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Gardening 101: What is a Native Garden?

Using natural elements in your residential landscape will not only contribute beauty and vibrance to your home, but it also promotes balance while nurturing a healthy and thriving ecosystem.

A native garden is made up entirely of homegrown or local plants and other wildflowers that can easily adapt in all kinds of seasons. It creates a balance between wildlife and nature. A natural landscape fuses everything in nature from trees, shrubs, wildflowers to native grasses. It nurtures a native habitat which improves biodiversity and promotes ecosystem services.

A native garden is commonly mistaken as expensive, difficult to create and maintain. Contrary to what others might have believed, once a native garden thrives, it can take care of itself. 

What are the benefits of native gardens? 

A natural garden consists of various benefits to human health, wildlife and the ecosystem. 

  • A natural garden can provide a habitat for local wildlife. The native plants provide a biodiverse habitat beneficial for insects and enhance local ecosystem services. 
  • It generates fresh air, stability and sustainable health properties to its surrounding.
  • A native garden can produce its own shade and mulch, prolonging its moisture retention in the soil. 
  • A native garden is also beneficial to human’s well-being. Aside from its therapeutic landscape, some native plants have been used to treat diseases and other illnesses.
  • A sustainably designed natural garden benefits from drip irrigation which creates an inexpensive, efficient and better watering method.

How to start your own native garden?

In creating your very own native garden, start in a small area and gradually increase its size as time and resources become available. In planning for your natural garden, always consider the existing habitat and other elements for a successful native garden project.

Consider the climate

The plan is to establish a thriving habitat dependent on its own survival. First, consider which part of your property generates moisture and much cooler area. Which part is hotter and more exposed to the heat of the sun. 

Check your soil

The quality of your soil is the foundation of a healthy garden. There are three types of soil, from sandy, clay and loam. Among the three, the most common soil type for a thriving native garden is clay. Clay can retain plenty of moisture and rich in nutrients.

Draw a layout

It is always easier to work with the environmental features and elements of your garden rather than going against its nature. In making your plan, always consider things such as the weather, the area where water runoff flows, soil type, existing trees and plants.

It doesn’t take a special skill or talent to design a native garden. Creating your own natural garden is easy as long as it is carefully planned.

Watering 

Although native plants do not require fertiliser as they can thrive mostly in poor soil. Keep in mind, you’re still on the critical period of planting and your plants are still on the verge to fend for itself. Water your plants early in the morning and at well-spaced intervals. This is to train them to thrive and establish on its own and be dependent on its natural habitat for survival. 

How to cultivate my native garden?

Long before we arrived and share their living spaces, native plants have already lived and adapted. Natural plants have taught us about sustainability and healthy living. Growing native plants promote a harmonious cohabitation, creates a balanced and healthy ecosystem.

All types of landscapes need several years to establish. You need the patience to propagate your native garden and reap the rewards of your effort. In order to further enhance and develop the success of your native gardening project, check out our affordable residential services.

Trees Down Under aim to boost your success towards creating and cultivating your own natural flora sanctuary in your home. Call us today at 0475 463 597. Discuss with us your native gardening plans and we will provide a free quote of residential garden services suitable to your resources.

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