News

06/07/25

Designing with Australian natives and climate compatible plants

It has taken some time for Australia to truly recognise how unique and exciting our natives are. After over a century of euro-centric views and knowledge on gardening and agriculture, which brought about exotic plants and cultural practices, simply not made for this continent.

Here our climate and soils are vastly different, with Ancient, naturally little- mineral rich top soil that must be protected and held tightly by stone and  living root systems. Climate appropriate plantings are resilient and thrive without constant inputs; where others will not.

Earth hugging ground cover

Ancient Soils- not barren

Key insights

 

Much of our native soils, especially on our coasts; are very free draining and have poor water- retentive properties. Our natives and adjacent species are adapted to these conditions, which make them the suitable choice.

Australian native and dry climate naturally rely on very little nutrients, with some even having  sensitivities, this balance works for our delicate soils, as synthetic fertilisers can damage soil life.

 

Floral display

Delicate pollinator attraction

Gardens that return value to the earth around us

Climate change- has lead to more drought, fires and extreme temperatures over the world.

We are now seeing  that designing gardens that do not rely heavily on precious resources; such as water; is imperative.

Available native species for your garden are being increasingly bred, with even interesting lawn alternatives.

 

 

Gardens should act as refuges for displaced wildlife.

Australia has a rich array of wildlife, being one of the most unique and now ecologically precious continents of the modern day.