Discover the beauty and resilience of Australia’s native Coleus and Plectranthus species. From the fragrant Plectranthus graveolens to the charming Cockatoo Bush, these tactile, aromatic plants bring depth, texture, and scent to any garden. Perfect for shaded, waterwise, and subtropical Australian landscapes.

Conifers are everyone’s first choice when it comes Christmas trees but if you want a different type of Christmas tree here’s a few hints.

Amid discussions about exotic species becoming problematic in Australia, it’s crucial to re-examine native plants' role in our gardens. While I cherish native plants, I also appreciate many exotic species and believe they can coexist harmoniously.

Recognise that native plants can become weeds, like the Cootamundra Wattle (Acacia baileyana), which can invade higher rainfall areas. Native gardens require effort, including soil cultivation, fertilising, and regular maintenance.

Genetic modification to meet consumer demands for constant flowering plants risks diluting native species' genetic integrity, weakening resilience and harming ecosystems.

By prioritising robust genetic traits and educating consumers, we can create sustainable gardens that celebrate both native and exotic species.

Want a beautiful cottage garden using only Australian native plants? This list should help you on your way with both natives for dry sandy soils and natives that can handle humidity, dry, frosts, clay soils

Kangaroo paws belong to the genus Anigozanthos, which are native to south western Western Australia. This area of Australia is dryer, slightly warmer and the soil is sandy...very sandy. A little different to Ipswich's climate and soil.

What’s not to love about a beautiful native tree that work wonderfully as a feature tree or slow growing hedge that also produces edible fruit?

Diospyros australis, commonly known as Black Plum or Native Persimmon, is a small native rainforest tree found from south-east NSW up to tropical Queensland.

Diploglottis australis, this beautiful native plant is commonly called Native Large Leaf Tamarind.

Phyllanthus cuscutiflorus is a glorious native with the softest most delicate foliage and dainty flowers.

Brachyscome multifida is endemic to Australia and a brilliant free flowering hardy ground cover daisy. This cute little daisy has fine feathery foliage and can grow to about 50cm diameter and about 40cm high.

Coleus graveolens is commonly called Bush Basil or the Five Spice Herb! This plant is native from Cape York all way down to NSW.

Scaevolas are a hardy, low growing plant with lush green foliage all year long. They have striking fan-shaped flowers that cover the bush for most of the year. You can get them in a range of colours - blue, pink, white and yellow.

Luscious® is a cultivar or Tristaniopsis laurina. It is one of my favourite Australian native shade trees. Luscious® can grow in a small garden, provide some shade and allow your children to still play around it.

Elaeocarpus are one of my all time favourite native tree speices. Two of my favourite cultivars for home gardens are Elaeocarpus reticulatus Prima Donna and Elaeocarpus eumundi.

Easy to grow, exceptionally hardy Australian native is happy in full sun to light shade. It can handle most soils and once established will handle a little dry and a light frost. Plus flowers are brilliant wildlife attractors

The Aussie Blossom Range is a beautiful range of Leptospermums that have masses of stunning flowers in a range of pink shades that cover the bush for about 8-10 weeks in winter and early spring.

Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) is an absolute delight for any garden. It is a small growing tree (around 3-5m) with leaves that release a strong lemon scent when crushed or after rain. I love breaking off a few and throwing them on the lawn before I mow. It makes mowing so much more enjoyable!

Macadamia tetraphylla is native to southern Queensland and northern New South Wales and is now classed as a vulnerable in the wild. Macadamia tetraphylla has a higher sugar content than Macadamia integrifolia. Having a higher sugar content makes it really yummy when eaten raw but can lead to burning when used in baking.

Finger Limes - Little balls of goodness on your tongue and a sweet Lime explosion happens in your mouth, giving a unique flavour sensation.

Summer Red Eucalyptus would have to be the best flowering Australian Native gum tree for suburbia.

The Alloxylon flammeum, Queensland tree waratah, would have to be one of our favourite Australian native plants.