Choosing the right plants for your property is about much more than picking whatever’s in flower at the nursery. A thoughtful planting plan ensures your landscape looks great year-round, thrives in local conditions, and supports the local ecosystem.
Here are just some of the factors I consider when selecting plants for your gardens:
- Biodiversity value for native birds, skinks, and insects
- Colour and texture combinations (leaves, flowers, twigs, and seeds)
- Mature size — big enough to suppress weeds, but not too large for the space
- Climate suitability for low-maintenance success
- Screening for privacy, shade, and shelter
- Toxicity risks for pets, livestock, or children
- Practical concerns like aggressive root systems near pipes
- Native plants plus some exotics where native species cannot fulfil the role.
A well-designed planting plan adds life, beauty, and ecological value to your landscape — and makes your garden easier to care for over time.