self-sufficient and sustainable ecosystem, the happier your Australian native trees and shrubs will be. However, sometimes your native garden may need a little extra help in fending off unwanted invaders, but that doesn’t mean resorting to pesticides that may have negative consequences on the health of your soil, plants, and even local wildlife – so what’s the alternative?

Embrace The Safer Way To Spray

Spending time outside and in the garden is not only good for our overall well being, but it’s also an easy way to start educating yourself on the importance of sustainability. 

If you’re noticing foreign invaders popping up in your garden, a naturally produced weed killer like Bioweed is a safe way to keep them under control. As a non-residual solution, it will break down into the soil in as little as 72 hours and can combat over 200 invasive weed species, making it safe for you, your family, your pets, and your local native wildlife to navigate. 

Bioweed is the brainchild of well established agricultural leader Greenpro, and is backed by over twenty years of research and development. Owned and manufactured in Australia, the primary ingredient of Bioweed is actually sustainably sourced pine oil, and is even approved by NASAA, ACO and APVMA for use around organic farms and food production.

If you’re on the hunt for a natural weed killer, more organic gardening solutions, or simply want to know more about eliminating weeds safely, check out other tips and tricks in our online advice forum, or contact us for any further queries.