Live Bayside Bayside Contents 2 Introduction What are indigenous ? Bayside’s original vegetation communities Bayside’s natural bushland reserves Get involved and learn

8 Bayside City Council Garden Design 76 Royal Avenue, Main considerations Sandringham. VIC 3191. Tel: 9599 4444 Habitat gardening Utilising runoff www.bayside.vic.gov.au Designing with indigenous plants

22 Acknowledgements Planting and Maintenance This booklet was produced by Green Gecko Publications with the kind permission of Plant selection Nillumbik Shire Council to modify Live Local Plant Local: A guide to planting in Nillumbik. Site preparation Photographs by Bayside City Council, Pauline Reynolds, Mary Trigger, Elaine Shallue, Planting technique Naina I Knoess Maintenance Design: www.nainak.com.au 28 Disclaimer: Although precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of the Indigenous Plant List information, the publishers, authors and printers cannot accept responsibility for any claim, Creepers and climbers loss, damage or liability arising out of the use of the information provided. Herbs and groundcovers Cover image: Love Creeper Grasses and flaxes This publication is printed on 100% recycled paperstock. Rushes and sedges Small Large shrubs Trees

Pest Plants 61 Further Reading 65 Green Gecko PubliCATIONS

Mary Trigger Tel: 0414 641 337 Email: [email protected] ABN: 90618914198 Indigenous or native plants Many retail nurseries sell ‘native’ When two crossbreed they plants. This refers to any plant found in can create a third species e.g. Horse x Introduction , as opposed to an ‘indigenous’ Donkey = Mule. Many native Correas plant that is specific to a region e.g. have crossed with indigenous Correas Bayside. Just like plants introduced from to create hybrids that outcompete another country, native plants have the and displace indigenous Correas in potential to become an environmental the natural environment. It is therefore What are indigenous plants? weed. For example the Bluebell important to source your indigenous Indigenous plants are the original flora, or plants that occur Creeper ( heterophylla) from plants from your local indigenous naturally, in a given location. Because they have evolved to the was a popular native nursery that uses locally collected commercial nursery plant that is now or cuttings to ensure the genetic form of conditions within the local environment, indigenous plants are well aggressively invading bushland around the plant is from the Bayside region. adapted to the soils, topography and climate of the local area. . Hybridization is also a problem. Indigenous species also help to maintain the ecological balance of the local ecosystem, as plants and animals depend upon one Indigenous plants in the garden another for their survival. In many instances, the loss of particular Many of Bayside’s local indigenous plant successfully to create formal, bush-style plants or animals from one area can result in the loss species look great in any garden, or cottage gardens, contemporary of other organisms in another. providing spectacular displays of colour garden designs or planted out in and texture throughout the seasons. containers to create attractive courtyards Indigenous plants can be used or balconies. The benefits of growing indigenous plants are that they:

• are perfectly suited to our local soils • reflect Bayside’s natural character, and climate, and will thrive without preserving and enhancing a sense fertilisers or sprays of local identity • can withstand Melbourne’s hot, dry • offer you an opportunity to grow summers and long dry periods with a more sustainable garden little or no watering • contribute to the preservation of • grow quickly and often within Bayside’s natural biodiversity the first season of being planted • can strengthen local wildlife corridors • have greater resistance to disease to help wildlife cope with climate • attract and provide food and shelter change. for local native birds, insects and other animals

2 Live Bayside Plant Bayside Live Bayside Plant Bayside 3 Bayside’s original vegetation communities ELSTERNWICK Gl enhuntly The vegetation of Bayside has changed dramatically since Europeans Rd first settled in 1844. Well over 260 species have since disappeared, GLENHUNTLY and many more are now considered rare or threatened. Large tracts GARDENVALE of heathlands and woodlands were progressively cleared to make North Rd way for roads, market gardens, housing and industry. However, ORMOND Bay St geological data, the location of remnant vegetation and historical field NORTH notes has enabled us to determine the location of Bayside’s original BRIGHTON McKINNON vegetation communities. This information provides guidance as to the E s

planade ideal location for various indigenous plants to thrive. MIDDLE BRIGHTON BENTLEIGH GLEN EIRA Den dy St N e p e a n H PATTERSON Coastal Dune Grassland/Scrub Sedgy Swamp Woodland BRIGHTON w y BEACH South Rd Coastal Banksia Heathy Woodland Woodland/Dune Scrub MOORABBIN Heathy Scrub/Woodland HAMPTON Swamp Scrub Grassy Woodland Herb-rich Woodland HIGHETT SANDRINGHAM Be Bay Rd a KINGSTON ch Rd

d R CHELTENHAM

e

v d

r

R e

f s f

e u

l R

B

Balc ombe Rd

This map has been derived from the Victorian Government Department of Environment and Primary Industries Biodiversity Interactive Mapping Tool, pre-1750’s mapping layer accessed on 9/10/2014.

4 Live Bayside Plant Bayside Live Bayside Plant Bayside 5 Bayside’s Natural Bushland Reserves Get involved and learn One of the best ways to find Many of Bayside’s bushland reserves are supported by the local out how indigenous plants ‘Friends of Bayside’. The ‘Friends of Bayside’ are community-based look and the conditions volunteers that meet at reserves to collect , plant, and help North Rd they thrive in is to go and protect Bayside’s remnant natural areas. It’s a great way to learn

St lda about indigenous plants, help maintain Bayside’s unique vegetation St Ki see them in their natural

t S environment. communities and meet wonderful people in your local community.

w

Ne St

n o Visit: www.bayside.vic.gov.au/getting_involved pt

m N epea

Ha n

Es High p

la

na wa y de • Heathlands Brighton Dunes / Dendy St • Foreshore Bayside Community Jim Willis Reserve • Marine

Rd

ns

South Rd mi

um

C Plant Nursery

t

S

n

to Be ac mp h R Ha d The place to buy healthy

Rd

uff l Picnic Point B Bay Road indigenous plants for your

Hi Heathland Sanctuary ghett Rd Bayside garden. A great Bayside Community range of plants available Nursery Bay Rd as well as expert advice Cheltenham Park Flora and Fauna and guidance on Reserve rve Rd

Rese indigenous plant selection and maintenance.

Rd f f

u George Street Bl Reserve Gramatan Open to the public from 10am to 12 319 Reserve Road

Avenue Beac Balcombe Rd noon on Thursdays and Saturdays. h Rd Balcombe Park Heathland Cheltenham Sanctuary The nursery only sells plants from Long Hollow April to October each year as this is Tel: 9583 8408 Donald MacDonald Heathland rve Rd the best time to plant. d Reserve Rese R Beach

Ricketts Point The nursery also has a volunteer program that contributes to the propagation Marine Sanctuary and running of the nursery and new volunteers are always welcome. For further information contact the nursery on 9583 8408. Ricketts Point Landside Table Rock 6 Live Bayside Plant Bayside Watkins Bay Live Bayside Plant Bayside 7 Main considerations Garden Design Indigenous plants can be used to beautiful effect in almost any style of garden. When deciding where and what to plant consider the garden as a whole, taking into account such things as:

1. The style of garden you are trying 4. Habitat elements such as bird baths Creating your indigenous garden. to create, and how you would like placed near prickly shrubs (for shelter), If you are starting from scratch or redesigning a garden bed, one of it to fit into your local landscape or nest boxes in large trees, large rocks for neighbourhood. Examples include a lizard lounging, or a pond with refuge the best things you can do is observe your garden for a year. This will bush garden, contemporary garden or logs for frogs. give you an accurate picture of your garden through all the seasons cottage garden. If you already have an 5. The function, mature size and existing garden featuring exotic plants, when light and shade and moisture can vary enormously. Regardless growing requirements of each plant. think about how indigenous species Ideally, plants with similar growing of whether you have the patience to do this or not, the starting point could work with them. requirements should be grouped with garden design is to do a site analysis of your garden. It allows 2. How you use your garden – consider together to maximise growth and you to identify the pros and cons, limitations and possibilities for your including features such as a bench under efficiency of water use. a tree to sit and relax, or a path that garden. It is also important to work with your site. If you know a section meanders through different areas within Before you start to plan your new of your garden is shady and damp, select plants that are suited to those the garden. garden remember to look up for conditions rather than trying to change the site. 3. Design elements such as feature powerlines and check for services trees and the inclusion of different below ground. It may be a wasted layers of shrubs, grasses, and effort to plant extensively in groundcovers. Consider the colours and easements where access for textures of flowers and foliage and how maintenance and other works they will work together in the garden. may be required. Consider the colours Create layers and textures of within your garden to flowers and foliage. add interest.

