Oh My Garden! Plant Inspiration

Natives are a no-brainer for planting in any Aussie garden, and now is a great time to get them into the ground. These climate-change combatants are easy to care for, create habitats for birds and insects and save you water, time and money.

Did you know some grevilleas are fragrant? This species has vanilla-scented flowers. Grevilleas thrive all over Australia. They range from groundcovers to large trees, and flower at different times – but mostly in winter and spring. Drought and frost resistant, these hardy plants make a great hedge or barrier. Grevilleas need good drainage, so if your garden is on clay soil, plant them in mounds or raised beds. Wherever you put them, make it full sun.

Grevillea biternata gets its name from:

• ‘Grevillea’ – Charles Francis Greville (1749–1809), co-founder of the Horticultural Society, London (later the Royal Horticultural Society).

• ‘Biternata’ – from Latin: bi, twice; and ternatus, in threes. In reference to the foliage of the type specimen which is ‘twice three-forked’.

Dwarf species like Crimson Blush, Bower Beauty and Limelight are easy to look after and pop bright yellow in winter. These are low-spreading shrubs needing well-drained soil in full or part sun. Got clay soil? Plant dwarf wattle in a raised bed or mound to help with drainage.

• There are close to 1,000 wattle species in Australia.

• Aboriginal peoples have used over 100 wattle species for food, medicine, tools and weapons.

• August to September is peak flowering time but some wattle species flower throughout the year.

Purple Myrtle has cute purple-pink flowers from autumn to spring. This small spreading shrub is frost hardy and drought tolerant once established. Purple Myrtle needs well-drained soil in part or full sun. If you have a rockery or live near the coast, the Purple Myrtle will love your sandy soil.

TOP TIP: Keep a compact shape by pruning it when it finishes flowering.

Ornamental plants (or ‘exotic’ plants) add colour and scent to your home garden while giving native wildlife a diverse cuisine.

Cascades of sweet smelling flowers will bring bees and butterflies to your desirable garden. Plant Wisteria Lane any time in full sun. They will stay under 1.5 m tall but you can prune to 30 cm in spring to be full and compact.

Snow isn’t just for winter in the mountains. This divine-smelling groundcover has been in full bloom for almost 3 years in our trial garden. Snow Princess grows easily, just water when needed. Full sun is its preference, but a bit of late afternoon shade is OK.

Plant Snow Princess under roses or other shrubs with bare stems at 45 cm apart and the gaps will fill up quickly.

Blue is always in fashion, and this year-round bloom will blow you away. Plant now to look forward to incredible 30 cm high spikes of blue flowers that will bring the bees and butterflies flocking. Mystic Spires Blue needs a well-drained position in full sun to part shade. These stunning plants will reach up to 70 cm high and 60 cm wide when fully grown.

Originating in Brazil, Monkey Plant makes a colourful border for a semi-shaded path. Its leaves are lime green through most of the year but in autumn, you get to see its cheeky surprise of intense pink blooms.

Whether you have a tiny patio or a huge yard, there are edible plants for your patch.

Radishes and turnips are a good choice for an impatient gardener – nothing grows faster. Plant them in full sun, any time of the year, then pick and eat the radishes around 1 month after planting, and turnips 2 months after. Keep the area around them open – they like their space.

TOP TIP: Don’t throw those tops away! You can eat them too. They make a great pesto or cooked greens.

Peas grow any time except in the heat of summer. Kids and beginner gardeners love them, and they take up minimal space in your garden. The 2 types of peas to grow and eat are snow peas and sugar snap peas. Plant them in full sun and you’ll have fresh peas in 65 to 80 days. Keep plants moist and don’t let them wilt or you might have to deal with mildew.

Is there anything yummier than a strawberry straight from your own garden? Strawberries grow everywhere, anytime in sun or partial shade. They’re pretty in hanging baskets or potted on balconies. You can plant them in pots with flowers too. Most fruit is ready in early spring and early autumn – but you might have to beat the possums, birds and your neighbours to them. If you live in a densely populated area, it’s best to replace plants every 2 years as introduced viruses may start to affect production.

Find more inspiration for your garden or balcony in the complete issue of Oh My Garden!