Take advantage of natives to create a relaxed natural environment

Like all landscape designers, I am passionate about gardens. Trees, plants, and the wildlife they bring all give me great joy as well as a sense of calm and a feeling that all is right in the world.

I get up in the morning and have my tea on the verandah while watching the local bird population fly past greeting each other, often in loud squawks. At night, we have been driven to shut doors and windows in an attempt to hear the TV over the loud croaking of the frogs making use of the water-filled pots left in the garden.

Growing up in rural NSW gave me an appreciation for wide open spaces and a landscape dominated by natives. Eucalypts, Iron Barks, Flame Trees, Silky Oaks, Grevilleas, and other natives provided protection from the heat and dust storms and screening around the house, as well as a food source and shelter for the local birds and fauna.

More than that, they created the structure and shape for my family’s garden. They are the bones of the space and the rest of the garden fills in with the colour and life of shrubs and ground covers that attract bees, birds, and other pollinators.

Queensland natives add a different element

The rainforest species of the tropics and subtropics provide lush foliage, and the different shades of green combine to form a verdant paradise in our backyards. They also provide much-needed shade during our hot summers.

Natives help connect us back to the outdoors and give us a sense of place. Planting a species that is native to your area helps ensure it is suited to local conditions and therefore more likely to survive. It also supports native birds and other wildlife that live in your region.

Inspired by nature

I am inspired by nature. Everywhere I go, I look around to see what is growing, whether purposely planted or sprung up from seed. I try to include natives wherever possible and keep our wildlife friends in mind when planning a garden.