Many Australians will agree that there’s enough property maintenance to do in the summer without the added pressure of trying to care for a high-maintenance garden. Fortunately, there’s a way to avoid having to constantly care for weak and delicate flowers that are constantly on the verge of wilting.
If you’ve recently opted for the landscaping Cranbourne specialists are offering, then you may already have heard suggestions about switching to native plants. Not sure how they differ from other plants or how they’ll benefit your garden and your workload, then this post is for you.
Understanding Native Plants
Simply put, native plants are those which are found naturally in your area or region. That means they have always thrived in the region and have more than likely evolved with the native ecosystem and wildlife over the course of hundreds of years.
There are several benefits to opting for plants that have become native or indigenous to your area. Our expert horticulturist has compiled a list of the benefits of adding native plants to your garden.
1. There’s no Need for Additional Water
A huge drawback of having a luscious garden is the amount of water that’s required to keep it thriving all year round. This can be challenging if you live in a water-poor area. Native plants, on the other hand, can survive on rainfall alone.
This is because they have adapted to the climate in the area, the moisture in the air and the natural rainfall patterns. Adapting to the environment would have made them resilient to scorching temperatures, eliminating the need for covers and greenhouses as protection. Keep in mind that you may have to give them the occasional splash of water if rain is scarce, but it won’t be necessary to water them every day.
2. They are Natural Survivors
Do you regard yourself to be a serial plant killer? Is it virtually impossible to keep a plant alive for longer than one growing season? Do you spend every spring buying, planting, and nursing plants that just don’t survive? You may be shocked to learn that the problem may not be with your plant nurturing skills!
Plants that aren’t native to your area will need constant care to survive and even then, may not adapt to the Australian climate. Plant maintenance is not only time-consuming but can be costly if you’re investing in plant food, water, coverings, greenhouses and sprinkler systems.
Native plants don’t need to adjust to the heat and little rainfall because they have been in the area longer than you have! That means they are almost guaranteed to not only survive but also thrive from one growing season to another.
3. Look Forward to Improved Biodiversity
Gardens and fields need to have as much biodiversity as possible when it comes to plants. Good biodiversity refers to having a wide range of plants that work together to create healthy ecosystems.
This not only cleans the surrounding water, but also purifies the air, and maintains healthy soil. Having healthy soil reduces the need for phosphorous and nitrogen supplements, ensuring safer environments.
4. They Create Shelter and Food for Local Wildlife
In the natural scheme of things, animals need to evolve with their environments to thrive. This is because they support one another in various ways. Providing food and shelter are only two key ways that this happens. By establishing a native plant garden, you will easily see an increase in native birds, bees, small mammals, and beneficial insects.
Adding a water feature will also attract frogs and other native amphibians. This not only creates a healthier environment but will go a long way toward creating that tranquil garden space you may only have been dreaming of.
5. A Large Variety to Choose From
Another aspect that makes native plants quite appealing is the large variety of plants that you can choose from. This means that you will easily be able to find several different varieties that suit your design needs. You’ll also be delighted to learn that not all native varieties are “green and boring”.
Many native varieties have bright flowers that will easily add colour and texture to your garden space. While the specific plants native to your area may differ, the most common native plants in Australia include the following:
- Bottlebrush (red)
- Waratah (bright pink)
- Australian Daisy (white)
- Eucalyptus
- Grevillea (red)
- Native bluebell (purple)
- Correa (pink)
- Acacia wattle (yellow)
In addition to ornamental plants, you can also create a native herb garden alongside your favourites. A few of the best local herbs to add to your garden include:
- Native thyme
- Lemon myrtle
- Native mint
- Bush tomato
- Native basil
- Native oregano
- Sea parsley
Final Thoughts
Speak to your landscaper about adding native plants to your garden. There’s no need to remove the plants you already have but consider adding a few native species to any open spaces and in pots around the garden. Once you see how well they’re growing and how little they expect from you, you’ll soon be adding other varieties!