Nurturing natives

04 Mar 2017

Australia’s glorious flora is sure to be a welcome addition to any garden.

The smell of eucalyptus in the air, or the welcoming sight of a golden wattle with its sunny disposition, will make any garden feel like home. So why not try your hand at growing some of our native treasures in your backyard?

When to plant?

The best time to plant is during the cooler months of the year, during autumn, winter or early spring. There’s also a higher chance of rainfall at this time, which will reduce the need for regular watering.

Prepare the soil by loosening it to twice the length of your spade and twice as wide – this allows the root system to grow without too much trouble. Then all you need to do is fill in hole and pack the soil down around the plant.

Remember, native plants have evolved in local soils for years, so there’s really no need for soil improvement. Be sure to water the new plant well, keeping your eye on the forecast for periods of low rainfall or high heat when you might need to top them up during the day. Once they’re all settled in, your natives should be able to cope with just the local rainfall.

The pruning process

Regular pruning will help the majority of Australian natives, especially tip-pruning where you pinch off the tips. This promotes new growth and flowers, while also keeping any pests and diseases at bay. While the best time to prune depends on the plant, a good rule of thumb is to tip-prune plants that provide nectar, seeds or fruit once their growing period ends.

Mulching miracles

Mulching can do wonders for your native garden beds. It helps to conserve water by reducing evaporation, protects the soil from erosion and limits weed growth. It also helps to keep the soil cool during the warmer months. Some top tips to make the most of your mulch include:

• Use a chipped pruning mulch from street trees.

• Apply the mulch around 7.5 to 10cm deep in garden beds, but be sure to keep it away from the stems or trunks as this can cause rot.

• Mulching need only be used as a temporary measure, after a few years your plants will begin to build up their own litter to protect the soil.

• Finally, avoid using sprays and chemicals, as they often solve one problem but end up creating another. Our beautiful natives tend to have their own means of managing and overcoming pests and diseases in their own time.