Episode: #2 09/09/2006
Presenter: Kim Syrus

Australian Native Plants are all the rage. Take a trip to your local garden centre or specialist nursery like State Flora in the Belair National Park and be amazed at the huge range on offer.

With all the choice, knowing where to start can be really difficult. So to help you out, we have selected some of the best performers for the Adelaide garden.

If you are thinking of ground covers then consider these two. Firstly the brilliant Grevillea lanigera, growing 1 metre wide and smothered in masses of pink and cream flowers from winter through spring. Or the Correa reflexa with its small, red yellow bell shaped blooms will carpet the ground brilliantly.

Low growing shrubs are always in demand. The Eremophila nivea with its stunning silvery foliage and bright purple blooms will add contrast, fine texture and a real wow factor to your yard

Thriptomines are always an excellent choice for a low growing shrub. Their tiny pale pink blooms appear like popcorn from winter through to spring. It is a real flowering treat!

The hardenbergia are not only beautifully coloured in both purple and white forms but they are so incredibly hardy and versatile. Left alone, hardenbergia will climb over a wall and cover a fence or, with a little trimming, they can make a wonderful shrub specimen.

Tall shrubs like the Australian Native Hibiscus, West Coast Gem with their large purple flowers do really well on the Adelaide plains.

Westringia's or Coastal Rosemary, while never spectacular are always reliable and super tough. Trim them up to make a great hedge and, as their name suggests, they just love the seaside.

If you have a courtyard garden or patio then why not consider planting in pots? Low growing shrubs like the Spider Net Grevillea, or the bright orange Lechenalaultia Formosa are ideal choices as they won't grow too large, are really easy to maintain and give brilliant colour.

No matter what size garden you have, there is bound to be an Australian Native plant to suit. With all the fantastic plants available, take your time, make up a shopping list, wander around and have some fun.

State Flora

within Belair National Park
PO Box 1
Belair SA 5052
Phone 08 82787777
Facsimile 08 82787

Trading hours
Monday - Friday 9-5pm
Sat/Sun/public holidays 10-5pm
Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day

www.stateflora.com.au/sf_pages/sf_location.html