Hi @tony111,
Without knowing the light levels and orientation of the garden bed, I'll offer some solutions that will be hardy and beautiful regardless of their conditions.
An excellent choice is Lavender. It's a reliable performer with fragrant flowers, grey-green foliage, and strong resistance to drought once established. It adds colour and structure and is also great for attracting bees and pollinators.
Salvia is another standout option. They provide vivid flowers, are tolerant of different soils, and cope well with both sun and partial shade. These plants bring life and movement to garden beds and are easy for beginners to manage.
Camellias, particularly sasanqua varieties, are versatile shrubs that can thrive in a variety of light levels. They are evergreen, offer elegant flowers from autumn into early winter, and can serve as a soft backdrop for smaller plants.
Fuchsia, is a dependable Australian native that tolerates a wide range of conditions, including coastal exposure, and its tubular flowers are loved by birds.
Another native worth including is Westringia (native rosemary), which maintains a compact shape, needs little water, and complements more colourful companion plants.
If you’re interested in adding a bit of drama or lushness, Clvia miniata is a great choice. Its bold, dark green leaves and bright orange or yellow flowers are striking, and it tolerates dry shade and confined spaces.
Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ is another useful addition. It is a low, trailing plant with silvery foliage that looks beautiful spilling over the edge of a garden bed, providing contrast and softness.
These plants are all suited to Melbourne’s varied climate and are resilient enough to grow well regardless of the bed’s exact orientation. They offer a combination of foliage interest, seasonal colour, and structure, and when paired together, can create a well-balanced, attractive garden bed.
Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Jacob
