There is a huge range of low water use plants for all types of gardens – from local indigenous plants, to Australian natives as well as plants from other parts of the world. As long as they are not environmental weeds, and have similar water and soil requirements, you can mix and match a large variety of plants to create a diverse and interesting garden.
Indigenous Plants: are local plants suited to the local soil and climate. They do not require large amounts of nutrients and once established, little water. There are many beautiful plants local to Melbourne’s inner and western suburbs. Many of these plants offer shelter and are important food sources for local birds, insects, reptiles and animals. Examples include: Purple coral pea (Hardenbergia violacea), Creeping bossiaea (Bossiaea prostrata), Cut-leaf daisy (Brachyscome multifida) and Tufted bluebells (Wahlenbergia communis).
Native Plants: A wide range of Australian native plants are suited to dry conditions and a reasonable range of soil types. These include Eucalypts, Wattles, Banksias, Bottlebrushes (Callistemon spp), Grevilleas, Native fushias (Correa spp), and Kangaroo paws (Anigozanthus spp). These plants work well in any garden and are great
for attracting birds and butterflies.
Succulent and foliage pants: These plants have become extremely popular during the last few years as we all try to conserve water. They do well in containers and in contemporary style gardens. Some great examples include Yuccas, Cycads, Agaves, Escheverias, and various Flax.
Grey leaf plants: Plants with grey or silvery leaves cope well with heat and drought as well as adding foliage and texture variation in a garden. Examples include Lavenders (but not Italian lavender as it is an environmental weed), Westringia, Lambs ears (Stachys byzantina) and Bearded iris.
Planting Tips
1. Autumn is the ideal time to plant. Never plant in summer.
2. There is a tree to fit every size garden. Trees provide shade, leaves for mulch, habitat for wildlife, produce oxygen and use up carbon dioxide, and can provide fruit. If possible plant a native or indigenous tree.
3. Native, indigenous and exotics can be used together to create successful gardens, but care is needed at the planning stage.