"People have been afraid to throw things away for years, they become attached to plants like children," says Peter Shaw, who runs Ocean Road Landscapes on Victoria's Surf Coast.
But if you definitely get rid of outdated things, after a year the space will be full and will look better. I think it is important to take care of the garden. If everything is mixed up, then everything is done."
If you doubt what it can do in the sea, take a walk on the nearest hillside, meadow, salt marsh or forest and see how the native plants grow when you are left alone. Looking at other people's gardens can also be a source of ideas (especially if the garden is open to the public and you can explore every part of it).
Two gardens in Victoria Anglesey - both designed by Shaw, one his home garden - opened this weekend, while a garden in Uralla on the NSW north coast opened on 20 and 21 January. My Open Garden's Uralba Garden includes warm climate offerings such as Calathea and Zingibers. Open Open Gardens Victoria, Victorian gardens are mainly botanic gardens.
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Shaw's general recommendation for riparian areas is to "maintain" native plants. Not only do these plants have a better chance of surviving in the soil and climate, but they also help to "restore" landscapes that have lost most of their natural vegetation.
He's not a fan of beach fences, but when the presence of pets calls for it - like at the park - he likes to look as comfortable as possible. Car-only roads are another relic. Weeping plants prefer smooth edges. The garden also has grass and stones in the middle.
You might think it's a small thing, but it's a small thing that can determine the color of your garden.
Anglesea Gardens opened on Sunday 13th January and Victoria Open Gardens on Sunday 14th January. For more information visit opengardensvictoria.org.au.
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