Brisbane based – looking for ideas on what to plant in our yard. There is a garden bed at the top of the retaining wall and we are going to put one on ground level as well. I would like to cover a lot of the fence and retaining wall so they don't stand out as much. We can't drill into the wall but I'd be happy to put a trellis using stakes etc. I am thinking a pumpkin vine at the top, purely for easy access. I just don't think we would eat that many pumpkins though. I am also thinking a passionfruit vine on the back fence.
I am open to ideas on flowers/veges/herbs. We are putting a vege garden in our front yard so it's not a must to have any in the backyard.
The retaining wall is about 2m high at the highest point but we are going to put a cubby in that corner.
by Active-Teach-7630
4 Comments
Match what you plant to your microclimate. Is it hot and dry with full shade? Mostly sun? What’s the soil like?
Whatever it is your wanting to plant: when you decide the dominant canopy species – plant it first then construct the rest. As this will change the microclimate. Ie if you plant a bunch of bottle brush you’ll have more shade and thus could benefit from a healthy dash of native violet as the groundcover etc
A callistemon hedge to hide the fence might be nice. Its a native has bright coloured flowers and beneficial for the wildlife
This will be so fun! I’m jealous!
As others have said investigate your climate etc first. Soil type, sun/shade time will impact what you can and can’t plant. You can also walk around your neighbourhood and local parks and see what is thriving.
I would recommend a passionfruit vine, they don’t last forever but they are pretty, have flowers for bees and produce incredible fruit. Their root system is shallow and wide so take that into consideration when watering.
Pumpkins are fun and easy, and if you have too many you give them away at work/school and also side of the road as I have done many times. Living in bris you could grow a monster patch of basil and tomatoes possibly all year round.
I have been following this lovely lady for years, she specialises in growing in Brissy. https://loveofdirt.com.au/
A couple of grevillea honey gems to attract the birds, and then an edible garden for the kids? Kids love harvesting food and watering plants. A native bee hotel at eye level is always fun for the kids to watch.