I have been fascinated for many years by the great diversity of our local native plants.

When we first came to this block about 30 years ago we planted "native" plants that were in common use all around Australia. We used Grevilleas, Callistemons, Melaleucas, Eucalypts and even tried the odd Banksia.

It wasn't until the drought began to hit hard that I began to question my original choices. Many of the Eucalypts died first, the Callistemons and Melaleucas began to dry out, given our position on a rise and with shallow  black soil. The Banksias were dissapointing from the start and Grevilleas mostly really struggled on our black soil...... and I am a nurseryman!

I had planted natives for all the right reasons. They are better for the environment, they attract birds and other wildlife, they display great textures and interesting flowers but the natives promoted across the country weren't performing very well at all on my block in these times.

Thus my interest in what was growing in the surrounding countryside began to develop. I learned, for the most part, that the "local" Eucalypts were different species to the Eucalypts commonly available in the nursery trade at the time. I learned that, apart from the Silky Oak Tree (Grevillea robusta), there were basically no Grevilleas growing naturally on the red and black soils of the region. Many of the Melaleucas and Callistemons we were growing were from very distant parts of the country with quite a different rainfall season and different soils.

Grevileas such as this G. Superb were promoted as hardy native plants but did not perform well my black soil.

Our local native plants show an incredible diversity. There are those of the woodlands (mostly Eucalypts, Acacias and Grasses), there are different species found along watercourses(Some Melaleucas and Callistemons) but the list gets really interesting when you start to look at the plants to be found in the dry rainforest of the region. This vegetation (also known as Dry Vine Forest or Downs Scrub) can be seen on many of the hilltops around the region, on parts of the escarpment and in Redwood Park. Fully developed Rainforest also exists in areas such as the Bunyas and Ravensbourne.

It is the plants of the dry rainforest that really interest me. There are so many species. They are so tough. Put many of them into cultivation and they perform as very neat bushy specimens that don't turn up their nose at our soils and lack of rainfall. There are plants with colourful new growth, perfumed flowers and bird attracting berries. Many have really glossy green foliage.

If you are interested take a look at what may be growing over the back fence. If it's not Privet and it looks good then it may be worth identifying and trying in your own garden. Go for a walk in one of the escarpment parks and see what is out there. There is also a collection taking shape at the Peacehaven Botanic Garden in Highfields (where all the plants are named).

I have found that the only way to really get to know a plant - is to grow a plant. We are seasonally carrying more and more local native plants so if you want to give some a go - come and check out the nursery. You won't be disappointed and you will be trialing the garden and landscape plants of the future.

Examples of some local Natives (clockwise from top right) Myoporum montanum, Rhodosphaera rhodanthema,

Croton insularis and Brachychiton populneus.