Fertiliser usually necessary when growing indigenous plants and may Fertilisers aren’t encourage weed growth. Too much fertiliser can also cause fast, soft plant growth, leaving plants more vulnerable to insect attack or harsh climatic conditions. Too much phosphorous in particular, can kill many indigenous plants. The addition of compost or other organic matter is a much better option for promoting healthy growth. If you do choose to fertilise, mix a small amount of slow-release, low phosphate fertiliser with the soil and backfill into the hole. Further fertilising is not usually necessary. Mulching tips: Avoid hot, steaming mulch, as this indicates that it is still composting. Check for and remove mulch-borne seedlings to prevent weed invasion. Mulch to about 5-10cm to allow rain penetration, suppress weeds and reduce soil moisture loss. Tips for planning and designing your garden Indigenous plants can be used to create a natural garden, can be grown in pots, arranged formally to enhance a traditional garden, or be used as cut flowers. In fact, there is probably an indigenous plant for every use in your garden. The following list provides examples of how some indigenous plants can be used to landscape your yard. Hedges and Borders Many indigenous plants are responsive to pruning and can therefore be grown to form a hedge: Botancial name Common name Acacia acinacea Gold Dust Wattle Bursaria spinosa Sweet Bursaria Melaleuca ericifolia Swamp Paperbark
Fertiliser Fertilisers aren’t usually necessary when growing indigenous plants and may encourage weed growth. Too much fertiliser can also cause fast, soft plant growth, leaving plants more vulnerable to insect attack or harsh climatic conditions. Too much phosphorous in particular, can kill many indigenous plants. The addition of compost or other organic matter is a much better option for promoting healthy growth. If you do choose to fertilise, mix a small amount of slow-release, low phosphate fertiliser with the soil and backfill into the hole. Further fertilising is not usually necessary. Mulching tips: Avoid hot, steaming mulch, as this indicates that it is still composting. Check for and remove mulch-borne seedlings to prevent weed invasion. Mulch to about 5-10cm to allow rain penetration, suppress weeds and reduce soil moisture loss. Tips for planning and designing your garden Indigenous plants can be used to create a natural garden, can be grown in pots, arranged formally to enhance a traditional garden, or be used as cut flowers. In fact, there is probably an indigenous plant for every use in your garden. The following list provides examples of how some indigenous plants can be used to landscape your yard. Hedges and Borders Many indigenous plants are responsive to pruning and can therefore be grown to form a hedge: Botancial name Common name Acacia acinacea Gold Dust Wattle Bursaria spinosa Sweet Bursaria Melaleuca ericifolia Swamp Paperbark