A trend in Australian gardens: Regenerative, native and resilient
Many gardens across Australia are shaped by ornamentals borrowed from cooler, wetter climates. Lawns, clipped hedges and high-input flowers have long defined the idea of a well-kept landscape. Yet as seasons become less predictable, we are forced to question whether that model still makes sense.
At the same time, awareness of invasive species and their impact on local ecosystems has grown. Environmental weeds escaped from home gardens now contribute to biodiversity loss across vast areas of the country. We have learnt that a private garden is not separate from the broader landscape.
This shift in thinking has led to the rise of regenerative gardening, a practice focused not only on appearance, but function. Regenerative gardens aim to rebuild soil health, increase biodiversity and create resilience from the ground up, so that each season strengthens rather than depletes the system.
If you are considering moving from an ornamental garden to one built around local plants and regenerative principles, the following five steps offer a practical starting point.
1. Remove invasive and high-input plants
The transition to a regenerative garden begins with an assessment of what you already have. Start by identifying invasive or high-maintenance exotic species in your garden. Local council and state government weed lists provide a useful reference point.
Disturb the soil as little as possible. Excessive digging can collapse soil structure and disrupt important fungal networks. Instead, remove plants individually, lifting root systems carefully with a sharp spade and large fork. A hand weeder is useful for small plants like flatweed and catsear.
Wear thorn-proof gardening gloves and protective gear, as some exotic plants have abrasive stems and irritating sap. Leave large trees and difficult plants such as prickly pear to professionals.
Woody ornamentals can be cut back first using loppers or hand pruners to make removal more manageable. Dispose of all plant material responsibly to prevent further spread of problem species.
2. Rebuild soil structure and organic matter
Increasing soil organic matter improves water infiltration, reduces runoff and enhances drought resilience. Even modest gains in soil carbon can significantly improve moisture retention, a critical advantage in Australian conditions.
Many Australian native plants are adapted to low-nutrient soils and do not require rich feeding, so the goal is not fertility but function. Regenerative gardening focuses on improving structure and biological activity so roots can access water and nutrients already present. Soil that resists water penetration or forms hard crusts may benefit from light aeration with a cultivator or hand fork, taking care not to disturb deeper layers.
Apply compost suited to native plants and avoid high-phosphorus blends that may be unsuitable for many Australian species. Add organic mulch deep enough to protect soil from temperature extremes while allowing airflow at the base of stems.
Tools for Australian Gardeners
3. Plan a layered native or Indigenous framework
In natural Australian landscapes, vegetation exists in layers. Canopy trees provide shade and wind moderation, mid-storey shrubs create habitat and seasonal flowering and grasses and groundcovers stabilise soil and protect its surface.
Layered planting reduces evaporation, moderates temperature fluctuations and supports diverse insect populations. Studies of biodiverse plant communities consistently show greater resilience to pest outbreaks and environmental stress when compared to monocultures.
When selecting plants, Indigenous species suited to your specific locality are a great choice. Many local councils publish indigenous plant lists and community native nurseries are often the most reliable source of species adapted to your soil type and climate zone.
Map out canopy positions first, then build around them with mid-storey shrubs and ground layers. Allow adequate spacing for mature growth rather than planting for instant density.
4. Plant for the long term
Native and Indigenous plants often possess specialised root systems adapted to low-nutrient soils. Rough handling, planting too deeply or compacting surrounding soil can limit oxygen exchange and slow establishment.
Dig planting holes using a sturdy, well-balanced trowel or gardening knife only as large as necessary for the root ball. Maintain soil level consistent with the nursery pot and avoid burying the stem. Water in thoroughly to eliminate air pockets and encourage roots to settle. If soil structure has been properly rebuilt and organic matter added appropriately, additional fertiliser is rarely necessary, as native species are sensitive to excess nutrients.
During establishment, deep watering encourages roots to extend downward, increasing drought resilience over time. In smaller gardens or containers, terracotta irrigation systems can deliver consistent moisture directly to the root zone.
5. Maintain but do less
Maintenance in a regenerative garden shifts from cosmetic control to ecological support. Instead of frequent shaping and clearing, focus on strengthening systems. Prune selectively after flowering and leave leaf litter where appropriate, as it contributes organic matter and shelters beneficial insects.
Monitor soil moisture before watering rather than following fixed schedules. As soil structure improves and root systems deepen, irrigation requirements often decline.
Over time, biodiverse native gardens tend to experience fewer severe pest outbreaks due to the presence of predatory insects and balanced plant communities. While no garden is maintenance free, regenerative systems typically demand less intervention once established.
The transition is attainable
Moving from an ornamental garden to a regenerative native landscape does not require starting over. It can happen section by section, season by season. And there is no reason an ornamental plant or two cannot remain.
What changes most is not only the plant palette but the philosophy. Instead of sustaining a display through constant input, you begin building a system that strengthens itself.
In a climate defined by variability, that shift is not simply aesthetic. It is practical, ecological and increasingly essential.
