• Pimelea: which one is which

    I love Pimeleas, they seem to always be in flower and each state has its own unique species. Pimelea’s are a stunning addition to a garden or even a pot. They put on a show with a mass of flowers and the butterflies love them . But which one is which? We are trying our…

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  • One of a kind: Howittia trilocularis

    I discovered this unusual large native shrub in Cranbourne Botanical Gardens on my visit last year. I have never heard of it before but it instantly struck me with its deep purple flowers and small hairy leaves. It was planted as an understorey back drop shrub in one of the garden beds under the canopy…

  • The limitless potential of Thomasia solanacea

    I have written about this genus before but thought this species needs its own space on the blog as it really is an extremely versatile medium shrub. It is one of those plants for a trickier spot in the garden as it loves a dry shady position. It is endemic to south-west WA, it is…

  • Lovely shrub of many names: Veronica perfoliata

    This is to my knowledge currently Veronica perfoliata, it has gone through several differing identities and name changes, I won’t go into all of that, it just seems a shame as I think it may have detracted people from knowing about this useful plant. Firstly I love it because it has a very Eucalypt like foliage…

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  • The perfect concealer: Aphanopetalum resinosum

    Aphanopetalum resinosum is the answer to many difficult positions in the garden, from dark shady dry corners of the garden to ugly fences or buildings which need to be greened up, Gum Vine may be the solution. This robust native vine has bright green shiny leaves and reddish stems and when it is in flower…

  • Merry NSW Christmas Bush: Ceratopetalum gummiferum

    I am a bit of a Grinch when it comes to Christmas and often one of the things which pulls me our of my un-festive slump is our Ceratopetalum gummiferum or native Christmas Bush. This year I was a little late, as many have finished thier show by the time Christmas actually arrives. However, I…

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  1. I wouldn’t put sugar water on it .i was going to on my plants and I researched it , no…

providing resources for native plant gardeners and designers.


Mallee Design was created by Kath Gadd in 2012 to document and share her love for native Australian garden design. Her original motivation was to inspire those interested in learning more about native Australian plants. The Mallee Design blog has since grown into a rich resource, used by gardeners, horticulturalists, landscape designers and others.

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