How to create a native plant garden

Growing plants native to your area will give you a head start on your garden. Because they are already ideally adapted to local conditions, you'll make fewer planting mistakes. Your local garden centre or gardening association may be able to provide a list of plants native to your location.

• Let's start with what a native plant is. The term "native" refers to all the plants in a particular country. They have evolved to grow in the soil and climatic conditions of a specific area.
• Planting native species helps to maintain local plant populations and may also provide food for the local native animals, birds and insects.

Though a well-mulched native plant garden will look after itself once it's established, it does require care and attention initially.

• Most native plants grow best in well-drained soils, so if you have heavy clay soils, you will need to improve the drainage or build your beds on top of them by adding good-quality topsoil and lots of organic mulch.
• Look for the grafted forms and named varieties of native plants that have been selected and cultivated for better performance in gardens. This will increase the range of native plants you can grow and enjoy.
• After planting, water new plants to establish them. Once they've settled in, some native plants will survive on little more than natural rainfall. If they need more, you can adjust the watering to suit their needs later.
• To keep native plants tidy, prune and train them regularly, just as you would exotic plants. Always trim back native plants after flowering.

• Plant seedlings in the individual compartments of egg cartons, then place them directly into the ground, cardboard and all. This minimizes root disturbance at transplanting time. The cardboard, an organic material, will quickly break down.
• Check the growing conditions for native plants. Some seeds need to be treated or they won't germinate. There are various pre-treatments including the use of hot water, smoke and heat. Ask your local garden centre or horticultural association for advice.
• Only collect seeds from healthy plants.