Building a native garden is a rewarding way to enhance biodiversity, invite local wildlife, and create a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape. Here’s a guide to get you started.
1. Choose Native Plants
Selecting plants native to your area is key. Native plants thrive with local soil, climate, and wildlife, making them resilient and water-efficient. Australian natives offer a variety of options:
Trees like Eucalyptus, Bottlebrush (Callistemon), and Banksia
Shrubs such as Grevillea, Hakea, and Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos)
Ground Covers like Native violets, Pigface (Carpobrotus), and Creeping Boobialla (Myoporum parvifolium)
Grasses such as Lomandra, Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra), and Wallaby Grass.
2. Prepare Your Soil
Most native plants prefer well-draining, nutrient-light soils. Avoid heavy compost or fertilizer; a slight pH adjustment may be all that’s needed. For best results, use a native-friendly mix, such as Rocky Point Native Mix, which is ideal for planting directly in the ground.
3. Plan Your Layout
Design your garden with plant height, sunlight, and water needs in mind. Taller trees and shrubs work well at the back of beds, with ground covers and grasses toward the front. Grouping plants with similar water needs—known as “hydrozoning”—can help reduce water use.
Mulching reduces water loss, keeps weeds at bay, and insulates plant roots. A coarse, organic mulch, like Rocky Point Cypress, Tea Tree, or Pine Bark, mimics natural forest litter. Apply a 5–7 cm layer around plants, but keep it clear of the plant base.
5. Install Optional Drip Irrigation
Although native plants require little water once established, drip irrigation during the initial months can support root development. A slow-drip system allows water to reach roots without promoting rot.
6. Include Habitat Features
Enhance your garden’s ecosystem with natural elements like rocks and logs, which provide shelter for wildlife. Additionally, water features such as ponds or water pots can attract birds, frogs, and insects, adding vitality to your space.
7. Sustainable Maintenance
Native gardens are low-maintenance, but some tasks help them thrive:
Watering: Provide light watering for the first six months, reducing over time.
Pruning: Light trimming encourages dense growth.
Weeding: Remove invasive species that may compete with natives.
8. Create a Wildlife Habitat
A well-designed native garden can attract birds, bees, butterflies, and other beneficial wildlife. Install items like bird baths, insect hotels, or native bee hives to support local biodiversity. Plant a mix of flowering and sheltering plants for food sources and cover.
9. Long-Term Care
Once established, your garden will need minimal fertilizing and watering. Use native-specific fertilizers like Rocky Point ActivGrow Fertiliser Pellets, avoiding phosphorus-heavy products on phosphorus-sensitive plants like Grevilleas and Banksias.
By fostering native plant ecosystems, you’re supporting local biodiversity and creating a space that requires less water, fewer chemicals, and minimal maintenance—ideal for a sustainable lifestyle.
For expert advice and support on native garden products or to learn more about creating a sustainable landscape, feel free to reach out to us. Our knowledgeable team can help you select the right plants, soil mixes, and fertilizers to suit your native garden.
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