Give me a home among the gum trees
In a world increasingly aware of the need for sustainable gardening practices, incorporating Australian native plants into our gardens offers a powerful way to enhance biodiversity while creating beautiful spaces.
Australia may be known around the world as the home to incredible fauna such as our beloved koala and kangaroo, but our native flora is just as distinctive and iconic. With more than 24,000 species, our native flora is an intriguing treasury of diverse plant species that have adapted to our continent’s unique climates and ecosystems.
Our rich tapestry of plant life not only showcases stunning colours, varied foliage and distinct growth forms, but also plays a vital role in supporting local ecosystems, particularly when it comes to attracting essential pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
The astounding diversity of Australian native plants means there is a beautiful array of species to choose from to add to your garden – from the iconic Eucalyptus trees to delicate Acacia species and hardy Grevilleas, you will easily find something that will thrive in your garden. And more impressively, as our native plant species have adapted to our varying climate and soil types, it means these plants are often more resilient to pests and diseases, and require less water and fertiliser compared to exotic species. Easy to find, and easy to maintain; a win, win!
Whether you choose to add the striking blooms of the Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos spp.) or the delicate grace of the Native Mint Bush (Prostanthera), one of the most compelling reasons to embrace Australian natives in garden design is their ability to attract and support pollinators. Bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects play a crucial role as primary pollinators, facilitating the reproduction of many flowering plants. Their activities enhance fruit and seed production, leading to more abundant and diverse harvests.
So, how can you use and add Australian native plants to your garden to help boost your local ecosystem?
Plan your garden layout
Start by assessing your garden space, and consider factors such as sunlight, soil type and drainage. This information will help you select the right plants for your specific conditions. A well-planned garden can feature different layers to create visual interest.
Consider the use of taller plants such as Banksia or Leptospermum species to provide a backdrop, while mid-sized shrubs like Grevillea and Correa can fill the middle layers. Groundcovers such as Brachyscome or Scaevola can sprawl along the ground, weaving between other plants creating a lush, layered look.
However, keep in mind your garden does not need to contain exclusively Australian native plants to see the impact of their presence – native species can look beautiful interspersed throughout any type of garden, whether it be formal, cottage or coastal.
Create pollinator pathways and seasonal interest
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Design your garden with pollinators in mind. Create pathways or zones filled en masse with flowering and nectar-rich plants that bloom at various times throughout the year because this ensures a continuous food supply for bees and butterflies. By having several plant species flowering at once, and a sequence of plants flowering through spring, summer and autumn, you can support a range of bee species that fly at different times of the season.
For example, the Flannel Flower (Actinotus helianthi) blooms in spring with delicate white flowers, whilst Bottlebrush (Callistemon spp.) provides striking red blooms in summer. For some structure to your garden beds, consider Lomandra and Dianella species, and they in turn will provide food and shelter for pollinators. And a top tip, be sure to group plants with similar water and light requirements together to simplify maintenance.
Consider colour and texture
Bees and butterflies have a good colour vision to help them find flowers along with the nectar and pollen they offer. The addition of hues of blue, purple, white and yellow will be particularly beneficial – think species like the bright yellow Goodenia and vibrant blue, purple Dampiera. Combine different textures and colours to create a vibrant visual. The low-growing Hibbertia which produces vibrant yellow flowers that are particularly appealing to butterflies, paired with a combination such as the feathery foliage of Acacia and the bold flowers of Grevillea will create a divine contrast.
Incorporate features for wildlife
Add elements such as rocks, logs or small water features to provide shelter and nesting sites for insects. Consider that bees favour sunny spots, whereas butterflies need shelter from strong winds. Most Australian native bees are solitary, meaning the female will make a nest all by herself by burrowing into rotten wood, dirt or even sparse lawns. One of the best ways to help, is to create some “bee hotels” for the many lodger bee species. Consider cutting lengths of bamboo and sticking them onto a tree trunk or wall for the lodger bees to build their nests in. And don’t forget to add a birdbath or shallow dish as this will attract bees and butterflies too, making your garden a vibrant hub of activity.
By fostering a deeper appreciation for Australia’s unique flora, we can cultivate gardens that not only thrive aesthetically, but also contribute to the conservation of our invaluable ecosystems. With the addition of these plants into your garden, you will be playing a vital role in ensuring our ecosystems are not only surviving, but more importantly, thriving.
This article first appeared in the Summer 2024 edition of SALIFE Gardens and Outdoor Living Magazine.
