With the cooler months approaching, now is the perfect time to get out in the garden and start planting.

But which plants should you choose and where exactly should you put them?  We spoke to our Parks and Landscape, Landscape Architects Jenny Cooper and Craig Carpenter for some handy tips tailored to Freo’s environment.

Plan around the elements               

Wind is a key factor here in our port city with the Freo Doctor arriving in the afternoons. Check to see whether some parts of your garden are more protected from the sea breeze and choose your plants accordingly.

Sheoak or Rottnest Island Teatrees are strong native plants that will do well in windy conditions. It’s also important to know where the sun hits your garden and how that changes over the course of the year. Some plants will need full sun to thrive such as Banskias, while others will enjoy shadier spots like ferns and some native plants. 

Be sure to also take into account your soil type before choosing your plants. Soil in Freo is typically full of limestone, which is known as Cottesloe Soil. Native Wisteria, Cats Paw and Grass Trees are well suited for this soil or for a more comprehensive list check out this handy guide from APACE.

Be waterwise

On average almost half of our household water is used on our gardens! But choosing waterwise plants can help reduce that significantly. WA natives are well suited to Freo’s environment. You can find more waterwise plants suited to your suburb by using Water Corporation’s Waterwise plant finder.

Banksia is a great option for a waterwise native garden.

Seedlings versus mature trees

Not sure whether to plant seedlings or opt for established trees? Seedlings are more cost effective, become more robust and have quicker growth rate once established. The downfall however is that not all seedlings will survive, with typically a quarter failing. To help improve the survival rate, make sure to remove any weeds to prevent competition. Seedlings will also take some time to grow before you notice much of a difference in your garden. But if you have the patience, they will make for stronger plants!

Low maintenance plants

If you’re not much of a green thumb, then it’s best to pick plants that require little maintenance. Shrubs and groundcovers such as Scaevola and Olearia have adapted to harsh conditions and require minimal work compared to more exotic plants. Alternatively you could opt for succulents for an even hardier, low-maintenance garden.

Make the most of a small backyard

Don’t let the size of your backyard stop you from creating a beautiful garden. Small trees such as Acacia, Callistemon, Grevillea and small Eucalypts are well suited to smaller yards. You could also opt for planting fruit trees such as lemon, mandarin or limes.

Leave it to the professionals

If you’re still unsure on where to start, head over to APACE Nursery in North Fremantle for their expert advice on native gardens. 
Freo residents can purchase up to 40 native plants for the subsidised price of just $1.75 each from APACE WA this May.
Simply download and fill out the voucher from the City of Fremantle website, take it down to Apace Nursery in North Fremantle along with proof of residence like a rates notice or utility bill and claim your half price plants.