8 Live Bayside Plant Bayside Live Bayside Plant Bayside 9 Habitat Gardening Attracting birds Australia has a rich and diverse range of bird species found nowhere else in the One of the many benefits of indigenous plants is that they can attract world. Indigenous gardens provide a safe haven for our native birds. Many bird a large range of wildlife, including insects, birds and lizards. With species will prey on garden pests such as caterpillars and aphids, contributing to some thoughtful design, you may be surprised at the types of non-chemical pest control in the garden. To create a bird-attracting garden consider the following points. animals you can attract to your garden, even in suburban areas. Shelter Water Select a variety of plants to create Dead trees and shrubs can also provide Birds need shelter from predators such A reliable water source, particularly a complex and natural structure, habitat for many of our native fauna. as cats and Noisy Miners. By providing in summer, will attract birds to your including large trees, small and large Take notice of any wildlife that visits prickly or dense plants at various levels garden. A birdbath on a pedestal next to shrubs, groundcovers, grasses and your garden before you remove any in your garden you can provide a safe a dense or prickly will help birds sedges. Plants that produce flowers dead trees or shrubs, as they may be place for them to retreat to and create feel secure. and seeds provide food for many of providing a source of food or habitat. nesting sites. our native birds and mammals, whilst In addition to dead shrubs and trees, prickly shrubs provide them with a leaving a few logs (particularly those refuge in which to build their homes containing hollows), sticks and on or escape from predators. Dense the ground can provide habitat for many prickly shrubs and mature trees such local insects and lizards. as Acacia verticillata (Prickly Moses) Hedge Wattle Birdbath and Leptospermum continentale (Prickly Tea-tree) can provide homes Bird Icons for a large range of insect, bird and The following bird icons appear in the Indigenous Plant List pages 28-60. The icon appears mammal species. with those plants that provide food or shelter for different bird groups.

Honeyeaters Large Birds such as Spinebills, such as owls, Tawny Wattlebirds and Frogmouth and Honeyeaters Kookaburras.

Small Birds Parrots such as Wrens, such as Rosellas, Robins and Fantails Lorikeets and Cockatoos

10 Live Bayside Plant Bayside Live Bayside Plant Bayside 11 Frogs Plants to attract frogs What could be lovelier than being Building a frog pond Deep water Shallow water Damp zone: Pond surround: serenaded to sleep by singing frogs? Locate your pond in a low-lying section zone: zone: They also feast on mosquitoes, flies and of the garden that has around 70% shade. Marsh Club-sedge Spiny-headed slugs. An excellent non-chemical pest You can buy ready-made ponds or dig Water Millfoil Common Sedge (Bolboschoenus Mat-rush controller in the garden. you own and line it with a heavy-duty (Myriophyllum (Carex tereticaulis) medianus) (Lomandra pond liner. Ensure your pond has varying crispatum) longifolia) You can attract frogs by installing a Tassel Sedge Swamp Stonecrop depth that includes a shallow entry point pond in your garden, especially if you Nardoo (Marsilea (Carex fascicularis) (Crassula helmsii) Flax-lilies and a deeper section (30-50cm) to place live near a wetland or waterway. It is drummondii) (Dianella spp.) illegal to collect frogs from the natural potted aquatic plants. Cover the bottom with washed gravel. Add rocks and logs environment. You need to create a For a more extensive range of plants visit the Bayside to create climbing spots. Allow your permanent, frog-friendly garden and Community Plant Nursery or look for the frog icon in the Frogs hope they move in. pond to fill with rainwater and then Indigenous Plant List pp 28-60. add your plants.

Cross-section of Frog Pond

DAMP SHALLOW DEEP WATER ZONE POND SURROUND ZONE WATER ZONE

Butterflies Butterflies are a welcome addition to any garden and are easily attracted with a few simple design principles.

ROCKS & LOGS To attract butterflies put out a dish of FOR SHELTER WINTER DEEP er lin damp sand and a flat rock to bask in the WATER LEVEL d Sand on morning sun. Provide sheltered, shady SUMMER LOW P A pond with WATER LEVEL positions throughout the garden to retreat submerged rocks during the heat of the day. Butterflies prefer flat flowers, such as daisies, that are and logs can attract SUBMERGED ROCKS & LOGS easy to land on to extract nectar. They are frogs to your garden. FOR ALGAL GROWTH attracted to a range of coloured flowers, in particular, blue, yellow and red. Australian Painted lady

A pump should not be necessary as tadpoles and eggs can be destroyed. Avoid floating surface plants such as Azolla and Duckweed as they can quickly cover Look for the butterfly icon in the Indigenous Plant List (pp Butterflies a pond reducing light and oxygen levels. Do not introduce fish into your pond as 28-60) for plants that provide food and shelter for butterflies. they will snack on tadpoles.

12 Live Bayside Plant Bayside Live Bayside Plant Bayside 13 Utilising runoff Raingardens A raingarden is a gravel filled trench and plants that can tolerate both extreme In the natural environment, rain slowly filters through the soil into the designed to receive stormwater directly wet and dry conditions. There are many from a disconnected downpipe or different types of raingardens from groundwater table and eventually enters our rivers and streams. runoff from surrounding hard surfaces. planter boxes to a trench. The flow rate is slowed down and excess nutrients and pollutants are Water entering a raingarden is slowed For a list of indigenous plants and filtered helping to protect our removed. This process results in clean water entering our waterways. appropriate for raingardens refer waterways. Raingardens consist of layers In Bayside’s urbanised landscape, many of our surfaces, such as to page 20. of soil for filtration, gravel for drainage, roads, have been sealed and are impervious to water. Consequently when it rains, large volumes of water rapidly enters out stormwater system carrying litter and pollutants, and enters our creeks and rivers, and eventually Port Phillip Bay. Stormwater runoff represents a valuable resource that can be utilised by gardeners.

Landscaping If you are paving consider creating a space between that will enable water to percolate into the soil. Granitic and sand paths require more maintenance than concrete but will allow water to seep into the ground.

Downpipe diversion Swales By diverting one or Water can be directed onto your garden beds by gently more downpipes sloping the surface of driveways and patios towards your around your garden beds or lawn area. Consider building a swale property you can (vegetated channel) positioned to move runoff from your direct stormwater hard surfaces to your garden or a small wetland. onto your garden beds or lawn. A downpipe diversion can easily be fitted to your downpipe by a licensed Diagram courtesy of Melbourne Water plumber. For excellent and detailed instruction sheets visit: www.melbournewater.com.au/raingardens

14 Live Bayside Plant Bayside Live Bayside Plant Bayside 15 Designing with indigenous plants Hedges and borders Many indigenous plants are responsive to pruning and can therefore be grown Indigenous plants can be used to create a natural garden, can be to form a hedge: grown in pots, arranged formally to enhance a traditional garden, or be used as cut flowers. In fact, there is probably an indigenous plant Common name Page no. for every use in your garden. The following list provides examples of Correa alba White Correa 48 how some indigenous plants can be used to landscape your garden. Goodenia ovata Hop Goodenia 50 Leptospermum laevigatum Coast Tea-tree 60 Leucophyta brownii Cushion Bush 51

Melaleuca squarrosa Scented Paperbark 54

Small shrubs that can be pruned to shape:

Botanical name Common name Page no.

