Muddy Boots How-to: Mixing Natives and Exotic Plants in your Garden

23/01/2024 22 min
Muddy Boots How-to: Mixing Natives and Exotic Plants in your Garden

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Episode Synopsis

Today we explore the world of native and exotic plants. What is a native plant? What is an exotic plant?  How can we integrate these different designs into our garden spaces?Keith outlines some of the benefits of growing natives and exotics in the one garden. These include:Ability to grow different combinations by creating micro climates from exotic tree canopiesAesthetic appeal - creating colour combinations of both foliage and flowersSeasonal appeal - creating colour and interest throughout the year. Eg Casuarina glauca (Cousin It) and Ligularia reniformis and Miscanthus Sinensis “Flamingo”Deter pests - plants like rosemary and passionfruit both deter possums!Attract beneficial insectsLess maintenance generally with native plantsMany hybridized varieties of natives including Acacia Cognata “Mini Cog”, Westringia “Aussie Box” and “Grey Box” and grafted forms of Western Australian flowering gumLearn how to avoid exotic varieties becoming invasive! Eg Bamboo and Rice Paper PlantPhosphorus toxicity? Avoid any type of chicken manure. Keith recommends Neutrog’s Bush TuckerHear Keith’s ideas on the importance of foliage, form and colour!Good luck with your new eclectic mix of natives and exotics!Where you can find all things Muddy Boots!Website: https://www.muddyboots.net.au/Instagram: www.instagram.com/muddybootspodcast/ Facebook: Muddy Boots Podcast | Facebook