Flat and full: Plant life is teeming in the Goulburn Valley.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
With a climate as dry as it is flat, the Goulburn Valley makes up for it in its verdant nature.
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Within the Goulburn Broken Catchment, which includes part of the Murray, Goulburn and Broken rivers, the region is home to a diverse array of plants.
Many of them are considered rare or endangered species but thrive within the local environment.
Bright: Splashes of colour in the Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
In our own backyard, the Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton is not only a redevelopment of a past landfill, but home to some of the nation’s rarest plants.
Among the many plants, shrubs and flowers are eucalyptus froggattii, small-leaf bluebush and the late-flower flax lily, and the more common silver banksias and honeysuckles.
Growing: Eucalypts are plentiful and the world could do with plenty more.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
With a winding tour across the Garden’s grounds, it’s easy to slip into the mindset of “not my garden, that’s in the too-hard basket”.
But as natives are having their moment, with thanks to the Boho trend sweeping the nation, we here in the fruit bowl of Australia are a lucky bunch.
A variety of native plants within the region are more than suitable for use in gardens.
Bright and natural: An iconic banksia native in bloom.
Photo by
Rodney Braithwaite
As loyal readers would know, myself and the indoor plant are not great friends, but a native is mostly foolproof.
If you’re leaning towards a garden of indigenous plants, there’s almost no way you won’t be impressed by their adaptability.
They grow with their environment, adapt to the soil type, tolerate drought and frost, and on a lovely note for the bank card, require less water and fertiliser than many of their exotic counterparts.
Nature: A magpie enjoys the serenity of the native landscape.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
By incorporating natives, you will help with the preservation of the natural landscape and assist in biodiversity, attracting all sorts of wildlife.
If you have any native tips, tricks or pics, please send them through to editor@sheppnews.com.au.
Do you or someone you know love spending time in the garden? No matter how big or small, we’d love to feature it. Contact 5820 3180 or email the address above.
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