Native plants that you can grow in your garden to promote wildlife activity.

Gardening is truly one of my most cherished hobbies, alongside so many other delightful pursuits. Each of us naturally desires our gardens to look vibrant and thriving, so we take the time to carefully source a diverse variety of plants to nurture and showcase. A well-maintained garden not only provides beauty but also invites an enchanting array of birds, busy bees, and delicate butterflies into our spaces. Additionally, we must remember the numbers of stunning mammals, native insects, and unique birds that rely exclusively on our native flora for their sustenance and habitats. As we occupy their natural environments to create the homes we call our own, we can make a conscious effort to give back to these creatures by incorporating native plants into our gardens. By especially choosing indigenous plants, we can provide vital food sources and even create cozy homes for them, allowing us to coexist in a beautiful and harmonious manner with nature.

We understand that sometimes there is a desire for our gardens to reflect our personal tastes and backgrounds, filled with distinctive and vibrant foreign flowers that remind us of home or perhaps to create low-maintenance landscapes featuring hardy plants. There are various reasons that lead us to introduce plants from different continents into our beloved garden spaces. In the past, we may have perceived native Australian plants as dull and lifeless, which contributed to their lesser popularity in comparison to other species. However, these days we have discovered a plethora of stunning Australian native species that can bring a burst of colour and a unique charm to your garden. These resilient plants are not only striking but also incredibly hardy; once they are well-established, they require minimal care while inviting diverse wildlife to visit and thrive in your outdoor sanctuary.

Here are some of them that we pick for you this week

Grevillea

Many gardens beautifully adorn themselves with grevillea due to their truly impactful and stunningly vibrant flowers. Grevillea, belonging to the Protea family, features numerous species that are predominantly endemic to Australia, while a few can also be found in Papua New Guinea. These remarkable plants are exceptionally hardy, capable of withstanding the challenges of drought, frost, and cold climates. Not only do they elevate the aesthetic appeal of your garden during the winter and spring months with their unusual shapes and bright, colorful blossoms, but they also provide an enchanting backdrop with their feather-like leaves when not in bloom during the summer and autumn seasons. Additionally, grevilleas produce a substantial amount of nectar, serving as a vital food source for many birds and insects, thus transforming your garden into a lively sanctuary. If you cultivate some of these magnificent plants in your garden, you will awaken each morning to the delightful sight and sound of native birds flocking to the blooming grevillea flowers. Interestingly, the nectar of these plants isn't just for wildlife; it can also be enjoyed by humans. By simply steeping the flowers in a cup of hot water, you can create a wonderful syrup that adds a unique flavor to your beverages. If your affection for grevillea blossoms and foliage grows, consider making cuttings or collecting seeds to propagate and expand their presence even further in your garden.

Banksia

Have you ever noticed the stunning beauty of plants that produce spike-like flowers, while an array of curious birds flock to these unique blooms, seemingly going wild over them? Yes, that enchanting plant is known as banksia. Banksia is another member of the Proteaceae family, much like the grevillea we mentioned earlier. These remarkable plants produce an array of colourful flowers devoid of any conventional petals, yet their blossoms are laden with rich nectar, serving as a vital food source for many species of Australian wildlife. Over the years, banksia has gained tremendous popularity in urban gardens, celebrated for its breathtaking blooms and the ease of care it demands. With their abundant nectar, the banksia flowers can even be used to craft a delightful syrup water, much like the one made from grevillea. If you’re smitten by banksia, consider visiting your nearby garden centre to purchase one, or perhaps you could obtain a cutting from a friend. However, be mindful that banksia has a notably low striking rate with cuttings, so it might be wise to collect some materials just in case. Alternatively, if you wish to grow them from seed, you will first need to locate their seed pods. Once you've found them, you can put the seed pods into an oven or microwave, applying gentle heat of approximately 100-150 degrees Celsius to encourage the pods to open. At last, you’ll be rewarded with banksia seeds—yayyy!

