Q: We have a Queenslander home and I would like to do a garden in the front of the house. Facing south and due to the pitch of the roof, it receives a lot of shade, especially in the winter, and filtered sun in the summer.
What plants would be best to grow in this area, we like natives and water wise plants. Delwyn – Calamvale
A: By their very nature, most ‘water wise’ plants are those that grow out in the full sun and in very hot, dry and ‘trying’ conditions, and quite often in poor soils, in their natural state.
Such plants have ‘evolved’ over the years and have developed certain features to assist them in combating their difficult environment. There are not too many ‘native’ plants that are water wise and grow in shady conditions.
The best plan under your circumstances, particularly since you have dappled light in summer, is to plant a mix of water wise natives and exotics. This will provide a good selection to enable you to create an attractive garden. The following are some suggestions.
- Trees - different species of Lilypillies, Tuckeroo, various species of palms
- Medium height plants – various species of Cordylines, most crotons, various species of ginger, most heliconias, Raphis palm, Parlour Palm, Dracaena spp., Ginger spp.
- Low growing plants – various species of liriope, lomandra, rhoeo, Hippeastrum, Clivia, Aspidistra, Holly Fern, Aglonaema, Dieffenbachia, Anthurium.
Please keep in mind that ALL plants, whether water wise or not, WILL require watering at the initial stages when they are planted in. They become water wise once they have settled in and their roots have managed to grow out into the surrounding soil.
A good depth of soil in your garden (at least 300mm), with plenty of organic matter in it, and the mixing of hydrocell with the soil will assist in your ‘water wise’ planting efforts. Don’t forget to spread mulch around your plants too.
