How to create an Australian native garden oasis

Have you ever been bush walking and just stopped and thought… I wish I had this as my garden?

The adventures that could take place in such a space! Even though our yards are tiny in comparison, you can create a scaled-down version that, over time, becomes quite low-maintenance and a place of discovery.

Layering

Untouched bushland and rainforests have one thing in common – layers. They create their own micro-climates with a good groundcover, shrubs and grasses and a tree canopy. Leaf litter becomes the mulch and each layer protects the others.

Soil

Unlike most ornamental gardens that thrive on a compost rich soil, native gardens prefer the opposite. Poorer quality, but with great drainage is ideal. Grevilleas don’t mind sandstone or granite underneath and undulating or sloping blocks can benefit from such a garden. If your location is clay-based, be sure to choose plants that are traditionally swamp-friendly such as tea trees, or improve the drainage with sand and clay-break products.

Plants

There are so many choices, but remember, not all native plants are native to your area. For your garden to flourish, you’re best to source plants that are endemic to the region. The Moreton Bay City Council website provides an in-depth list of plant species that make up our local eco-system and, while not all are readily available to purchase in the local garden centres, it’s a great guide and interesting read.

If you have the patience, smaller plants establish faster and are much kinder on the budget. Start at the ground and plan your way up. Most native plants flower either seasonally or periodically throughout the year, so aim for an assortment to ensure there’s always something blooming to encourage the native wildlife to use this space as a sanctuary.

While many trees are far too tall for a suburban backyard, a feature tree or smaller varieties can still create the layered effect on a smaller scale.

Grevilleas are available as ground covers, shrubs and trees. Various height Kangaroo Paw, with an astonishing selection of flower options, will create a stunning swathe of colour when planted enmasse. Kids will enjoy exploring a garden planted with edibles such as river or native mint, textural plants such as the paper daisy, wattle family, kangaroo grass, and picking the dainty brachyscome flowers.

To complete the space, incorporate rocks, logs or stumps and a birdbath or water bowl to encourage local birdlife and provide habitat for smaller critters that contribute to the environment.

TOP TIPS

Don’t disturb the roots when removing the plant from the pot

Deep water plants weekly until established

Lightly prune after flowering to maintain shape

Use a native specific ‘low phosphorus’ fertiliser annually