Natives vs Exotics

Horticultural racists! This was how my former employer described those who insist on only planting native plants. He could not understand why gardeners would limit their choice of plants some dramatically.

Over my time as a gardener, I have also heard people say that they don’t plant native plants at all, suggesting that native plants are boring dry and woody and lack colour and impact of traditional garden favourites such as roses, camellias, azaleas and hydrangeas. I think that some believe this due to native gardens being poorly designed and maintained in years gone by. I also feel that ‘cultural cringe’ plays a role in this attitude, where people believe that if it comes from overseas, it is somehow superior to what grows naturally here.

I enjoy planting combinations of both natives and exotics and don’t agree with the notion that you should choose one over the other. It’s always seemed strange to me that many people are against planting Australian plants. After all this is the country we live in, and our beautiful fauna and flora and natural landscapes are the inspiration for countless photographers and artists the world over, and the reason so many people roam our beautiful country.

Conversely, I do understand it’s hard not to be captivated by the colour, scent and the intricacy of the petal arrangement of a classic rose in a garden setting or many other traditional garden plants, so to disregard using these plants completely in a garden also seems like a strange idea.

I blame the 1970s. That’s when native gardens were badly designed based on the idea that a native garden was essentially a ‘bush’ garden requiring little to no maintenance because it was ‘natural’.

Interesting concept, but now here’s the thing. When you scrape the topsoil off your quarter acre block, compact the remaining soil, whack a house in the middle and bury rubble into the ground, what you have effectively done is created a canvas that is anything but natural.

The idea that you can plant straight into this ground and be left with a pristine piece of Australian bush is beyond ridiculous. Over time many of these ‘bush’ gardens have become the dry woody overgrown gardens that have become eyesores. Additionally, many large eucalyptus trees were planted in these gardens and were always going to grow too large and become problematic for a typical suburban block.

I think this historical poor use of native plants has stuck in people’s minds and to this day has convinced them that native gardens are unattractive. This is a real shame as there are countless native plants that look spectacular in gardens, whether they be pure native gardens or planted alongside exotic plants.

If you’re not convinced, have a look at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne or Chelsea Australian Garden in Olinda situated within the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden. Although these are gardens planted on a large scale, many of the stunning native plants used in these gardens are suitable for your garden!

Here’s a few reasons to plant native plants.

• They provide habitat for native fauna.

• The blend in with surrounding natural landscapes, especially if you live near the beach or surrounded by bushland.

• They contrast well with exotic plants if carefully selected.

• They contribute to biodiversity but providing pollen reserves for birds and insects.

• They encourage us to be proud of our natural environments.