What to plant for new Melbourne backyard garden?

[TKay]

Hello everyone!
My grass is finally starting to thrive, and now I’m planning to add a selection of low-maintenance, non-invasive plants to bring more life and structure to the space.
I’m hoping to achieve a layered garden design with a good balance of small trees, flowering shrubs, and colourful ground covers.
If possible, could you please share specific plant names (preferably ones available at Bunnings) that do well in the Melbourne climate?
Any photos, layout ideas, or tips on combining colours and textures would be amazing too.
Thanks in advance for your guidance and ideas! 🌱

[JacobZ]

Hi @TKay,

Thank you for reaching out for guidance on designing your backyard.

You might like to start by having a look at How to choose plants for your garden, Top Low Maintenance Plants For Your Garden and How To Choose Drought Tolerant Plants for some ideas and inspiration.

For small trees or feature plants, consider options like small varieties of olive trees or Japanese maples. Both do well in Melbourne and are usually available in stores. You may just have to see what's available at your local store as availability can vary depending on location and the time of year.

For medium shrubs, Murraya (mock orange), Westringia (coastal rosemary), and Pittosporum ‘Silver Sheen’ are hardy and great for structure or hedging. To fill gaps and add seasonal interest, try lavender, grevillea, or kangaroo paw — these add bursts of colour while attracting pollinators.

For the front layer or groundcover, you could use creeping thyme, native violet (Viola hederacea), or dichondra silver falls. These plants help reduce bare soil, soften hard edges, and complement lawn areas beautifully. They’re also tough enough for Melbourne’s summer heat. Arrange them in irregular clusters rather than rows for a natural flow and use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. 

Let me know what you think.

Jacob