The climate is changing – no longer can we predict what the weather will be – how much rain or will it be a long dry summer? So for 2023 and beyond  the focus at the Lane is now on planting new and maintaining existing native plants. Think Grevillia, Coreas, hakeas, orchids – all mixed into the existing garden beds.

By joining the Australian Native Plant Group it is possible to get valuable advice – and everyone is keen to pass on their experience. There is already a garden area past the edibles and through the gate that is the current “Native Patch” – wattle to the right and then Correa and native plants mixed in with some Sedum “Summer Joy” and Viburnum snowball trees. It has been a while in the making – firstly we cleared the scrubby trees and weeds, put down some soil and compost then mulched and just let everything settle for a year or so. There were rocks and established trees – but very shady and for ages we would stand and look at this and wonder what to do.

The soil was terrible when we came – Paper Bark Trees had made planting difficult and the only plants that survived were natives. So we decided to plant anything that we just liked – providing is was shade loving, tough and if possible a native. This included a box hedge (normally you see these with Iceberg Roses) which we didn’t trim but are using now for a bit of “cloud pruning”
Also a Bird House and a large “formal” urn, some Westringa “balls”, Bottle Brush, Mint Bushes, Wattles and a Ginko! I know it sounds a bit hotch potch – but we figured when you don’t know what to plant – then go for things you like!
We put a gate at the top of the “The Bank” which leads to a path that gives you a view of the whole back garden – and best thing is you are totally hidden.

You just walk past the white seat and follow the stairs. Then you are at the viewing seat to look at the chooks!. A perfect sitting spot for taking everything in and being only in the company of the chooks – and [a cubby house] with a sandpit!.
There were other native areas like the Welcome Beds and in the Woodland but it is here that the natives really shine because they keep on going despite poor soil, little water and shady light!