Correa alba White Correa 48 Correa reflexa Common Correa 49 Goodenia ovata Hop Goodenia 50 Leptospermum laevigatum Coast Tea-tree 60

Leucophyta brownii Cushion Bush 51 Coast Tea-tree Oleria axillaris Coast Daisy-bush 55 Viminaria juncea Golden Spray 55

Many indigenous tussock forming species are ideal to use as border plants:

Botanical name Common name Page no.

Dianella spp. Flax-lillies 40 & 41 Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush 46 Patersonia occidentalis Long Purple-flag 42 Poa labillardieri Common Tussock-grass 42

Mat-rush Themeda triandra Kangaroo grass 43

16 Live Bayside Plant Bayside Live Bayside Plant Bayside 17 Feature trees Lawn alternatives Some indigenous plants make ideal specimen trees for feature planting in a lawn or Native lawns, once established, require much less water and fertiliser than garden bed. Some species suitable for a large garden are: traditional lawns. The various species tolerate light to heavy traffic, so ask your nursery which is best for your situation. Botanical name Common name Page no. Some species suitable as a native lawn include: Acacia implexa Lightwood 57 Botanical name Common name Page no. Banksia integrifolia Coast Banksia 58 Dichondra repens Kidney-weed 34 Banksia marginata Silver Banksia 59 Einadia nutans Nodding Saltbush 35 Eucalyptus viminalis subsp. pryoriana Coast Manna-gum 60 Rytidosperma spp. Wallaby-grasses 43 The following species perform well as individual trees in a smaller garden: Microlena stipoides Weeping grass 41

Botanical name Common name Page no.

Allocasuarina verticillata Drooping She-oak 58 Screen plants Eucalyptus pauciflora Snow Gum 59 Screen planting is often necessary to create privacy, conceal undesirable views or buffer wind and noise:

Groundcovers Botanical name Common name Page no.

These plants look great in rockeries or to fill space beneath a shrub layer: Acacia stricta Hop Wattle 53 Botanical name Common name Page no. Acacia melonoxylon Blackwood 57 Acaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgee 32 Banksia marginata Silver Banksia 59 Carpobrotus rossi Karkalla 33 Leptospermum laevigatum Coast Tea-tree 60 Dichondra repens Kidney-weed 34 Melaleuca squarrosa Scented Paperbark 54

Disphyma crassifolium Rounded Noon-flower 34 Myoporum insulare Common Boobialla 54 Einadia nutans Nodding Saltbush 35 Small-leaved Clematis (on fence) Kennedia prostrata Running Postman 36

Viola hederacea Native Violet 37

Kidney-weed Rounded Noon-flower Hop Goodenia (the shrub underneath)

18 Live Bayside Plant Bayside Live Bayside Plant Bayside 19 Shady conditions Planting for nature strips Indigenous plants that perform particularly well in the shade include: Bayside residents are permitted to plant If you live on a major arterial road e.g. out their nature strips with indigenous Bluff Road, you will need to obtain a Botanical name Common name Page no. grasses, groundcovers and low growing “Works within the Road Reserve Permit” shrubs listed in the Bayside Nature Strip from VicRoads (Tel: 13 11 71). If you live Acaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgee 32 Planting Guidelines. (subject to Council on a local road contact Council or VicRoads consent). (Tel: 9599 4444). Dianella spp. Flax-lilies 40 A minimum of 500mm must be kept For further information visit: Dichondra repens Kidney-weed 34 clear from the kerb to allow people www.bayside.vic.gov.au Lasiopetalum bauri Slender Velvet-bush 51 to safely exit their cars. Plants (except street trees) must be maintained at a Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush 46 maximum height of 600mm. Corner blocks are limited to ground cover hederacea Native Violet 37 plants to a maximum height of 250 mm within 9 metres either side of an intersection to ensure a clear line of sight for motorists and pedestrians. Raingardens A minimum of 1.5 metres from the In this situation plants need to be drought tolerant but cope with being periodically property line is to be kept clear to allow inundated when it rains. The following plants perform well: for pedestrian access, mail, paper and other deliveries. Botanical name Common name Page no. Residents can request Council plant a Dianella spp. Flax-lilies 40 street tree on their nature strip. Fine gravels such as granitic sand can Ficinia nodosa Knobby Club-sedge 45 be laid to a depth of 75mm. Mulch or Juncus spp. Rushes 45 bark chips can also be used. These must be level with the footpath and Lomandra longifolia Spiny-headed Mat-rush 46 weed free. Mulch also needs to be kept on the nature strip and not spill onto the Lomandra multiflora Many-flowered Mat-rush 46 footpath. Poa labillardieri Common Tussock-grass 42 If you would like to plant out your nature strip you will need to ensure you prune plants so they don’t protrude beyond the boundary and don’t exceed the height restrictions. You will be responsible for keeping your nature strip free of weeds, rubbish and any tripping hazards.

20 Live Bayside Plant Bayside Live Bayside Plant Bayside 21 Site preparation

To find the ideal spot for your plant, consider its soil, moisture and Planting and sunlight requirements and potential size when fully grown. Soil Pre-planting mulch Weeds Bayside’s predominantly Good quality mulch Weeds should be sandy soils tend to be should be spread over controlled prior to planting Maintenance free draining and low your garden to a minimum to reduce competition in nutrients, while lower depth of 10cm prior to and post-planting lying areas contain planting. Covering the soil maintenance. There are higher organic content surface with mulch can a range of techniques There are four important elements to successful planting: and moisture-holding improve soil structure, and products that can be capacity. Sandy soils can nutrient availability and effective in controlling •Plant selection •Site preparation •Planting technique •Maintenance be improved by adding water retention, and weeds, including both compost or other organic prevent future weed chemical and non- matter. growth. If you are on a chemical methods. Plant selection bush block it is important Remember that to identify existing indigenous plants When it comes to selecting indigenous may shade out sun-loving plants indigenous vegetation to have adapted to local plants for your garden always consider underneath them, impact nearby ensure you do not mulch conditions, so selecting which species are most appropriate for buildings or plumbing with their over the top of it. your site. For example, a Swamp Gum vigorous roots, or create problems with the right plant for your is well suited for planting in a gully leaves dropping in gutters. soil conditions will greatly Ensure that the mulch situation but would not do well if improve your chances of you select is made from When choosing plants from a nursery, planted on a dry hilltop. To find the success. a sustainable resource. remember that tall plants in larger pots ideal spot for your plant, consider its Chipped waste wood and will not necessarily give you better If you need to bring soil soil, moisture and sunlight green waste mulches are results. Tubestock (plants in 15cm tall into your site, remember requirements and potential size when generally a good option. plastic tubes) will generally catch up that imported soils can fully grown. The Bayside Community Always ensure that any with and outgrow larger, more mature bring new weed seeds Plant Nursery will be able to help you green waste has been well stock. They are also easier to establish and diseases to your with selecting suitable plants. composted before use to in difficult sites with poor soils. neighbourhood, so always kill any weed seeds that Also consider how plants may interact use locally-obtained soils When ordering a large numbers of may be present. with each other, especially the impact if possible. plants from the Bayside Community large trees may have in your garden as Plant Nursery, stock should be ordered they mature. If they are not carefully well in advance. selected and positioned, large trees

Mulch improves soil and helps to prevent weed growth.

22 Live Bayside Plant Bayside Live Bayside Plant Bayside 23 Planting technique

Once your site is well prepared you can begin planting. Generally, planting after the first heavy autumn rain is the best time for dry or exposed sites. For frost prone areas, spring may be a more appropriate time for planting. Try to avoid any planting during the summer period.

