Native Speakers

Young landscape designers are talking up the exciting resurgence of Australian native plants, writes gardening expert Helen Young.

The trend towards using native plants was very apparent at this year’s MIFGS, highlighting the growing appreciation for the beauty and benefits of keeping it local. In fact, this was proudly on display from the first step inside the gates.

Visitors were immediately greeted by a new feature of the show, the Welcome Garden, designed by talented young landscape designer Phillip Withers of Phillip Withers Landscape Design (phillipwithers. com) as a place where visitors could sit and meet friends.

The Welcome Garden consisted of massive slices of bluestone set within a dynamic selection of mostly native plants, including iconic grass trees and palms, flowering shrubs and bush-tucker plants. “It’s a place that celebrates nature, the rock, the soil and the rich history connecting people and place,” Phillip explains.

Half of the major show gardens featured Australian plants, either on their own or blended with non-native species. H&G’s Australian Case Study Garden, presented in collaboration with Eckersley Garden Architecture (e-ga.com.au), acknowledged our botanical heritage while transitioning into a mixed style of planting.