Sheoak Design

Here are some of my favourite native plants that keep the bees busy in Mornington Peninsula gardens.

Bees and bee keepers are having a very hard time of it. We might not be feeling it yet but if bees don’t thrive our whole food chain collapses.

Imagine if every household planted just one of these this winter/spring?

If you include Frankston City - controversial I know 😆 but I live in Frankston so I’m biased - that would be around 150,000 new bee loving plants down the entire Peninsula.

🐝 Bottlebrush (Callistemon citrinus), red blooms, hardy shrub or small tree
🐝 Native Rosemary (Westringia fruticosa), white-mauve flowers, blooms almost year-round
🐝 Cut-leaf Daisy (Brachyscome multifida), mauve ground cover, a bee favourite
🐝 Grevillea ‘Moonlight’, cream flowers most of the year, birds love it too
🐝 Red or Pink Flowering Gum (Corymbia ficifolia), red-orange feature tree, summer blooms (pictured but this is a Calypso Queen variety)
🐝 Hairpin Banksia (Banksia spinulosa), gold flowers through autumn-winter
🐝 Honey Myrtle (Melaleuca thymifolia), compact shrub, nectar-packed blooms
🐝 Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos), red-yellow tubular flowers, adds height

Are you in?🐝✨

Take a look at what a design can look like on paper versus implemented in a physical space 🙌✨

This construction is still fresh, it was completed in late 2025.

I can’t wait to see what another year of growth can do to fill out this dynamic outdoor space.

The vision for this Mount Martha garden was to create a landscape that felt immersive, relaxed and full of discovery, one that encouraged wandering rather than simply moving from one place to another. Designed to complement the new Hamptons home, the garden replaces traditional lawn with generous, layered planting and a network of meandering paths that connect a series of outdoor destinations.

Natural Australian bluestone crazy paving forms the primary paths and entertaining areas, while bluestone steppers and compacted crushed rock create more informal garden walks. Hidden throughout the landscape are places to pause, including a barrel sauna nestled amongst planting and a curved Wistow stone seat gathered around an outdoor fire pit.

The planting is rich and diverse, combining Australian natives, ornamental grasses, flowering perennials and lush ferns to create a garden that changes with the seasons. Contrasting foliage, bursts of colour and plants that sway in the breeze bring movement and life, creating a garden that feels established, inviting and deeply connected to nature.

Have you got questions about the landscape design process?

Comment below or send me a DM ✌️

Don’t we all?

Creating a lush garden bed in a Mornington Peninsula garden takes a bit of finesse.

Our mediterranean, hot, dry, summer/cold, wet, winter climate means that the plants that thrive locally tend to be more drought tolerant with smaller foliage that is generally lighter in colour. Definitely not what comes to mind when you consider the word ‘lush’.

So the large, dark, glossy leaved shrubs, palms, vines & Alocasia that you see in QLD, NSW & even S.E. Asia will not grow as large or look as healthy down our way. Sorry, we’re just too far from the equator.

Honestly? They might not make it at all depending on your unique property’s microclimate, soil conditions and exposure to wind, sun & rain.

It is possible with dense planting of more mature and established plants to intersperse some of these plants with natives. This can create a micro-climate that helps to retain moisture and warmth, giving some of those humidity & sun-loving plants a chance to thrive.

Taking into account the size, colour, shape and foliage you can create a gorgeous layered effect with our own Mornington Peninsula spin. Think silver foliage and surprising stalky flower heads paired with a palms. Large evergreen tussocks aren’t what you think of when you hear the word ‘lush’ but they can also bring some dynamic movement, shape and fullness to these garden beds.

There is my two cents for the day.

Signing off.

Nick

If you’ve never engaged a landscape designer before then you may be asking yourself, ‘what is actually included in a design package?’

With us, it’s everything required for tradespeople to implement the design in enough detail that no part of the vision is lost or compromised.

Head designer Nick has developed a system and package to capture what you want (and sometimes what you need but don’t realise) and deliver it in a chic format that helps you see the vision and makes the job of the onsite trades a lot easier & clearer.

Book a vision call to discuss your project via the link our profile 🌿✨

I know, I know, it’s cold and you don’t feel like getting out in the garden but now is a great time to lay down some mulch if you haven’t already.

Mulch protects from soil compaction due to heavy winter rains, insulates plants and retains moisture.

Soil is the most underrated superstar of your garden.

Guarding soil from weather extremes and erosion will ensure your garden continues to thrive and it’s also really good for the environment.

Without enough good quality soil your garden will suffer.

I highly recommend mulching annually. Mulch breaks down over time, building more organic matter into your soil.

I use and recommend Westernport Sand & Soil ✌️

Spring colour is wonderful but what about winter colour?

With some careful consideration of your site’s micro climate you can brighten up your winter aspect, even if you are just enjoying it through the windows with a hot mug in your hands and the heater on.

Now is the best time to start planning your Mornington Peninsula Spring/Summer garden.

You can book an online vision meeting with head designer Nick via the link in our bio.