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6 Prepare the planting Pre-soaking Prepare the plant Remove the plant from Place the plant into the Water the plant in well hole Give your plants a Any particularly long or the pot hole Initially all plants need to The planting hole should thorough pre-soaking in coiled roots protruding This is best achieved by So that the plant is a little be watered individually to be approximately twice a bucket of water prior to through the bottom of turning the pot upside lower than the original settle soil around the root the width of the plant planting. In dry soils, fill the pot can be pruned down and striking the soil level. Firmly replace system. Plants may require container and slightly the hole with water and with sharp secateurs rim gently against a solid the soil around the plant, a good deep soaking once deeper. Remember to allow it to drain before before removing the plant object. breaking up any lumps as a week when establishing, dig the hole into the soil planting. from the pot. Some root you go. particularly during below the mulch – if you disturbance is tolerable dry periods. plant straight into the but be careful not to mulch your plant will dry damage living roots. out and die. When planting good quality tubestock, it is not necessary to ‘tickle’, or tease out the plant’s roots.

Mulch Rootball

Backfill

24 Live Bayside Plant Bayside Live Bayside Plant Bayside 25 Maintainance

One of the great things about indigenous plants is that they require very little maintenance. With just a little work each year, your indigenous garden will continue to look healthy, neat and beautiful.

1. Reducing competition 3. Mulching 4. Pruning 5. Fertiliser Controlling and removing weeds in Topping-up mulch annually helps to In a garden setting, many indigenous Fertilisers aren’t usually necessary areas of your garden or property increase water retention and over time, plants will respond well to careful when growing indigenous plants and that contain indigenous vegetation will increase the organic matter in your pruning, and many will provide better may encourage weed growth. Too much reduces competition for water, light and soils. shows of flowers if heavily pruned. fertiliser can also cause fast, soft plant nutrients, helping to enhance growth. Pruning is usually best carried out after growth, leaving plants more vulnerable If active pets are a problem, add a the plant has finished flowering. If you to insect attack or harsh climatic tree guard. Remove once the plant has are developing a hedge, begin pruning conditions. become established. Mulching tips early in the plant’s life. Too much phosphorus in particular, can 2. Watering kill many indigenous plants. The addition • Avoid hot, steaming mulch, as this of compost or other organic matter is Monitor new plants during their first indicates that it is still composting. a much better option for promoting summer. If there has not been a good healthy growth. soaking rain by mid summer, they • Check for and remove mulch- If you do choose to fertilise, mix a small will benefit from weekly or fortnightly borne seedlings to prevent weed amount of slow-release, low phosphate watering. Deep, occasional watering will invasion. help the plant establish deeper roots. fertiliser with the soil and backfill into the hole. Further fertilising is not • Mulch to about 10cm to allow rain usually necessary. penetration, suppress weeds and reduce soil moisture loss. Indigenous gardens can provide texture and contrast.

Tree guard Common Everlasting

26 Live Bayside Plant Bayside Live Bayside Plant Bayside 27 Bayside Indigenous Creepers and climbers Plant List These showy, attractive plants grow well trained along a fence or climbing up a tree. They can also be used as a The following section features a selection of plants you may wish to spreading or matting ground cover. include in your garden.

If you are keen to attract wildlife to your garden the following icons indicate plants that will attract different wildlife:

Small birds such as Wrens, Robins and Fantails

Honeyeaters such as Spinebills, Wattlebirds and Honeyeaters

Parrots such as Rosellas, Lorikeets and Cockatoos

Butterflies such as the Australian Painted Lady and Common Grass-blue

Frogs such as the Banjo Frog and the Spotted Marsh Frog

Lizards such as Skinks and Blue Tongue Lizards

Mammals such as Microbats, Bats and Possums

Large birds such as Owls, the Tawny Frogmouth and the Kookaburra.

Please note: All plant sizes mentioned in this publication are approximate. Hardenbegia violacea Environmental conditions will influence the final height and width of a plant. Purple Coral Pea

28 Live Bayside Plant Bayside Live Bayside Plant Bayside 29 CREEPERS AND CLIMBERS

Billardiera mutabillis Clematis microphylla Common Apple- Small-leaved Clematis

A vigorous, long-lived climber with A vigorous, showy climber with sweetly bell shaped flowers. Grows well under scented star-like flowers and attractive, established trees, amongst shrubs or trained feathery seed heads. along a fence or trellis. Natural vegetation community Natural vegetation community • Heath/woodland and Dune scrub/ Herbs and • Heath/woodland. woodland.

Size and habit Size and habit • A soft climber that gently winds its way • A scrambling climber that grows over Groundcovers along the stems and branches of other shrubs and small trees. Can be trained to plants. cover a fence or trellis. These plants play an important role Flowers and foliage Flowers and foliage in the landscape. Not only are they • Leaves 2-4cm long. • Clusters of greenish-cream starry flowers attractive, they are useful for • A profusion of narrow yellow tubular 3-4 cm across. binding soil, minimising weed flowers hanging from the branches. • Flowering usually occurs from July to Flowering usually occurs from July to November. growth, attracting butterflies and are December, followed by light green • Small, dull green, oblong leaves. berries. important for attracting pollinators • Feathery seed heads. Preferred growing conditions for other plants. Indigenous herbs Preferred growing conditions • Well-drained dry to moist heavier soils. and groundcovers are able to • Grows well in all well-drained soils. • Full sun to complete shade. tolerate a wide range of growing • Full sun or part shade. • Does not tolerate salt winds. • Tolerates moderately salty winds. conditions.

Kennedia prostrata Running Postman

30 Live Bayside Plant Bayside Live Bayside Plant Bayside 31 HERBS AND GROUNDCOVERS HERBS AND GROUNDCOVERS

Acaena novae-zealandiae Carpobrotus rossi Chrysocephalum apiculatum Dichondra repens Bidgee-widgee Karkalla Common Everlasting Kidney-weed

A carpeting groundcover with widely An excellent soil binder on sandy, exposed This attractive herb requires regular This plant is a vigorous groundcover spreading stems. Useful for binding soil. locations. pruning to encourage new growth. that can be grown to suppress weeds or provide a great lawn alternative where Natural vegetation community Natural vegetation community Natural vegetation community traffic is light. • Dune scrub/woodland. • Dune scrub/woodland. • Heath/woodland. Natural vegetation community Size and habit Size and habit Size and habit • Heath/woodland. • Creeping groundcover that dies back • A spreading groundcover. • Grows to 10-30cm high spreading to Size and habit during winter. • Prostrate to 1-3m wide. 50cm-1m. • Spreads from 1-4m. • Excellent in rockeries or mass planting. • A matting plant that spreads quickly to Flowers and foliage 1-2m. Flowers and foliage • A profusion of showy pink-purple flowers Flowers and foliage • Easily divided and transplanted. • Greenish-white globular flowers from from August to February. Flowers only • Bright yellow, button-like flower heads October to January. open on sunny days. mainly from September to December, Flowers and foliage • Fruits are brown and burr-like. Readily stick • Globular, reddish-purple salty fruit. but can flower all year round. • Light to dark green, kidney shaped to clothing and can be a nuisance in areas • Clusters of fleshy, succulent leaves. • Leaves an attractive silver grey and leaves to approximately 2cm across. of high traffic. densely hairy. • Inconspicuous creamy-green flowers Preferred growing conditions • Prune heavily in winter to rejuventate. September to December. Preferred growing conditions • Will grow in all well-drained soils. Preferred growing conditions • Tolerates all soils, wet and dry conditions. • Full sun to part shade. Preferred growing conditions • Grows in all local soils. • Full to part sun. • Tolerates salt winds. • Grows in all well-drained soil and • Tolerates salt wind. tolerates dry conditions. • Spreads widely in moist conditions. • Full sun. • Grows in partial to complete shade. • Tolerates moderately salty winds. • Tolerates some salt winds.