Native raspberries

Do you know that in beautiful Australia, we actually have our very own unique species of raspberries? Haha! It's quite fascinating! We have around eight diverse species of raspberry spread across this vast continent, with the majority of them being endemic to the lush regions of Queensland and Northern New South Wales, while one special species is endemic to the vibrant lands of Victoria. If you are considering the idea of growing one of these extraordinary plants, just be mindful of how they thrive; they grow in a manner quite similar to the familiar raspberries, and their roots can send up new plants, which can often be invasive in areas where they are not naturally found. These plants are truly hardy and adorned with spiky thorns. Interestingly, their spikes can serve as vital shelters for many small insects and tiny birds seeking protection in nature. Moreover, the red berries are not only delicious but also a delightful treat for various wildlife. If you reside in the regions of Victoria, New South Wales, or Queensland, you can introduce these native raspberries into your garden, but please ensure that you control their growth and prevent them from spreading into woodlands. Unfortunately, if you happen to be in South Australia, Western Australia, or Tasmania, there are biosecurity measures in place that will prevent these lovely plants from being brought into your area.

Goodenia

Not many people would know about this lovely and charming plant because it tends to be overlooked and is not widely popular as a traditional garden plant. However, Goodenia has gained a reputation for being incredibly easy to grow and requiring very low maintenance, all while providing so many delightful rewards to enhance your garden's beauty. It features small, delicate flowers that shimmer in a lovely half-yellow hue, attracting a multitude of native insects that contribute to the rich biodiversity of your garden. Goodenia grows quite rapidly, sometimes perhaps a bit too quickly, so if you envision your garden bursting with vibrant green and luscious foliage in a short span of time, this plant is indeed the best selection for you. Should you find their growth a tad overwhelming, you can easily hard prune them to maintain a more manageable size. These days, there are some exciting new cultivars, such as the prostate form and the compact form, which offer even more options for garden enthusiasts. Once you get your hands on the first plant, you will be pleased to learn that you can easily multiply them using the cutting method, as they are remarkably super easy to strike roots.

Bursaria

If you are contemplating the idea of attracting a vibrant array of native wildlife into your garden, we would wholeheartedly recommend that you consider planting some of the resilient Bursaria shrubs in your landscape. These unique, spiky plants are not only hardy but also remarkably well-suited to thrive in diverse conditions. Once they establish themselves in the soil, they have the incredible ability to sustain themselves for extended periods without the need for additional water. Moreover, due to their spiky nature, Bursaria plants provide an exceptional habitat for small birds, creating a welcoming sanctuary for them to thrive. During the warm summer months, Bursaria is adorned with delicate blooms that cover the plant in clusters of tiny white flowers, which emit a delightful honey-like scent. This fragrant display is precisely what makes the plant so attractive to various forms of wildlife. After the flowering period, the seed pods that develop serve as a significant food source for many small birds, further enhancing the biodiversity of your garden. The only notable downside of the Bursaria plant is its impressive height, which can reach between 5 to 6 meters tall; therefore, if you decide to plant Bursaria, it is essential to seek out empty spaces in your garden where they can truly reach for the sky and flourish.

Wattle species

A stunning park filled with golden hues during the enchanting transition of late winter into spring truly makes us feel as though warmer weather is just around the corner, bringing hope and vitality after the often-blessing yet chillier cold season. There are numerous species of wattle that you can delightfully cultivate in your garden, all of which will lovingly support a vibrant array of wildlife activity. Every single wattle in bloom acts as a vital food source for various forms of wildlife, providing sustenance and nourishment. Some diverse species can serve as habitats for our delightful small birds due to their protective spikes, while others are like cozy homes for the tiny caterpillars and butterflies in their early stages. Not only are these beautiful plants wonderful for the animals, but they also contribute significantly to building healthy, rich soil. As members of the legume family, wattle plants harbor certain bacteria in their roots, living harmoniously together in a symbiotic relationship. This special bacterium helps to absorb necessary nutrients from the soil and shares them with the wattle tree while simultaneously releasing nitrogen back into the earth. Therefore, if you choose to grow wattle in your garden, you will be rewarded with an abundant and naturally nourishing supply of nitrogen for your soil. We highly recommend selecting wattle species that are indigenous to your area; be sure to consult with your local native plant nursery for the best options.

In a nutshell, having some plants is still better than having no plants at all, but as human beings, we can certainly strive to do better. Growing native plants in your garden is one meaningful action you can take to encourage native wildlife to thrive while simultaneously evolving into a more responsible and compassionate human being. By nurturing these plants, we create an environment where both we and nature can harmoniously coexist and flourish together in a beautiful balance.

Heaps of Loves,

Bella