With the changes to the environment and frequent reports that species of birds are dying out, not to mention the plight of the bees – it is easy to feel helpless and overwhelmed. But by making simple changes to your garden and plant selection, you can create a safe haven for native birds and bees. It may seem like a small thing to do, but an influx of colourful birds, and some precious blue-banded bees will speak for itself.

native garden

Attracting native animals to your garden requires some care and careful plant selection. You may want to go as far as introducing an animal species to your garden such as native stingless bees. They can be purchased and homed in your garden. The honey may be small in amount (less than a kilo per year), but it is big on deliciousness! And these bees are super-good at what bees do best – pollinate.

In order to create a haven for native birds, you need both big and small plants. Smaller birds like an ‘understory’ of bushes for protection and for nesting, as well as taller trees and large bushes. Water is another bird attractor. Elevated bird baths are more attractive to birds as it is easier to fly away if danger comes near (cats without bells – we are watching you!). Remember, birds are also great pollinators, so trees, shrubs and bushes that flower will be attractive to bees and birds.

Corymbia summer beauty

Great understory plants

Grevillea is one of the best bird plants there are. They are dense, prickly and they create safe, hidden caves for small birds. Protecting them from larger birds and other predators. There are so many varieties of grevillea available that you can quite easily select a range that will flower all year around, keeping those bees busy as well. Red and yellow flowers attract the most native wildlife.

Callistemons are also fantastically attractive. A wide variety of flower colour and size are available so it is easy to find something that will blend in with your existing landscaping.

Red flowers of bottle brush tree (Callistemon)

Canopy trees

Paperbark trees, larger bottlebrushes, tea trees and the ever popular lilly pilly. They all provide bird friendly environments as well as providing shade, and screening.

Other trees include lemon myrtle (use the leaves in tea) and any variety of gum tree. But make sure they won’t grow so large they become a problem for views and power-lines.

A garden teaming with life – both flora and fauna. A healthy garden that will continue to give all the benefits of a haven for animals and people alike.

For help planning a garden for a specific purpose, Stylish Gardens provide an expert and consultative service in the Inner West of Sydney. Contact us here

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Autumn is magical and it never ceases to amaze me.

As soon as I reach for extra layers of clothing, I know that within weeks I will be rewarded with a spectacular colourful display outside. The gorgeous foliage colours of reds, yellows and orange start shouting and suddenly the world around me looks very different. Simply stunning! Actually I prefer being in the passenger seat when I’m driving so I don’t miss any of it.

The flowers blooming in Spring are colourful and signify the start of something new. But Autumn is just so different each year due to the varied temperatures we have in Australia. Also each tree performs differently depending on the temperature zone. Yes Autumn is definitely my favourite season.

Where does the green go?

Within the plant itself!

Leaves contain green chlorophyll which produces the tree’s energy. In the winter, the energy is drawn into the plant for storage. With the light green stripped from the leaves we are left with the red, orange or yellow base that has been present there all along. This is the waste of the plant and will eventually fall off.

Cooler climate versus Sydney climate.
The same tree in the Blue Mountains, or any cold climate zone, has a slightly different autumn shade here in Sydney.

The cooler the climate, the more vibrant the colour will be.

It’s interesting too that long, hot summers somehow contribute to an even more spectacular autumn showcase.

Choosing the right plant!

• With the correct plant selection, autumn colour can bring a new dimension to your garden. By placing them correctly you can enjoy a fabulous succession of autumn colour in your garden.
• Consider the mature growth height and width of the plant before drawing a plan. Make sure the autumn colour varies and is placed appropriately.
• If you are grouping them, know when they change colour in the season and when they drop their leaves. Remember their colour can vary all over Sydney.
• If you want to make a statement with one single autumn tree/shrub, make sure it has a suitable backdrop, such as a conifer hedge behind it, to create a dramatic focus.

My favourite trees & shrubs

Love the golden leaf of the Ginko biloba. Elegantly stunning. The tree has a lovely shape too and suits suburban gardens. Also love the Nyssa Sinensis which turns a beautiful red colour. Perfectly shaped specimen tree for larger gardens. And what about the climber Boston ivy Parthenocissus Tricuspidata. It holds a dramatic display for several weeks before it drops its leaves.

And of course the Japanese maples. I particularly like the Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Seiryu’. This turns an amazing yellowish-gold to crimson in autumn. Very beautiful with its upright vase shape. It’s the perfect size for a mall garden or courtyard. Pop an uplight to show its spectacular skeleton in winter.

Go for a drive

Before all the leaves fall to the ground I suggest you watch this spectacular display from the seat of your car. Drive through the Blue Mountains, Mount Wilson, Mount Victoria, Hunter Valley or Canberra.

Take your camera, I bet you will start a collection of autumn images like I have.

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