32 Live Bayside Plant Bayside Live Bayside Plant Bayside 33 HERBS AND GROUNDCOVERS HERBS AND GROUNDCOVERS

Disphyma crassifolium subsp. Einadia nutans Geranium solanderi Kennedia prostrata crassifolium Rounded Noon-flower Nodding Saltbush Austral Cranesbill Running Postman

An excellent succulent for binding sandy soil An excellent groundcover for dry gardens, An attractive perennial herb with delicate Trailing, hardy and adaptable groundcover. and stabilising erosion. rockeries and embankments. flowers. Grows well in rockeries or hanging baskets where flowers can cascade down the sides. Natural vegetation community Natural vegetation community Natural vegetation community • Dune scrub/woodland. • Heath/woodland and Dune scrub/ • Heath/woodland. Natural vegetation community woodland. • Heath/woodland and Dune scrub/woodland. Size and habit Size and habit • A fast-growing groundcover that can reach Size and habit • An easily grown plant that will readily Size and habit a width of 1-2m within a year. • A scrambling plant that grows 1-2m wide. produce seedlings. • Groundcover with long, slender trailing • Fast growing. Can tend to smother other • Forms a dense cover to a width stems. Flowers and foliage plants but easily restricted. of 50cm-1.5m. • Generally spreads to 1-2m. • The succulent, rounded leaves are usually bright green, but can change to orange Flowers and foliage Flowers and foliage Flowers and foliage and purple in some situations. • Attractive green leaves. • Green, deeply-lobed leaves. • Attractive grey-green leaves with a soft • Produces a carpet of purple flowers from • Clusters of small red/orange flowers from • Pale pink flowers from October to texture and wavy edges. October to February. December to March. February. • Bright red, pea-shaped flowers with Preferred growing conditions • Succulent, small, red berries after a yellow centre. Flowers from April to flowering. Preferred growing conditions December. • Grows in all local soils. • Well-drained soil. • Dark brown leathery pods to 7cm. • Tolerates wet or dry conditions. Preferred growing conditions • Tolerates wet soil. Preferred growing conditions • Full sun. • Grows in all soil types and tolerates • Part sun. a dry soil. • Well-drained soil. • Tolerates saline soil and salt winds. • Does not tolerate salt winds. • Full or part sun. • Full to part shade. • Tolerates moderately salty winds. • Tolerates salt winds.

34 Live Bayside Plant Bayside Live Bayside Plant Bayside 35 HERBS AND GROUNDCOVERS HERBS AND GROUNDCOVERS

Lagenifera stipitata Lobelia alata Pelargonium australe Viola hederacea Common Bottle-daisy Angled Lobelia Austral Stork’s-bill Native Violet

An attractive, small daisy. Suitable for An attractive plant for frog gardens or A pretty, sprawling groundcover may die An attractive plant for rockeries, pots and containers and can be established under containers. back in summer to re-shoot in autumn. garden beds if kept moist. trees, provided moisture is available. Natural vegetation community Natural vegetation community Natural vegetation community Natural vegetation community • Heath/woodland. • Dune scrub/woodland. • Heath/woodland and Dune scrub/woodland. • Heath/woodland. Size and habit Size and habit Size and habit Size and habit • A herb that spreads by layering, reaching • A fast-growing, matting groundcover that • A showy groundcover with creeping stems • Grows from 5-25cm high. a height and width of 30cm. is excellent for binding sandy soil. spreading from 1-2m. • Grows to a height of 30-60cm and a width Flowers and foliage Flowers and foliage Flowers and foliage of 30cm-1m. • Masses of white flowers with purple centres • Basal rosette of dark green leaves. • Angular stems and long, narrow leaves. • Prune back old growth after flowering to mainly from June to March. • Attractive small, mauve flowers September • Small, pale blue fan-shaped flowers near encourage new growth. • Attractive, green, kidney-shaped leaves. to March. the stem most of the year. • Easily divided and transplanted. Preferred growing conditions Preferred growing conditions Preferred growing conditions Flowers and foliage • Moist to wet soil. • Adaptable to moist, well-drained soils. • Grows in most soil types, but • Clusters of pink/white flowers on long • Full to part sun. requires moist soil. stalks from October to February. • Grows in full sun to complete shade. • Tolerates moderately salty winds • Full to part sun. • Aromatic, rounded leaves. • Moderately tolerates salt wind.

Preferred growing conditions • Well-drained soils. • Full sun to part sun. • Tolerates salt winds.

36 Live Bayside Plant Bayside Live Bayside Plant Bayside 37 GRASSES AND FLAXES

Austrostipa mollis Austrostipa stipoides Soft Spear-grass Prickly Spear-grass

An attractive plant with pale, feathery seed A slow-growing tussock grass that is heads that is impressive when planted in attractive, tough and long-lived. a group. Natural vegetation community Natural vegetation community • Dune scrub/woodland. Grasses • Grassy woodland. Size and habit Size and habit • Can take around 3 years to reach a good and Flaxes • A fast growing grass that grows to 30cm size. high and 50cm wide. Stems to 1.5m high. • Grows between 1.0-1.5m high and wide. Most grasses and flaxes Flowers and foliage Flowers and foliage are both tough and • An easily grown tufted grass with • Long pale-coloured flower heads long-lived making them attractive seed heads. September to November. • Flowers from October to January. • Leaves are a striking brown/bronze and suitable to grow in a • Prune hard after flowering to maintain prickly. Excellent in mass planting. range of conditions and vigour. Preferred growing conditions are excellent contrast Preferred growing conditions • Grows in all soil types. plants in the garden. • Does not tolerate salt wind. • Prefers full sun. • Tolerates salt winds.

Patersonia occidentalis Long Purple-Flag

38 Live Bayside Plant Bayside Live Bayside Plant Bayside 39 GRASSES AND FLAXES GRASSES AND FLAXES

Dianella brevicaulis Dianella laevis var. laevis Microlaena stipoides Patersonia occidentalis (formerly Dianella revoluta var. brevicaulis) (formerly Dianella longifolia var. longifolia) Weeping Grass Long Purple-flag Small-flower Flax-lily Pale Flax-lily

A moderately fast-growing and easy to This easy to maintain lily makes an attractive Weeping Grass forms a native lawn that A spectacular plant when in flower, maintain plant. A popular choice in traffic garden or container plant. can be mown regularly or left to produce particularly when mass planted. islands. delightful weeping flower heads. Can be Natural vegetation community sensitive to foot traffic and dog urine, but Natural vegetation community • Heath/woodland. an excellent front lawn alternative. • Heath/woodland. Natural vegetation community • Heath/woodland and Dune scrub/woodland. Size and habit Natural vegetation community Size and habit • Forms a tufted clump with thick roots and • Heath/woodland and Dune scrub/ • A compact plant that grows from 20-40cm Size and habit short underground tubers. woodland. high to 30-60cm wide. • Forms a rounded tussock around 60-90cm • Grows to a height of 30-80cm and a width • Not always long-lived, but will rejuvenate high and wide. Size and habit of 50cm. when the dead thatch is burned. • Foliage grows typically 30-50cm tall from Flowers and foliage • Long-lived. short underground runners. Flowers and foliage • Shiny, green strap-like leaves. Flowers and foliage • Fine leaves 2-4mm wide if left unmown, • Attractive purple flowers from September • Dainty blue-mauve, star-shaped flowers with • Light green, strappy leaves. or very fine if regularly mown. to January. yellow and black centres from September to • Shorter, strappy green foliage. December. • Pale blue flowers from August to January. Flowers and foliage • Soft emerald green leaves. • Flowers grow on short stems among the Preferred growing conditions Preferred growing conditions foliage. • Narrow, arching flower heads from • Grows in all well-drained soil types. • Grows in most soil types. • Shiny dark blue to deep purple berries after September to November. • Full to part sun. • Suitable for pond edges. flowering. • Tolerates moderately salty winds. Preferred growing conditions • Tolerates inundation during winter and Preferred growing conditions • Grows in all soils. some dryness during summer. • Grows in all soil types and tolerates a dry • Grows best with some shade and • Full or part sun. soil. reliable moisture. • Full or part sun. • Tolerates moderate to high salt winds.

