Celebrating Australian Flora
There’s something special about gardens that celebrate Australian plants. Native gardens connect us with the unique beauty of our continent while supporting the wildlife that depends on these plants for food and shelter.
Native garden design has come a long way from the ‘bush garden’ stereotypes of the past. Today’s native gardens can be contemporary, formal, or naturalistic – whatever style suits your home and preferences.
Why Choose Native Plants?
Adapted to Melbourne
Native plants have evolved to thrive in Melbourne’s climate. They cope with our dry summers, tolerate our clay soils, and shrug off conditions that stress exotic plants.
Lower Maintenance
Once established, native gardens typically require less water, less fertiliser, and less intervention than traditional gardens. Many native plants actually prefer poor soils and minimal fussing.
Wildlife Support
Native plants provide food and habitat for local wildlife:
- Nectar for honeyeaters and butterflies
- Seeds for finches and parrots
- Shelter for small birds
- Food plants for caterpillars
Year-Round Interest
Contrary to popular belief, native gardens offer fantastic year-round interest:
- Spring wildflowers and wattles
- Summer Grevilleas and eucalyptus flowers
- Autumn grass flowers and seed heads
- Winter Banksias and structure
Our Native Design Approach
Understanding Local Ecology
We begin by understanding what would have naturally grown on your site. This informs plant selection and helps create a garden that ‘fits’ with the local landscape.
Combining Plant Communities
Native plants that grow together naturally tend to look good together in gardens. We select compatible species that form attractive, coherent combinations.
Balancing Native and Designed
Native gardens can still have structure and formality. We balance naturalistic planting with paths, focal points, and hardscape to create gardens that feel intentional.
Bushfire Considerations
Many Melbourne properties have bushfire considerations. We understand how to create native gardens that meet BAL requirements while remaining beautiful.
Native Garden Styles
Bush Garden
Informal, naturalistic gardens that evoke the Australian bush, with indigenous groundcovers, native grasses, and local shrubs and trees.
Contemporary Native
Modern garden design using native plants – clean lines, massed plantings, and architectural specimens in a designed framework.
Native Cottage
A softer style combining natives with cottage garden principles – informal planting, mixed beds, and seasonal colour.
Ready to create a beautiful native garden? Contact us to discuss how Australian plants can transform your outdoor space.
