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Which Plants Will Thrive in a Dry Australian Climate?

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It is important to remember that whatever sort of climate you have in your corner of the country that new planting will only work well if you do the right preparation work. In other words, when you are thinking about which drought-resistant plants to buy for your garden, you should also consider improving the soil as much as possible for them to thrive. For example, most dry climate plants can withstand a downpour or two, but the soil they stand in needs to be fast draining. You can improve this quality by adding grit to your soil.

Planting dry climate plants in early autumn is also advisable. This helps them to become established long before the really dry season of the following summer will test their hardiness. Given you have done the necessary preparation work, which plants suit dry Australian summers?

Thyme

This herb is associated with Mediterranean cooking styles. This is largely because it will put up with the relatively arid conditions found in Greece and southern Italy. In Australia, it is grown as an ornamental plant for its delicate purple flowers as well as its fragrance. When you pick its leaves to cook with, thyme will usually spring back with new growth soon afterward. It is suited to small gardens and can be grown in pots, too.

Gazania

Originally from southern parts of Africa, Gazania is an attractive daisy that will flower perennially. There are plenty of different colour combinations that it comes in, looking particularly striking in its pink and white variety. It is very hardy but can become invasive, so keep on top of it and don't hesitate to pull it up at the fringes to prevent it from taking over.

Echium

This plant produces tall candle-like flowers that stand proudly upright. It is also one of the few dry climate plants that can withstand exposure to sea spray, so it is a good choice for many Australian gardens that are close to the ocean. This plant will encourage birds and insects into your garden because of its long flowering season.

Grevillea

This is a native Australian plant that is suited to drought-like conditions. Few dry climate plants are as hardy as Grevillea in prolonged periods without rain, so this is a good choice if you are not around for a few weeks each summer to water your garden. Like Echium, these plants produce lots of nectar which is good for bees and other wildlife.


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