Thanks for your comments. I suspect that individual difference between plant species even in the same genus might be high. Locally the Mountain Coolibah country (Eucalyptus orgadophila) has a reputation for having somewhat higher natural levels of phosphorus, and for being poor soil for grevilleas. To paraphrase the information from a local nurseryman who lives in Mountain coolibah country and takes a strong interest in native plants: Out there they have great trouble keeping Grevilleas alive. The worst performers having been the Robyn Gordon / Ned Kelly type. The best has been the original "Golden Lyre". Unfortunately, he says, there have been another couple of plants since which have come out under the name "Golden Lyre", but they are not the same plant. The original, he says, has blunt-tipped grey foliage which resembles G. olivaceae, and he has one which is about 20 years old (I think). Apparently a new Grevillea called "Apricot Glow", with similar foliage, has come out since then and he speculates that it would also be good on Mountain Coolibah soil. Silky Oaks, Grevillea robusta, and the G.stenomera types with "ferny-type foliage" are also successful in that area. It would be interesting to know what other information members of this forum have derived from their own experience in areas where grevilleas are regarded as difficult to grow. Perhaps we could learn things from them about how to fertilise the plants we have?

As I have tried to make clear previously, I don't dispute that high P levels are relatively more toxic to Proteaceae than to other plant families, but I do believe that many rainforest grevilleas are less susceptible than WA species. Again its a relative thing, and I have certainly found one that isn't. A landscape supplier dumped a truckload of potting mix in my garden, close to some trees but about 6 metres from a G. baileyana. Some months afterwards it died, and on digging up the mix it was full of proteoid roots! Retrospectively, I have realised I have had a much higher proteaceae failure rate since using that mix, so I must find out what's in it. The seller told me it was fine for natives - you'd think that at my age I'd know better than to trust a salesperson, but my problem is I can remember back when most of them were trustworthy. Tony

Hi Cate As you get into natives, you'll notice that there seems to be a plot to restrict people's view of what "natives" are, to the idea that they are nothing but shrubs and trees. Not everyone does it, of course, but it's amazing how often we see a sign saying "natives" in a nursery - and under it are nothing but woody plants. Even advocates of "native cottage gardens" often seem to gravitate towards the woody shrubs. These can be great plants, and often very drought-hardy, but not necessarily to the taste of someone who likes English/French Provincial flowery stuff. (Like you and me) Native daisies, as someone has suggested, are great for cottage-style gardens. Paper daisies are particularly good, and you can have a big show for little cost if you save your own seed. The same goes for Senecios (yellowtop daisies). Other good ones are Plectanthrus (lavender cockspurs), Scaevolas (fan-flowers) Crotalarias (rattlepods), native irises, native poppies, billy buttons, Ajuga (bugle), native violets (not especially drought hardy, though), Dampieras,& Goodenias - and even some native pelargoniums. Then there are the lily and iris-type plants. Try Orthrosanthrus (morning iris), Bulbine lilies, native iris, native daffodils (Calostemma species) and kangaroo paws Some native ferns are drought-hardy. too. For shrubs and trees with a more "English" look - i.e. plants with larger, greener leaves, which grow densely enough dense enough not to be seen through, find out about rainforest species. Some of these are also remarkably drought-hardy, especially the ones that come from "dry rainforest". You'll get a very much better range at a nursery that specialises in native plants - but even then, you might enjoy joining the Australian Plants Society, as these can be a great source of the less commercial plants, especially the annuals. Have fun. Trish

Thanks Emma, always good advice. I always plant natives, and everything else with a diluted (recommended dose) of seaweed extract too - Seasol, I use. Helps give them a good start.