How to revamp front verge?

[gallrach]

Hi, we are looking for ideas on plants and what to landscape

 

for this area, native is idea as we are in wa.  Going to cut down a few more of the smaller wild native trees which have appeared. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @gallrach,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community and thank you for your question.

Your first step should be to clean up the area by removing any unwanted weeds. A thorough weeding, followed by a thick layer of coarse mulch, will not only suppress future weed growth but also help conserve soil moisture, which is a key consideration in WA's hot, dry climate.  If your soil is predominantly sandy, consider incorporating some compost, especially in the areas where you’ll be planting.

As there is an established tree layer, you can introduce native groundcovers and low-growing shrubs to add texture and depth. Native species like Creeping Boobialla or Native Violet spread low and wide, providing great coverage and suppressing weeds, while also offering colour and wildlife appeal. 

Small to medium shrubs like Grevilleas, Hibiscus or Wooly Bushes are ideal for filling in gaps between trees and groundcovers. They are drought-tolerant, bird-friendly, and suited to WA’s conditions. These plants can be grouped in odd-numbered clusters to mimic natural bush patterns.

You could also add things like bird baths, bird feeders or garden statues to add a personal touch and encourage wildlife.

You can also consider placing a few natural boulders or logs to act as focal points or seats. These will blend in with the native planting style.

Allow me to tag @Dave-1, @mich1972 and @mashthyme to see if they have any recommendations.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[Dave-1]

Good morning @gallrach 

The steps I was going through while looking at your photo are the same as @JacobZ 's

Mulch for sure, deep mulch is better after weeding.

Before culling any of those new natives (I like trees so am always hesitant on removal, I still do but they get a stay of execution for as long as possible.

Love the colour and type of grass you have for your lawn.

I would sketch out your verge, probarlly include your front yard as well as you want to blend the two together.

Then the second sketch, cull the small natives you want to, I find sketching really solidifys in your mind how much space you gain by doing so.

Being WA and the trees you already have I am thinking of a water feature, not necasarily a pond or straight birdbath but maybe a long channel with a bit of a slope that pours into a basin. Think an U shaped steel beam/channel that has a slight slope on it (2m to 3m long). The dish/pond that is the reservour. The U beam can be either sitting above the ground, or set into it like a straigh stream. With enough waterflow for a bird to be able to stand in a slow stream. With a Solar powered pump from bunnings

Another thought, just as was about to finish, a new letterbox style is pretty much like a new room. It really takes something that may be a little tired into something that has a lot more appeal.

Dave