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We are redoing our front garden and I love the idea of planting wildflowers. I’m after advice on if this space is suitable and any tips. There’s currently rock there but we have purchased Bunnings merbau garden edging and were going to replace the rocks with soil. Or are rocks/mulch suitable? Do they all just flower at once and then the garden look dead the rest of the time?
I also saw Bunnings have a general wildflower mix, can anyone recommend this?
Also open to any other recommendations of native shrubs.
Hello @bh357
Your garden space is well-suited for a low-maintenance wildflower and native shrub garden. The area receives partial sun, which is generally sufficient for many wildflowers that thrive in full sun to part shade. Since it currently contains rocks, your plan to remove them and install Bunnings merbau garden edging is a great way to define the bed. Replacing the rocks with native garden mix soil will offer the best foundation for planting. Rocks alone aren't ideal for wildflowers as they limit soil nutrients, while mulch is a better alternative if used as a light top layer to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid using thick bark or decorative stones that can smother young plants.
Many wildflowers bloom in bursts, often during spring and early summer. This can leave the garden looking bare at other times, so it’s smart to mix in native shrubs or evergreens to maintain year-round structure and appeal. Bunnings’ general wildflower mix is a solid, beginner-friendly option that includes colourful and hardy species like everlasting daisies and bluebells. For better results, especially if you want to support pollinators or increase drought resistance, consider seed mixes from local native nurseries, which are adapted to your specific region.
To complement wildflowers, native shrubs provide structure and evergreen interest. Westringia fruticosa (Coastal Rosemary) is tidy and resilient, with soft purple-white flowers and a dense habit that needs little pruning. Callistemon ‘Little John’ offers brilliant red blooms and bird appeal in a compact size. Correa alba is a soft, grey-leafed shrub with pale flowers that’s ideal for coastal conditions and fits beautifully among wildflowers. Hardenbergia violacea is a trailing or climbing plant that blooms in deep purples during winter, adding seasonal colour variety. Grevillea ‘Lady O’ or ‘Bronze Rambler’ are hardy and flower year-round, providing constant interest and nectar for birds.
This style of garden is ideal for “set-and-forget” maintenance. Once plants are established, water can be reduced significantly. Occasional mulching and seasonal pruning or tidying will keep it looking vibrant. If you let some wildflowers go to seed, they’ll often self-sow, making next year’s bloom even easier. This combination of wildflowers and native shrubs will give your garden lasting beauty with minimal effort.
Here is a handy guide: How To Start A Flower Garden: 13 Essential Steps
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