40 Live Bayside Plant Bayside Live Bayside Plant Bayside 41 GRASSES AND FLAXES GRASSES AND FLAXES

Poa labillardieri Poa sieberiana Rytidosperma geniculatum Themeda triandra (formerly Austrodanthonia geniculata) Common Tussock-grass Grey Tussock-grass Kangaroo Grass Kneed Wallaby-grass

Ornamental tussock-forming grass for This attractive blue-green grass is A useful grass in lawns as it is slow growing A great feature tussock in the garden or garden beds and rockeries that looks adaptable and establishes well under and requires little mowing. mass planted. great planted amongst other grasses of existing eucalypts. varying height and texture. Natural vegetation community Natural vegetation community Natural vegetation community • Heath/woodland. • Heath/woodland. Natural vegetation community • Grassy woodlands. • Grassy woodlands. Size and habit Size and habit Size and habit • Slow to establish. • Tussock leaves grow to 40cm high and Size and habit • Forms a dense robust tussock. • Forms a small, tufted plant that is often 80cm wide. • A vigorous tussock-grass that forms large • Grows 15-30cm high and 40cm wide. bent near the base. • Stems grow above the plant to 70-90cm clumps up to 70cm tall and 75cm wide. • Grows 10-30cm high and 20-30cm wide. flowering from September to March. Flowers and foliage Flowers and foliage • Forms a dense green to blue-green tuft Flowers and foliage Flowers and foliage • Fine, dull green or blue-green leaves. with fine inrolled leaves. • Very fine, hairy leaves on slender stems. • Leaves vary in colour from blue-green to • Cut back every few years to de-thatch • Leaves often curly towards the tips. reddish-brown. dead leaves. • Forms a very dense cluster of fluffy • Flowers are green and purplish or flower-heads on stems that are up to • Lovely coppery, purple or rust-coloured • Produces many flowering stems to 1m tall sometimes straw-coloured. 30cm tall. flower heads on gently arching stems. October to February. • Flower stem grows to 80cm tall. • Flowers from October to December. Preferred growing conditions Preferred growing conditions Preferred growing conditions Preferred growing conditions • Will tolerate most soils, but performs best • An adaptable grass that thrives in most in well-drained soils. • Grows in most soil types • Most soils, but prefers heavier dry soil. soils with reliable moisture. • Grows in full or part sun. • Tolerates dry conditions. • Full to part sun. • Perfect for full sun to part shade. • Tolerates moderate salt winds. • Full to part sun, but tends to grow larger • Tolerates moderate salt winds. • Drought tolerant once established. in shaded areas. • Tolerates moderately salty winds. • Tolerates moderate salt wind.

42 Live Bayside Plant Bayside Live Bayside Plant Bayside 43 RUSHES AND SEDGES Rushes and Sedges These plants have become increasingly popular in landscaping, adding beauty, form, colour and texture variations to the garden.

Ficinia nodosa Juncus spp. Knobby Club-sedge Rushes

A popular contrast plant and excellent for Common plants of moist areas and useful for binding soils in moist areas. stabilising slopes. There is a wide variety of attractive, tufting rushes. Natural vegetation community Natural vegetation community • Heath/woodland and Dune scrub/woodland. • Heath/woodland and Dune scrub/woodland. Size and habit Size and habit • Tufted, wiry leaves grow to 50cm-1.5m high and 60cm-2m wide. • Most rush form a dense tussock from 50cm -1.5m. • Look great as mass planting or around the edge of a frog pond. Flowers and foliage Flowers and foliage • They generally produce a range of attractive brown flower heads in the • Distinctive round, brown flower head for summer months. most of the year make this an attractive feature plant. Preferred growing conditions Preferred growing conditions • Adaptable to most soils provided they are moist. • Grows in all local soil types provided they are moist. Can tolerate some drying out. • Full to part sun. • Full or part sun. • Does not tolerate salt winds. • Does not tolerate salt winds.

Lomandra Filiformis Wattle Mat-rush

44 Live Bayside Plant Bayside Live Bayside Plant Bayside 45 RUSHES AND SEDGES Small shrubs Ideal shelter or feature plants, small indigenous shrubs provide colour, texture and layers within the garden. They also provide habitat and food, Lomandra longifolia Lomandra multiflora Spiny-headed Mat-rush Multi-flowered Mat-rush particularly for a variety of birds and butterflies. A lovely, graceful tussock for difficult spots, An attractive, tufted plant with beautiful rockeries and embankments. flowers.

Natural vegetation community Natural vegetation community • Heath/woodland and Dune • Heath/woodland. scrub/woodland. Size and habit Size and habit • Moderately slow growing. • Hardy, fast growing after the first year. • Grows to 30-50cm high and wide. • Grows up to 1m high and wide. Flowers and foliage Flowers and foliage • Long, narrow greyish leaves. • Many clusters of small, yellow flowers • Showy yellow flowers with a long flowering with purple bases extending to 15cm period from June to Januar y. long from September to December. • Greenish-brown to brownish-orange Preferred growing conditions capsules remain on the plant for most • Well-drained sands or clays. of the year. • Full to part sun. • Smooth, bright green strap-like leaves. • Tolerates extended dry periods once established. Preferred growing conditions • Does not tolerate salt winds. • Grows in most soil types. • Performs best well-drained soils. Will tolerate dry periods. • Full or part sun. • Tolerates moderate salt winds. Daviesia ulicifolia spp. ulicifolia Gorse Bitter-pea

46 Live Bayside Plant Bayside Live Bayside Plant Bayside 47 SMALL SHRUBS SMALL SHRUBS

Bossiaea cinerea Correa alba Correa reflexa Epacris impressa Showy Bossiaea White Correa Common Correa Common Heath

An ornamental shrub with masses of colourful A hardy shrub that responds well to pruning. It is important to buy the local indigenous Victoria’s floral emblem and a very pretty yellow and red pea flowers. form of this plant and not those sold in small shrub, displaying an abundance of Natural vegetation community commercial nurseries to avoid polluting the dainty white or pink flowers. Attractive Natural vegetation community • Dune scrub/woodland. local gene pool. rockery plant and spectacular when mass • Heath/woodland. planted. Size and habit Natural vegetation community Size and habit • A dense, spreading shrub that is • Heath/woodland. Natural vegetation community • Moderately fast growing plant. moderately slow-growing. • Heath/woodland. Size and habit • Dense rounded or spreading shrub. • Grows to 1-2m high and wide. • A fairly fast-growing plant. Size and habit • Grows to 1-2m high and 1-2m wide. • An excellent hedging plant. • Grows to 30cm-2m high and 1-2m wide. • A small, upright, wiry shrub to 1.5m tall, • Prune hard after flowering to encourage a Flowers and foliage branching near the base. more compact shrub. • Prune lightly after flowering to encourage • Grey-green leaves, pale and hairy a more compact shrub. Flowers and foliage Flowers and foliage underneath. Flowers and foliage • Narrow, sharply pointed leaves. • Dull green leaves, with bronze new growth. • Waxy, white star-shaped flowers most of • Soft, hairy leaves with wrinkled margins. • Variable flower colour. • Profuse yellow and red flowers from August the year. • An abundance of flowers crowd along the to December. • Bell-like flowers vary from red to green Preferred growing conditions appearing from March to September. branches from March to November. Preferred growing conditions • Grows in all well-drained soils. Preferred growing conditions Preferred growing conditions • Adapts to most well-drained soils. • Once established it will tolerate moisture • Grows in all local well-drained soils. • Requires moist, well-drained soils. • Tolerates dry conditions once established. for extended dry periods. • Tolerates limited dry and wet periods • Tolerates salt winds once established. • Tolerates dry conditions. • Tolerates moderately salty winds. once established. • Tolerates moderately salty winds. • Grows in full to part sun. • Does not tolerate salt winds.

48 Live Bayside Plant Bayside Live Bayside Plant Bayside 49 SMALL SHRUBS SMALL SHRUBS

Goodenia ovata Hibbertia sericea Lasiopetalum bauri Leucophyta brownii Hop Goodenia Silky Guinea-flower Slender Velvet-bush Cushion Bush

An easily propagated, versatile plant that is A moderately fast-growing shrub with An elegant plant that is locally rare but readily Attractive, low shrub makes excellent great for brightening shady garden settings. beautiful bright flowers. available from nurseries. contrast plant or hedging plant.

