A NEW IMAGE FROM WESTERN AUSTRALIA FOR COASTAL GARDENS IN MEDITERRANEAN-TYPE CLIMATES

In summer millions of people flock to the coasts of regions with Mediterranean-like climates in Europe, California, South Africa and Western Australia. Wind, salt-laden air and summer drought are typical of these coastal areas. Water availability for growing populations is increasingly a problem putting substantial political pressure on water use in parks and gardens. A range of drought tolerant ornamental plants have been selected primarily from Western Australia for use in coastal areas. These provide a range of forms, foliage colours and flowering displays. Plants include groundcovers (Hemiandra pungens), small shrubs (Ficinia nodosa, Conostylis candicans, Leucophya brownie), large shrubs (Olearia axillaris, Melaleuca huegelii) and shade trees (Eucalyptus utilis, Eucalyptus lemannii) suitable for public landscapes. Plants are silver, grey-green, mid-green and deep green with foliage texture varying from very small leaves through to large strap-like leaves. A web-based database has been developed for ready access to information about these plants including suitable soil types, horticultural requirements, management and use in designed landscapes.