I value my garden more for being full of blackbirds than of cherries, and very frankly give them fruit for their songs’ (Joseph Addison)

I am growing Australian native shrubs which will bring birds into the garden, and other wildlife. The flowers on the Australian natives like the wattles, calistomens, calliendra and grevillea are quite stunning! And the birds love them! This afternoon we had a storm, and just before the storm the Sulphur Crested Cockatoos were going crazy, swooping and screeching. They are very noisy. I have parrots come to visit as well, picking away at the grevillea flowers for the nectar.

I also like growing succulents – they are just so easy and fill up a difficult spot really well. Their interesting shapes never disappoint, and they are so prolific they can be picked for artistic displays inside the house when flowers are difficult to come by.