Natural vegetation community Natural vegetation community Natural vegetation community Natural vegetation community • Heath/woodland and Dune scrub/woodland. • Heath/woodland. • Dune scrub. • Dune scrub/woodland.

Size and habit Size and habit Size and habit Size and form • A fast-growing shrub that responds well to • A small erect shrub. • Moderately fast growing. • Grows 20cm-1m high and 50cm-2m wide. pruning to maintain a compact form. • Needs care in the establishment phase, • Responds very well to regular pruning. • Regular pruning rather than hard pruning • Grows to 1-2m high and 1-3m wide. but long-lived once established. • Grows to 1-1.5m high and 1m wide. promotes new growth and a more compact • Grows 30-60cm high and 60cm wide. form. Flowers and foliage Flowers and foliage • Grey foliage is able to reflect light at night, • Bright green, oval-shaped leaves. Flowers and foliage • Narrow, long grey-green leaves above and making this a useful plant for defining • Small, vibrant yellow flowers from August • Dark green leaves. rust coloured underneath. pathways. to February. • Beautiful clusters of yellow flowers from • Small drooping clusters of pink-white October to December. flowers from October to February. Flowers and foliage Preferred growing conditions • Unique, grey scale-like leaves. • Favours damp soils, but tolerates dryness. Preferred growing conditions Preferred growing conditions • Cream to pale yellow globular flowers from • Full to part sun. • Well-drained, sandy soils. Avoid clay. • Dry, well-drained soil. September to December. • Tolerates moderately salty winds. • Full sun but seems to prefer part shade. • Full to part sun. Preferred growing conditions • Tolerates moderately salty winds. • Useful for dry, shady conditions. • Well-drained soil, tolerates alkaline soil. • Tolerates salt winds. • Full to part sun. • Tolerates salt spray.

50 Live Bayside Plant Bayside Live Bayside Plant Bayside 51 LARGE SHRUBS Large Shrubs Ideal screening or feature plants, large indigenous plants provide food and shelter Acacia stricta Indigofera australis as well as adding Hop Wattle Austral Indigo layer and contrast within a garden. This fast-growing, slender shrub is an The Austral Indigo is a member of the Pea ideal refuge for small birds and a useful family and produces branches of beautiful screening plant. mauve and pink pea flowers.

Natural vegetation community Natural vegetation community • Heath/woodland. • Heath/woodland.

Size and habit Size and habit • A fairly open shrub. • A graceful, open shrub. • Good windbreak. • Useful for understorey planting. • Grows to a height of 2-5m tall and 2-4m • Benefits from pruning after flowering to wide. maintain bushiness. • Grows to a height of 1-2m and a Flowers and foliage width of 1m. • Pale yellow ball flowers from May to October. Flowers and foliage • Long, pale green leaves. • Blue-green feathery leaves. • Abundant sprays of mauve to pink flowers Preferred growing conditions from September to November. • Grows in most well-drained soil, but is drought tolerant. Preferred growing conditions • Full sun to complete shade. • Any well-drained soil. • Tolerates moderately salty winds. • Water regularly during dry periods. • Grows in full sun to shade. • Tolerates moderately salty winds.

Ricinocarpos pinifolius Wedding Bush

52 Live Bayside Plant Bayside Live Bayside Plant Bayside 53 LARGE SHRUBS LARGE SHRUBS

Melaleuca squarrosa Myoporum insulare Olearia axillaris Viminaria juncea Scented Paperbark Common Boobialla Coast Daisy-bush Golden Spray

An attractive shrub with unusual leaves and An attractive, dense shrub useful for A striking shrub that creates contrast and A beautiful weeping shrub with an attractive fragrant flowers. screening. interest in a garden. display of yellow pea flowers.

Natural vegetation community Natural vegetation community Natural vegetation community Natural vegetation community • Heath/woodland. • Dune scrub/woodland. • Dune scrub/woodland. • Heath/woodland..

Size and habit Size and habit Size and habit Size and habit • Grows to 2-5m high and 1-2m wide. • Fast-growing and long-lived. • A dense shrub that grows 1-2m high and • An open shrub with drooping branches. • Responds well to pruning and is suitable • Grows to 2-5m high and 3-6m wide. wide. • Grows to 2-5m high and 2m wide. for hedging or screening. • Dense habit shades out understorey. • Benefits from pruning after flowering. • A short-lived shrub that can become untidy after a few years. Flowers and foliage Flowers and foliage Flowers and foliage • Stiff, dark green triangular leaves. • Smooth, dark green leaves. • Attractive, aromatic leaves that are dark Flowers and foliage green above and silver underneath. • Spikes of scented cream to yellow flowers • Clusters of fragrant white flowers with • Long, flexible branches, virtually leafless. from September to February. purple spots from October to November. • Small yellow flowers from February • Fragrant, yellow flowers from October to to April. February. Preferred growing conditions Preferred growing conditions Preferred growing conditions • Moist to wet soils of all local types. • Well-drained sandy soil tolerating dryness Preferred growing conditions • Full to part sun. once established. • Well-drained, dry sandy soils. • Adaptable to poorly-drained soils. • Tolerates moderately salty winds. • Full to part sun. • Full sun. • Full to part sun. • Tolerates salt winds. • Tolerates salt winds. • Tolerates moderately salty winds.

54 Live Bayside Plant Bayside Live Bayside Plant Bayside 55 TREES

Acacia implexa Acacia melanoxylon Lightwood Blackwood

A graceful, long-lived wattle, useful as a Blackwood is a fast-growing screening or screen plant or shade tree and looks great feature tree that is mildly drought-tolerant. planted in groups. The dark fissured bark Hardy and adaptable. and sickle-shaped phyllodes (flattened stalks that replace true leaves) add great Natural vegetation community textures to the garden. • Heath/woodland.

Natural vegetation community Size and habit • Heath/woodland. • Grows 5-10m high and 4-6m wide. • Narrow and upright in shady conditions Size and habit and a broad shade tree in the open when • Fast-growing, slender tree that grows to sufficient moisture is available. 6m. Flowers and foliage Flowers and foliage • Matte green foliage. Trees • Light green foliage. • Often produces a dense crown, almost to • Attractive sprays of pale yellow flowers the ground. from October to November, and Trees provide excellent shade • Round, pale yellow to creamy coloured sometimes again in autumn. flowers from July to October. and shelter, and contribute to Preferred growing conditions the maintenance of biodiversity Preferred growing conditions • Thrives in dry, sunny spots with • Grows best in deep, moist soil, but is through the provision of wildlife shallow soil. adaptable. • Will also tolerate moist, well-drained • Tolerates some dryness once established. movement corridors and habitat. soil types. • Full to part shade. • Full to part sun. • Does not tolerate salty winds. • Tolerates moderately salty winds. Eucalyptus melliodora Yellow Box

56 Live Bayside Plant Bayside Live Bayside Plant Bayside 57 TREES TREES

Allocasuarina verticillata Banksia integrifolia Banksia marginata Eucalyptus pauciflora Drooping She-oak Coast Banksia Silver Banksia Snow Gum or White Sallee

