Gardening with Natives - Some Basic Tips
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Do your research, and buy plants that are appropriate for your location. Plants that thrive in Glenbrook won’t necessarily be appropriate for Mount Victoria, and vice-versa. If you live on a heath, rainforest plants are unlikely to do well. Ask advice from sales staff at the nursery or wherever you are buying your plants.
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Tubes and pots should be planted straight out into the garden as soon as possible. Do not leave them for months - particularly tube stock. A hot windy day is enough to dry tubes out; at the nursery we water them two or three times a day on those days.
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Most native plants do not like root disturbance, so it’s generally best not to tease out the roots when planting. Some plants are more sensitive to this than others.
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Water in plants very well. A little SeaSol - well diluted so it looks like very weak tea- can help them get established.
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It takes time and experimentation to find the right niche in the garden. If a plant fails to thrive in one part of the garden, it might work well in another area.
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Drainage is the most important factor as most plants need free flowing drainage. Some prefer dry conditions. Not many plants like to sit with wet feet - even swamp or moisture-loving plants need water flowing past but not sitting.
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Light is an important consideration. Many of the understorey plants need dappled light. Some plants like cool feet but enjoy sun, and some plants can take full sun and others must have full shade.
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Be particularly aware of exposure to the harsh western sun
Compiled by our volunteers from their own experiences. Reproduced from our Newsletter