The local environment of your garden plays a key role in its survival and success. To ensure your plants and garden survive make sure you choose the right plants for your location. Consider the amount of direct sunlight, available water for irrigation, wind levels, amount of growing space and species types. Consider also the aspect of the location (i.e. north facing) as this will influence when and for how long the area receives sunlight.
All plants need watering, even drought tolerant ones. Plants in pots and containers dry out very quickly and cannot subsist on rainfall alone. Consider how you will apply regular irrigation to the plants and what tools you might need such as watering cans, automatic irrigation systems, hoses, diverted down pipes or water tanks.
A potted environment is a closed ecosystem. Often the only access to food that plants have in pots is when we fertilize them. Fertilizers come in many different forms including liquid emulsions, organic manures, pellets and powders. See your local nursery for advice on the best way to fertilize your garden to ensure healthy plant growth.
Plants are living things and grow above and below the soil level. You plants will need to be re-potted on a regular basis depending on how fast they grow. This varies from one to three years. See your local nursery for advice on the best way to re-pot your plants to maintain their health and growth.
Species list
Council has put together a suggested list of species for use in Melbourne’s laneways to assist you with starting your garden. It is not guaranteed that these species will always be available, so ask your nursery for an alternative. This is not a comprehensive list but is a suggested starting point for those who are not sure what plants to use. We encourage you to experiment with different plant species to see what suits your situation best.
Upright plants for pots:
- Aspidistra elatior (Cast Iron Plant),
- Agava attenuata (Swans Neck Agave),
- Arthropodium cirratum (New Zealand Rock Lily),
- Bromeliads such as Billbergia pyramidalis var. concolor,
- Clivia species, Nephrolepis cordifolia (Fishbone Fern),
- orchids, Ficus microcarpa var. hillii,
- Acacia cognata varieties,
- Lavenders,
- Aspidistra elatior (Cast Iron Plant),
- cordylines,
- Agapanthus praecox varieties,
- Darwinia Citriodora (Lemon-Scented Myrtle),
- Correa reflexa (Native Fushia), Correa alba (White Correa), Correa baeuerlenii (Chef’s Cap Correa),
- Convolvulus cneorum (Silver Bush), Grevillea ‘Scarlet Sprite’ and other Grevillea varieties,
- Dietes grandiflora, Dietes bicolour,
- Nandina domestica, Nandina domestica ‘nana’, Philotheca myoporoides (Native Wax Flower),
- Phlomis fruticosa (Jerusalem Sage), Phlomis italica (Balearic Island Sage),
- Rhaphiolepis umbellata (Yeddo Hawthorn), Raphiolepis indica (Indian Hawthorn),
- Strelitzia reginae (Bird of Paradise)
- Rosmarinus officinalis (Common Rosemary).
Bamboos, ferns and palms can also be used, however, will require more regular watering in summer and some shade depending on the species.
Trailing or ground cover plants for pots:
- Arctotis varieties (African Daisy),
- Coprosma x kirkii (Kirk’s Trailing Coprosma),
- Myporum parvifolium (Creeping Boobialla),
- Grevillea lanigera ‘Mt Tamboretha’,
- Grevillea ‘Bronze Rambler’,
- Erigeron karvinskianus (Seaside Daisy),
- Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’ and
- Origanum vulgare (Oregano).
Planter Boxes in mostly shade:
- Clivia species,
- Hellebores (Christmas Rose),
- Sedums,
- Bulbs,
- Dianella tasmanica (Tasmania Dianella),
- Aspidistra elatior (Cast Iron Plant) and
- Bromeliads such as Billbergia pyramidalis var. concolor.
Planter boxes with sunlight:
- Anigozanthus varieties (Kangaroo paw),
- Limonium perezii (Sea Statice or Lavender),
- Arctotis varieties (African Daisy),
- Carpobrotus rossii (Pig Face),
- Agapanthus praecox small varieties,
- Convolvulus cneorum (Silver Bush),
- Darwinia Citriodora (Lemon-Scented Myrtle),
- Liriope muscari (Turf Lily),
- Rosmarinus officinalis (Common Rosemary),
- geraniums and pelagoniums.
- Annuals/bedding plants for colour such as petunias, marigolds, vinca (potted colour varieties), salvias, gazanias, nasturtiums, Portulaca grandiflora, bedding begonias and zinnias.
Climbers and Ramblers:
- Ficus pumila (Climbing Fig),
- Parthenocissus tricuspidata (Boston Ivy),
- Kennedia rubicunda (Dusky Coral Pea),
- Kennedia nigracans (Black Coral Pea),
- wisteria varieties,
- Muehlenbeckia complexa (Maiden Hair Creeper),
- Hibbertia scandens,
- Cissus antarctica (Kangaroo Vine),
- clematis varieties and
- Trachelospermum jasminoides (Star Jasmine).
Some of these plant varieties may require a frame to climb or be attached to. Please note that some of these plant varieties may be vigorous growers and require regular pruning to control growth. See your local nursery for further details including drought tolerance, sun and shade requirements.
Roof top vegetable gardens:
Best to plant fruit and veggies depending on the season. For guidance, check out the seasonal planting guide from Sustainable Gardening Australia.