You really need to get an idea on plant size before you start, along with something that you like the look of. If you go to the ASGAP site link below, you may find something that will grow in your area. With water restrictions in Melbourne you'd need to think of something you won't have to water all the time, once established.

Rabbits do love to have a chew on young plants, mine loves Correas.

Here is a link that might be useful: ASGAP Photo Gallery

Just a reminder that 'native' doesn't equal no maintenance or 'drought' proof. If you don't want to do any maintence on a garden or are unable to give it the water it needs - native or exotic, it won't perform. But having said that - don't let that put you off. Look to your local council which will have lists and links to sources of indigenous plants. Your on a good track. Good luck with your garden.

I think I would start with the soil. Being in or close by a city would indicate it has been fertilised over the years and most natives are rather touchy when it comes certain soil additives, especially phosphorus. The soil also needs to have a ph reading of neutral to acid, and be well drained. Also how is the humidity in your region? Most W.A natives for example won't tollerate too much of that. First, I think I'd have my soil tested before I outlayed money on native plants and also look around the neighbour's gardens to see what they have growing.

Hi Cate,

There are heaps of different plants to choose from, and you could also have the cottage garden look with westringias, thriptomene, correas and many of the native daisies. You would be best to visit a local native nursery and speak to them about what you want. They can advise the hardier plants until you get used to them etc. Also, be careful that you should plant well before the hot weather starts. Being in Melbourne, you probably need to start as soon as the frost is over (which I imagine would be now). As suggested above, if you plant local species, you will have better luck, as long as the aspect is right. That is the hardest thing because so many natives are very fickle that way.

Thanks so much for all the feedback and ideas, I will definitely visit a native nursery for ideas. Most gardens in my area consist of roses, pelargoniums and the odd lemon tree!

Cate - If you'd like to get ideas on what to plant and what they look like, you can't go wrong by taking a drive out to Kuranga Nursery in York Road, Mt Evelyn. The staff there are very helpful and will assist you in selecting something appropriate for your garden plot.

Cate
If you're planning to steer clear of roses, pelargoniums and the odd lemon tree, bloody beauty.
As suggested, go to a good local nursery, like Kuranga and soak it all up.
Good luck

Roy

Hi Cate,there are local groups of the Australian Plant Society who hold regular meetings throughout Melbourne with knowledgeable people. I live in the western suburbs and use the attached link for information. On this site you'll find many links to other groups and nursuries where you can get the info sought. If you want a cottage garden then introduce yourself to an Edna Walling book. There are plenty of second hand ones being sold on Ebay and the like.

A native nursery I like to visit is in Bullungerook (Suntuff Natives run by the Pynes)between Gisborne and Bacchus Marsh. They have a wonderful garden that you can wander through. In Fairfield there is VINC (Northern Tafe nursery across the road as well) and then there is SKINK (Pt Melbourne) Keelbundoora (Latrobe Uni), Greg's (Epping)and many more listed on the attached link. Else, try an open garden scheme as some are natives like the Parkers who have a property out Wallan way which will be open soon. This way you get to see mature plants not just what it grown in 6 inch pots.

Also, just a note on buying natives. Tubestock at less than $3 each generally will have outgrown 6" stock within 2-3 years and have a better success rate. If you don't mind a slow start then this is the cheap way to go

If you live out east then try the Botanic Gardens at Cranbourne or Katandra Gardens which is not far past Kuranga which is excellent.

Here is a link that might be useful: APS- Keilor Plains

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

Hi Cate,

You've got some excellent responses thus far, so I'll try to be brief:

1. As mentioned, 'Australian native plants' are a huge and diverse group : you really need to do the homework and find what works in your area.

2. Peering into local and botanical gardens is great, but it can be difficult to distinguish local plants from exotics, particularly when you are starting out, which brings me to point 3.

3. Invest in a small book on natives - there are several excellent books on the market - and spend some time on sites such as ASGAP. Know what soil and aspect a given plant requires before you give into temptation at the nursery.

4. I prefer rainforest plants over things like large gums and Westringia, but 'Rainforest' is a misnomer in many cases : a better term would be 'closed forest'. Several species of small rainforest trees and shrubs do well in Melbourne - I'm told that Hymenosporum Flavum looks better in Adelaide than it does in the tropics ! Again, do your homework.

Good luck.

Artie