The botanical gardens in Adelaide contain many charms and peaceful glades to retreat to.
I recently discovered a little nook that is quiet, peaceful and native. The setting is delightfully fragrant and green. Yet it is entirely made up of Australian natives.
Location
The Australian native garden is next to the Wine Centre, which is on the corner of Hackney Road and North terrace. Enter via the Botanical gardens entrances or the Wine Centre.
Walking through the wine centre towards the native garden
In these days of high water bills and our dry, hot climate, it makes sense to consider native plants.
This is about designing a garden for our local conditions, choosing plants that use appropriate amounts of water, choosing plants that won't become weeds, providing a habitat for birds, butterflies and all of the small fauna that lives locally.
Emu Bush plant in the native garden
In addition to taking photos for this article, I also aim to take some of the pictures to my local nursery, perhaps the State Flora nursery at Belair National Park, to obtain some of these wondrous native plants and ground cover plants.
Garden spaces
The Native garden sets a high standard in design, especially creative in the use of small spaces.
Garden design
It is described as: a living,
breathing and beautiful place where plants, animals and human creativity come together to surprise us.
In this garden and the spaces within you will find plants and ideas that show just a few of many ways to use and enjoy native plants.
A native garden gives something to everyone – and does not cost the earth.
The garden was designed by Kate Cullity, who has cleverly built the garden around the existing features using the heritage stone walls, ground levels and shade trees. She's also divided the garden into various 'rooms.'
Native garden features
The native garden contains pieces of art and sculpture, some remnants from the past, even recycled road signs. I guess the key is to use your imagination.
Sculpture in the garden
For further info on sustainable gardens there is a range of brochures available on the Sustainable Garden principles and also an online
Landscapes Alive Plant Selector.
If you are looking for inspiration for a garden update and makeover, or just a quiet place to explore and reflect in, the Australian Native garden is a real find.
Australian Native Garden
