EXPERT ADVICE(^) // OUTDOOR SPACES
FOR STRUCTURED/
ORGANISED VIBES
SCALE AND SCREENING
The Bottlebrush is one of Australia’s most
loved and recognised native plant species,
and there are plenty of good reasons why.
They are brilliantly adaptable garden
plants, with long lifespans and minimal
maintenance requirements. They work
well as both a hedge or feature tree, and
fl ourish primarily in the east and south-east
of Australia. Aesthetically, they produce
spectacular fl ower spikes in a broad range of
colours — from mauve, pink and orange to
cream and green. Their fl owers act as a great
attraction for native birds and bees.
Tristaniopsis laurina, or Water Gum, grows
mostly along the east coast, often on creek
banks and in rainforest openings. It is a great
street tree and larger garden tree, producing
a dense foliage canopy of green leaves and
off ering lots of shade. It also produces bright
yellow fl owers in spring and summer, which
help to bring colour to outdoor spaces.
Best known by most Aussies as Lilly Pillies,
Acmena smithii, is a native species that makes
for a great feature tree, screen or hedge in
outdoor landscapes. It’s a particularly hardy
plant when growing and can adapt to plenty
of diff erent climates, whether it’s tropical
or temperate. It’s also great for creating a
musical garden, with fruits attracting a
variety of local birds and wildlife.
SHAPING AND FILLING
Correa alba, or White Correa, makes for a
fantastic hedge if clipped properly. It is one of
Australia’s hardiest native plants, with high
resistance to salt spray and adaptability to both
sunny and semi-shaded environments. These
shrubs are also beautiful to look at, producing
subtle bell-shaped white and light pink fl owers
in the mid-autumn and early winter months. It
also has really interesting tan tones to its stem
and a beautiful grey-green leaf.
We all know Doryanthes excels, or Gymea
Lilies, for their spectacular red fl ower stems
and striking foliage, providing great structure
in the garden. Native to south Sydney, they are
a staple of the Australian bush and a valuable
addition to local landscapes. They not only
look great, but are also durable and adaptable
to a variety of harsh conditions so are well
worth the investment.
GROUND COVERS
If you’re looking for a dense-growing ground
cover that looks great and has high durability,
it’s diffi cult to go past Ajuga australis. An
Aussie native found in most Australian states,
it’s a herbaceous fl owering plant, growing with
a loose rosette of leaves and producing deep
blue or purple fl owers in spring and summer.
Rhagodia spinescens is a hardy native shrub
found across all Australian states, suitable
for both coastal and inland environments
and perfect for ground cover, hedging and
bordering. It suits most soil types and can be
positioned in full sun or light shade. It boasts
a lovely grey to blue foliage that is understated
and elegant.
Founder of the award-winning North Shore-
based Landart Landscapes, Matt Leacy has
20 years’ experience in design, construction
and maintenance services across landscaping
and pool installation for both residential and
commercial properties. landart.com.au