Choosing plants suited to Canberra’s unique environment is key to designing healthy, thriving spaces with plenty of additional benefits beyond the look and feel.
Your garden is an extension of your home and can be used like an outdoor room for enjoyment all year around. Choosing plants suited to Canberra’s unique environment is key to designing healthy, thriving spaces with plenty of additional benefits beyond the look and feel.
As you begin planning your garden, the Climate Wise Garden Designs booklet is a handy resource to help you design a garden for the local climate.
Helping you kick start your garden!
Living in Canberra, we’re lucky enough to experience all four seasons throughout the year and countless native species which thrive in these extremes. Many factors affect plant health, these can include plant selection suited to the environment, average rainfall, sunlight and the state of the soil.
As a new owner in Jacka, you can access rebates, free plants and advice to kick start your thriving garden. Make the most of the Jacka Front Garden Landscape Rebate and the ACT Government’s Free Plant Issue Scheme, delivered by Yarralumla Nursery:
- Up to $7,000 is available through the Suburban Land Agency’s Jacka Front Garden Landscape Rebate. Gain inspiration, free garden design ideas and advice about how to access the rebate here. Planting a front garden can often be a final consideration when creating a home but now is the perfect time to plant the seed in your mind so you don’t miss out on the benefits!
- Helpful advice and a FREE allocation of plants are also available through the Free Plant Issue Scheme. You can find out more about that here.
Sustainable garden maintenance
Species adapted to the Canberra climate are typically more drought-resistant and require less maintenance. When planting, plants grouped based on their needs can help you stick to an efficient watering schedule. Including low-growing groundcover plants in your design supports drainage after periods of heavy rain, hydrates roots and keeps soil in the garden where it belongs.
Planting for pollinators and wildlife
With nature on our doorsteps, many homes in the bush capital have close access to reserves and wildlife corridors. Your selection of plants can play a significant role in supporting biodiversity and protecting our ecosystem.
Native species that produce seeds, pollen and nectar attract bees, butterflies, beetles and birds. Many trees and shrubs offer food, shelter and nesting places for urban fauna including lizards, gliders and koalas.
Our free guide on planting the right tree in your Canberra garden can be found here.
Natural temperature control
Your garden design can help with keeping your house comfortable as the seasons change. Deciduous trees are a great choice for the north side of your block, offering cooling shade in summer and losing their leaves in autumn to allow the sunlight to warm your home in winter.
Climbers can also create walls of green that lessen the heat produced by boundary fences. Planning a climate wise garden for hotter, dryer conditions and frosty conditions means creating resilient spaces that you can enjoy for a long time to come.