A tall, graceful tree that is ideal as a feature tree A sturdy and attractive tree that is a useful A striking feature tree or excellent screening A feature tree of striking beauty with its white or screening. An attractive feature is the sound ornamental shade tree in the garden. Also plant. bark, shiny leaves and open canopy. of the wind passing through the fine branchlets useful as a windbreak or screening plant on of the Drooping She-oak. larger properties. Natural vegetation community Natural vegetation community • Heath/woodland and Dune scrub/ • Heath/woodland. Natural vegetation community Natural vegetation community woodland. • Dune scrub/woodland. • Dune scrub/woodland. Size and habit Size and habit • A low-branching, spreading tree of Size and habit Size and habit • A beautiful tree that grows to 1-5m high relatively small size. • An erect tree with a dense rounded canopy. • Moderately fast-growing and long-lived and 2-3m wide. • Grows 5-10m high and 6-10m wide. • Grows to 4-11m high and 3-6m wide. tree. • Can be quite open or dense depending • Grows to 10-20m high and 5-10m wide. on the form and pruning. Flowers and foliage Flowers and foliage • Attractive, woolly, brown new growth • Shiny, bright green leaves. Flowers and foliage • Fine weeping branches. encouraged by pruning. • White to cream flowers from October to • Small male flowers from March to • Dark green leaves with silvery January. December provide a golden effect. undersides. Flowers and foliage • Striking, pale yellow flowers on terminal • Grey-green leaves on top with silver Preferred growing conditions Preferred growing conditions spikes from February to September. undersides. • Grows in all local moist to dry soils. • Adaptable to all local well-drained soils. • Striking bright yellow flower spikes from • Full to part sun. Preferred growing conditions • Grows in full sun. September to April. • Does not tolerate salt winds. • Grows in all well-drained local soils. • Tolerates salt winds. • Responds well to summer watering. Preferred growing conditions • Full to part sun. • Well-drained local soils, but tolerates being wet in winter and dry in summer. • Tolerates salt winds. • Grows in full to part sun. • Tolerates moderately salty winds.

58 Live Bayside Plant Bayside Live Bayside Plant Bayside 59 TREES Pest Plants What is a pest plant? When a plant thrives and invades an area where they do not naturally occur they are known as a pest plant, weed or invasive species.

Leptospermum laevigatum Seeds and cuttings can be carried It is therefore important to know which Eucalyptus viminalis subsp. many kilometres by wind, water, tools, garden plants are a problem in pryoriana Coast Manna-gum Coast Tea-tree vehicles, clothing, pets, birds and Bayside and avoid planting them or animals. Plants can spread from people consider removing them if they are An ornamental tree best suited to large An excellent screening plant or a beautiful dumping garden cuttings in reserves already in your garden. feature tree in the garden. gardens. and waterways. The following section contains a small Natural vegetation community Natural vegetation community Pest plants are a problem because sample of Bayside pest plants. For a • Heath/woodland and Dune scrub/woodland. • Dune scrub/woodland. they out-compete indigenous plants more extensive list of the many pest for light, water and nutrients. plants that threaten our plant Size and habit Size and habit In a short time they can replace communities visit: • Grows 2-8m high and 2-4m wide. • Grows to 8-16m high and 5-12m wide. indigenous plants, effectively removing www.delwp.vic.gov.au • Short trunk and spreading crown. • Can be pruned to create a hedge. the food source and habitat of local fauna. and search ‘weeds’. • Fast-growing. • Twisting, gnarled trunk with flaking bark adds interest with age. Flowers and foliage • Narrow, sickle-shaped, dark green leaves. Flowers and foliage • White flowers from March to May. • Flat, dull-green leaves. • Attractive white flowers from August to Preferred growing conditions October. Pest plants are a problem • An adaptable plant that tolerates all soils. Preferred growing conditions • Full to part sun. because they out-compete • All local, well-drained soils. • Tolerates moderate salty winds. indigenous plants for light, • Tolerates dryness once established. • Full to part sun. water and nutrients. • Tolerates salt winds. Blue Periwinkle

60 Live Bayside Plant Bayside Live Bayside Plant Bayside 61 PEST PLANT REPLACEMENT PLANT PEST PLANT REPLACEMENT PLANT

Agapanthus Maderia Agapanthus praecox Anredera cordifolia subsp. praecox Spreading Characteristics: Climbing lignum Characteristics: Flax-lily Can grow 10m in Muehlenbeckia Spread by seed and Dianella admixta one growing season. adpressa dumped garden waste.

Black Nightshade Mirror Bush Solanum nigrum Coprosma repens Characteristics: Characteristics: Distinctive green to Hop Goodenia Shiny, green leaves Sea Box black berries. Goodenia ovata popular for making Alyxia buxifolia skippy whistles.

Bridal Creeper Pampas Lily Asparagus of the Valley asparagoides Salpichroa origanifolia Small-leaved Common Characteristics: Clematis Characteristics: A Apple-berry Highly invasive Clematis microphylla scrambling herb often Billardiera mutabilis Weed of National spread from dumped Significance. garden waste.

Cape Ivy Sweet Pittosporum Delairea odorata Pittosporum undulatum Characteristics: Common Common Seeds readily Apple-berry Characteristics: Boobialla dispersed by wind. Billardiera mutabilis Fleshy seed often Myoporum insulare spread by birds and animals.

Gazania Wandering Gazania rigens Tradescantia Common Tradescantia Characteristics: Purple Coral Pea Everlasting fluminensis Spread by wind, Hardenbergia Chysocephalum water and dumped Characteristics: violacea garden waste. apiculatum An evergreen creeper that forms a smothering mat.

62 Live Bayside Plant Bayside Live Bayside Plant Bayside 63 Disposal of weeds Further Reading

Once you have removed a weed, the question then becomes, how to Indigenous Plants of the Sandbelt: A Bush Invaders of South-East Australia. safely dispose of the plant material without causing it to further spread? Gardening Guide for South-eastern Adam Muyt, R.G. and F.J. Richardson, Melbourne. 2001. The most environmentally friendly option is to recycle your pest plant Rob Scott, et al, Earthcare St Kilda, 2002. Weeds of the South East: An Identification material at home. Some options include: Flora of Melbourne: A Guide to the Guide for Australia. Indigenous Plants of the Greater F.J. and R.G. Richardson, R.C.H. Shepherd, Composting - You can add weeds You can make your own compost heap Melbourne Area. 2011. to your compost bin or heap, but or you can purchase a compost bin from Marilyn Bull, Hyland House, 4th Edition, Bayside Native Vegetation Works Program remember some weeds are hardier than Council by visiting: 2014. others. You need to generate enough www.bayside.vic.gov.au. - Stage 1, prepared for Bayside City heat for the microorganisms to break Native Trees and Shrubs of South Eastern Council, Ecology Australia, 2013 Chicken Feed - Chooks will happily Australia. down the weed material. Bayside Native Vegetation Works Program feed on a wide variety of herbaceous Leon Costermans, Reed New Holland, - Stage 2, prepared for Bayside City weeds. 2009. Council, Ecology Australia, 2013 Native Plants of Melbourne and Adjoining Areas. Make your own weed tea (For your plants to drink, not humans!) David and Barbara Jones, Blooming Books, 1999. You will need: 3. Leave your tea to brew 5. Dilute approx. one part • A pile of weeds for five or six weeks, tea to 10 parts water (it Environmental Weeds: A Field Guide for • A bucket or bin or until the weeds have needs to look like weak SE Australia. with a lid decomposed into a brown tea). Kate Blood, Blooming Books, 2009. sludge. (This means the • A large porous sack 6. Apply your “liquid nutrients and minerals (an old pillow slip gold” to any nutrient- in the weeds have been works well) hungry plants you have, released into the water). Method: such as fruit trees and Websites 4. Remove your “teabag” vegetables and watch 1. Stuff your weeds into and allow to drain. The tea them thrive! Indigenous Flora & Fauna Association the porous sack and bag material can now be www.iffa.org.au submerge into a large placed in your compost or bucket or bin of water. Australian Plant Society, Victoria worm farm. www.apsvic.org.au 2. Seal your bucket with a lid as the brew will start to The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria smell very pungent! www.fncv.org.au Sustainable Gardening Australia Source: www.sgaonline.org.au www.greenlifesoil.com.au Weeds Australia www.weeds.org.au Avoid stockpiling weedy material as these weed piles may reshoot and set down roots again if left. Department of Environment, Alternatively, weeds can be placed in your green waste kerbside collection bin, a fortnightly service Land, Water & Planning. for garden weeds, noxious weeds, grass clippings, pruning and small branches. www.delwp.vic.gov.au

64 Live Bayside Plant Bayside Live Bayside Plant Bayside 65