What to plant under clothesline?

Al_B

Hi - first home owner here and inexperienced gardener, looking for some plant recommendations for this space in my backyard please below the clothesline.

I'd ideally like to stick to natives, and short enough (no taller than around 50cm) so they don't interfere with the functioning of the clothesline. What plants would you recommend? I'd say the spot gets mostly full sun.

And what kind of mulch (if any) would suit best?

Thanks!

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Al_B. It's wonderful to have you join us and many thanks for your question on plantings.

For a full sun spot with a height limit of around 50 cm, there are plenty of low-growing Australian natives that work well. Groundcovers like Myoporum (creeping boobialla) are hardy, fast-spreading, and stay low. Dichondra repens (kidney weed) is another good option if you want a softer, lawn-like look. For a bit of colour, Grevillea groundcover varieties (such as Grevillea ‘Royal Mantle’ or ‘Bronze Rambler’) stay relatively low and attract birds. Compact grasses like Lomandra are also excellent. They’re tough, neat, and handle sun well. If you prefer something flowering and compact, Brachyscome (native daisy) or Scaevola (fan flower) are both great choices.

For mulch, a fine or medium-grade bark mulch works well with natives and helps retain moisture while suppressing weeds. Avoid anything too chunky if you’re planting smaller groundcovers, as it can overwhelm them. A natural-looking mulch will also blend nicely with a native garden style.

One thing to keep in mind is that planting directly under the clothesline can slightly reduce its practicality. That’s typically where you’d stand when reaching the far lines, so dense planting there might get in the way or be trampled over time. A simple workaround is to keep planting further back than the main standing area. That way, you still get greenery without sacrificing too much functionality.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell