Australian Native Gardens

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Correa Reflexa Clearview Giant, Reflexa Portland peach, Reflexa Gormandale Form

Most people these days are growing Australian Native Plants because of the varity in form, foliage and also colour, and because of their water saving potential. Creating a garden with Australian Natives can be a lot of fun and also very rewarding too. Growing and maintaining natives is essentially very simple, but plant and forget is a horticultural myth. Pruning is the most important maintenance activity, without regular pruning, plants tend to become lanky and often go woody. Another important maintenance activity is mulching. Why do we mulch native plants? To try to simulate the growing conditions in the bush, as leaf litter forms a natural and effective layer over the soil. Up to 73% of water can evaporate from the soil on a hot day if you do not have a protective layer of mulch. Mulch as well has many beneficial effects, not only does it help prevent water loss but but many mulches add nutrients to the soil as they break down and can also suppress weed growth.