What plants for shady Brisbane backyard with moist soil?

Question

Hi, I live in Brisbane and have a garden in my backyard with some big gaps in it that I want to fill with new plants. Unfortunately, a couple of previous attempts have failed and I think the reason is to do with the amount of shade in the backyard as well as the soil moisture. For context, the empty space sits beneath a large leopard tree so from about lunchtime on each day, it is in the shade (see photos). Additionally, my backyard is flat and so any moisture in the soil after heavy rain will sit there for a long time. I think this combination of shade and moist soil is causing our issues. We have looked at many plants that we think would fit nicely in the garden but almost all of them require ‘well draining soil’ which is quite frustrating. I would much appreciate any advice on plants that are suitable for shaded areas and consistently moist soils. They also need to be non-toxic to dogs.

Thanks!

EricL · Answer

Hello @Gerber

Thank you so much for sharing your recommendations. I'm sure James will find the information useful.

Eric

Gerber · Answer

@James Dun i would second the raised bed idea, you have control over how you build the soil structure. Only other way is to dig down half a meter or so and replace the soil with some drainage aggregate (possibly needs some french drains) and top up the top 400mm with sandy loam. If that ends up draining too well, you just add some mulch and organic matter to the soil.

You also need to consider the shade aspect, make sure what you plant is suitable, talk to a local nursery for help.

EricL · Answer

Hello @James Dun

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your shady backyard.

I believe you've correctly identified the two main challenges in this part of your garden: reduced afternoon light and soil that stays wet following heavy rain. The leopard tree will also compete with new plants for moisture and nutrients through its root system. Rather than trying to make plants that prefer free-draining conditions work there, I propose designing around the conditions you already have.

I've included a rendered sample image below using AI on how you can tackle the current conditions you have in your garden. Please keep in mind that this is just a suggestion and that the final garden layout must be adjusted to your needs.

The proposed raised garden bed shown in the modified image would be a practical solution. Raising the planting level gives you much greater control over the soil structure while still allowing excess water to move away. I would fill it with a good-quality garden soil enriched with organic matter, but importantly, make sure the bed itself has unrestricted drainage at the bottom. You don't want to create a sealed planter that simply holds water after Brisbane's heavy rainfall. I would also avoid substantially burying the existing leopard tree trunk or piling new soil directly against it.

Because you need dog-friendly plants, I would make a few changes to the plants shown in the concept image. Good options for this shaded, moist area include bird’s nest fern, staghorn fern, bromeliads, Boston fern, Silver Lady fern and native violet. These are all plants you can find through Bunnings, although availability will vary between stores.

I would leave out the cordylines and peace-lily-looking plants shown in the image and use colourful bromeliads instead. Combined with different varieties of ferns and native violet as a low-growing groundcover, you can still achieve that lush, layered look while keeping the garden much more suitable around your dogs.

For the lawn, I suggest a shade-tolerant buffalo such as Sir Walter, provided the area receives around three to four hours of sun or good dappled light. I would also improve the drainage before laying new turf, particularly where water tends to sit after heavy rain.

To finish the area, add a few solar lights, decorative stones and a small birdbath. Together with the raised garden bed and lush shade-loving plants, these simple additions should transform the space into an attractive, easy-care garden.

I also suggest having a look at this discussion - Drainage to fix a muddy lawn by @Ben and this guide - How to fix a muddy lawn by @Adam_W.

I also recommend looking at the Top 10 most popular backyard projects

Let me call on our experienced members @myprojectresto, @Gerber, @jh27, @mich1972, @KoalaRetreat_21 and @DIY4Knuckleheds for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric