If you’re someone who loves gardening, there are few better places to live than Australia. The Land Down Under is the perfect place to build a garden with unique flora, outdoor fixtures and aesthetic elements. Because of Australia’s unique wildlife, you can also attract some pretty interesting birds and insects onto your land.
You might be wondering how you can plant a garden that’s uniquely Aussie. If so, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll go through 10 essential elements of an Australian garden. Get your hammer, shovel and watering can, and prepare to build your dream Aussie backyard.
1. Invest In Colorbond Fencing
If you live in Australia, you’ll want to choose a fence that’s perfect for the local climate, and you can’t do better than Colorbond steel fencing. This composite steel product is designed, built and made in Australia, so it is the ideal fencing type for a uniquely Aussie garden. Colorbond uses a patented five-layer design that has a solid steel base and is coated in a metallic, corrosion-proof material, making it perfect for both extreme heat and rain. Colorbond fences are known for their durability in even the harshest conditions and can remain sturdy for decades while giving off a truly Aussie vibe. When you purchase Colorbond fences, you’ll also be supporting the local economy, making them a great option for both your garden and local businesses.
2. Grow Australian Grasses
Another excellent way to bring a truly Aussie aesthetic into your backyard is to plant some native Australian grasses. These will give your garden the appearance of a natural paradise straight from the outback. Kangaroo grass, for instance, is a fast-growing native grass that is worth planting if you’re going for the Aussie vibe. Not only is this hardy grass incredibly visually attractive, but it’s also known for being incredibly drought-tolerant. Other types of grass that offer a similar level of durability and aesthetic appeal are red grass, bluegrass and spinifex.
3. Plant Native Flowers
In addition to native grass, you can also plant some native flowers for a uniquely Aussie garden. Some absolutely gorgeous options for your backyard include Australian honeysuckles, chorizema or flame peas, bottlebrushes, billy buttons, Canberra bells and desert flames. To maximise the lifespan of your garden plants, it helps to learn about how to care for them beforehand. As long as you keep them in good health, some native flowers will be sure to add a touch of colour to your native Australian garden.
4. Fly An Australian Flag And An Aboriginal Flag
Nothing screams Aussie pride more than an Australian flag, and by displaying one in your garden, you’ll give your backyard a uniquely Aussie flavour and demonstrate your pride in being Australian. If you’re going to plant flags outside your home, you should also consider displaying the Aboriginal flag to demonstrate respect for the traditional owners and custodians of the land.
5. Lure Native Birds
Australia is known worldwide for its unique wildlife, which includes species of birds found nowhere else. You can take your Aussie garden’s aesthetic appeal to another level by attracting native birds like cockatoos, magpies and wattlebirds. You can do this by adding natural garden features like rocks, logs, twigs and sticks. You might even want to add tailor-made nesting boxes to give wild birds a place to nest. All of these design features will mimic these birds’ natural habitats and encourage them to flock to your yard.
6. Attract Native Insects
While we’re on the theme of native Australian critters, why not encourage some more biodiversity in your Aussie-themed backyard by luring a few creepy crawlies? By attracting some native insects using plants, water sources and shelter, you can make your backyard seem like a thriving outback paradise. While the thought of insects on your property might give you the creeps, many of these critters are actually beneficial. Many insect species are pollinators, meaning they can help you maintain a thriving garden.
7. Plant A Eucalyptus Tree Or Two
Nothing calls to mind the Australian bush as much as the noble eucalyptus tree, also known as the gum tree. Planting these gorgeous trees in your backyard is an excellent way to bring the Aussie countryside into your garden. If you’ve never planted a gum tree sapling, just make sure to do so during the spring to ensure that it’s not pelted by rain or hail during the winter months. You should also till your soil properly before planting to ensure that your eucalyptus saplings have plenty of space to spread their roots and grow up into towering trees that are sure to be the envy of all your neighbours.
8. Have A Barbeque Area
Nothing is more Aussie than a backyard barbecue. Create an outdoor cooking space complete with a barbeque pit, tables, chairs and other creature comforts to get everyone ready for the summer. A barbeque area allows you to try recipes that just don’t taste the same when made indoors, like barbecued fish parcels, hotdogs and cheesy corn cobs.
9. Create Spaces For Outdoor Games And Sports
Aussies love nothing more than playing sports outdoors. So, clear ample space and buy equipment to play much-loved games like footie, soccer and tennis in your backyard. This is an especially relevant tip for families with kids, who will be raring to spend time outside the house when summer rolls around.
10. Play Aussie Soundtrack For Your (Savage) Garden
Finally, no Aussie backyard barbecue is complete without some banging music. So when you’re designing your quintessential contemporary Australian backyard, don’t forget to invest in some hardwired outdoor speakers and other outdoor entertainment essentials to enjoy some catchy tunes while spending time outdoors with friends and family. To truly capture the Australian vibe, put on some Aussie hits by artists like Paul Kelly, A&B Original, Urthboy, INXS, Savage Garden, Silverchair or Dune Rats.
There are several important elements to consider when building the perfect Australian garden, such as plants, fauna and outdoor entertainment fixtures. By following the 10 tips we’ve laid out in this article, you can capture the Aussie vibe in your backyard. What are you waiting for? Create the Aussie garden of your dreams today.
Image: Courtesy of Digital Next
This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Digital Next.
