Creating a native garden design is not only about embracing the beauty of Australia’s natural flora, it’s also a smart way to ensure your garden thrives in Sydney’s unique climate. Native plants put your garden in harmony with nature meaning a lot less maintenance, less need for water, and in turn become more friendly to the environment. But there’s more to native garden design than planting a few shrubs – it’s about designing a space that brings out the best of both nature and your lifestyle.
Why Choose Native Garden Design for Sydney?
For the climate, Sydney is hot and dry in summer, mild in winter, which is also favourable for the plants of the region. The term “native garden” refers to a design practise where plants have been selected based on their natural adaptability to the local environment. By extension, they are adapted to dry conditions and sea near conditions that often make it challenging for most foreign species. Not only that, using native garden plants saves water, and will attract birds, bees and butterflies, making them even plus.
If you want to create a garden that doesn’t require constant attention or gallons of water, native garden design is your best friend. Most native plants are drought adapted and are comfortable with natural rainfall, meaning you will not need to spend a lot of money on irrigation. Well, if there has been any one time you have dreamt of a garden where little effort is required in maintaining it, then this is your answer.
Creating a Natural Flow
The biggest attraction of a native garden is the way it can quickly meld with the surroundings. Consider the bushland areas around Sydney: The thing that makes those places so visually appealing is that they don’t feel designed; they feel organic. So, too, you can have such balance in your garden by placing the native plants in their natural formation in the garden. Don’t make your plants orderly like rows, let them grow organically based on their light water and soil requirement.
The Banksias and Lomandras are coastal native plants suitable for use in areas that are highly exposed to sunlight and the Grevilleas and native grasses are equally well suited to areas of less sunlight exposure. Apart from being so aesthetically appealing, these plants can also be used as wind barriers especially in coastal residence.
Low-Maintenance Native Gardens
A low-maintenance native garden doesn’t equal an ugly garden, although many gardeners who use native plants tend to believe so. In fact, native plants are often less thirsty than exotic species, and they don’t need fertilisers or pesticides because they have adapted to the local pests and conditions. This means less work is expected of you and you can simply lay back and enjoy the beauty of the garden.
One project that we recently undertook in Clontarf on the Northern Beaches was an excellent example of this approach. The client’s requirement was to design a beautiful backyard that required little maintenance throughout the year. We incorporated native plants which blend with modern structures like the prefabricated concrete pool with outer exposed concrete. The Corten steel used on retaining walls combined along with hardwood decking that will weather into a beautiful silvery grey, offered a modern aesthetic that was low maintenance. This garden design has been transformed into a comfortable green area that requires little maintenance to stay looking magnificent at any time of the year.
Attracting Local Wildlife
One of the greatest perks of native garden design is that it invites local wildlife into your backyard. If you have ever wanted to wake up to the squawks of the lorikeets or watching butterflies fly around while taking your cup of morning coffee – this is how it is done. Native plants are the primary source of food and habitat for the Sydney wildlife thus making it possible to have a mini bio diversity outside your doorstep.
Try planting species which are bird friendly such as Callistemons (Bottlebrush) and Waratahs. These plants support native birds with nectar, and provide bursts of colour to the garden at the same time. Do not overlook bees and butterflies either! Kangaroo Paw and native daisies are beneficial plants for pollinators, which will help them grow while adding dynamics to your garden.
Sustainable and Waterwise Garden Design
This is especially important when one is in Sydney where water rationing is common and the use of water in the landscape is most restricted. Native garden design naturally lends itself to sustainability, as Australian plants are adapted to survive on little water. Water wise plants such as Eucalyptus, Westringia, and Tea Trees will help save water, and yet ensure the landscape maintains a green looking appearance.
You can also collect the rainwater into a tank so as not to waste water from the occasional rainfall that Sydney experiences. Collect the water and use it to water your plants during the dry months; this will reduce your water bill, and at the same time, keep the garden green. It is worth going as far as to invest in a greywater system where water used in the home can be recycled for use in the garden if you are very serious about sustainability.
Native Shrubs and Groundcovers
When it comes to adding some depth and a lot of variety to the garden, native shrubs and groundcovers are great to consider. They plug in all the gaps, also assist in preventing soil erosion and this prevent us from having to weed all the time. There are many native shrubs that can be grown in Sydney gardens, including Acacias and Correas, which offer year-round greenery and require little maintenance to fill out your garden.
There are many groundcover plants such as the Dianella and Lomandra that do well in shady or semi shaded positions as they spread quickly to form a dense carpet like spread that needs minimal watering. These plants are particularly ideal for those gardens with slopes to prevent loss of soil due to erosion.
Garden Design with Native Trees
Native trees in garden design is more about deciding what species best fit your area. Local trees like the Eucalyptus or Melaleuca are used in Sydney for shading and the trees also serve as home for wildlife. When deciding what type of trees to plant, think how big they will become in the future—small local species are perfect for city garden or small yard while large trees will suit spacious gardens or backyards.
They can also be used to purify the air around your home because they release oxygen into the environment besides providing shelter from harsh sunlight during summer. In fact, when planted at strategic positions, the trees can act as sun screens and may be effective in cutting down your electricity bills during the hot seasons.
Why Choose Native Garden Design?
Ultimately, native garden design isn’t only about the aesthetics, it’s a commitment to sustainability, to local wildlife, and low maintenance beauty. A garden that features native plants of Sydney does not work against nature, nor has it to, as you have a garden arrangement based on the natural conditions, rather than fighting them. Native plants take your garden to their next level by offering food and shelter for wildlife, using minimal water or keeping your garden green all year round.
Why Space Landscape Designs for Your Native Garden?
With Space Landscape Designs you can be assured that we have years of experience with not only creating beautiful gardens, but also environmentally sustainable and practical gardens as well. We know Sydney’s climate and environment, and we’ll show you how you can do the same. If you’re wanting to attract wildlife, save water, or just sit back to enjoy a low maintenance outdoor space, we will work with you to create the perfect native garden for your home.
