Native Subtropical Garden: Grow Your Own with ReForest Now’s Nursery

Dreaming of a lush, low-maintenance, and wildlife-friendly garden tailored to the Australian subtropics? At ReForest Now’s nursery in Mullumbimby, we grow a wide range of native Australian plants that thrive in our unique climate. Whether you're starting a new garden or transforming your backyard, here’s how to cultivate your own thriving native Australian garden - subtropical style.

Why Choose a Native Subtropical Garden?

A native garden isn’t just beautiful - it’s sustainable. Native plants are adapted to local soil, rainfall, and wildlife. That means less water, fewer chemicals, and a garden that supports birds, bees, and butterflies.

Spotlight on Nursery Favourites

Here are some star species from our nursery that are perfect for a diverse and resilient subtropical garden:

• Snow Wood (Parachidendron pruinosum) & White Laceflower (Archidendron hendersonii) Brilliant nitrogen-fixing trees that enrich the soil while producing stunning clusters of white flowers to support pollinators.

• Walking Stick Palm (Linospadix monostachyos) A graceful, slender palm that thrives in shady understory positions - ideal for adding texture and depth to the garden.

• Native Gardenia (Atractocarpus chartaceus) & Mullum Plum (Davidsonia jerseyana) Both are compact, attractive species offering glossy foliage, fragrant blooms, and delicious native fruit that benefit people and wildlife alike.

• Bopple Nut (Macadamia tetraphylla) & Sour Cherry (Syzygium corynanthum) These iconic native trees produce nutrient-rich bushfoods while providing excellent habitat and food sources for birds and other fauna.

These plants are specifically chosen to match the subtropical conditions of northern NSW and coastal Queensland, ensuring strong growth and ecosystem value.

Design Tips for Success

• Layer your garden: Use tall palms and wattles in the background, medium shrubs like red apple and meenrichia in mid-zone, and ground layer understorey between them.

• Group for impact: Mass plant wattles or red apples to create striking visual profiles.

• Work with microclimates: Bangalow palms thrive in shaded spots, while wattles flourish in sunny openings.

• Support wildlife: Include fruit-bearing species like red apple and acronychia to attract native birds and pollinators.

Growing Tips for Subtropical Gardeners

1. Plant in well-drained soil: Even with subtropical rainfall, native plants need soil that doesn’t stay soggy.

2. Mulch well: Use organic mulch to retain moisture and build soil life.

3. Water tolerance: While wattles tolerate dry spells well, young plants need consistent watering until established.

4. Maintenance: Native species are generally low-maintenance—once established, they thrive with minimal intervention.

   
   

What’s Available at ReForest Now Nursery

Our nursery in Mullumbimby supplies over 130,000 native seedlings annually, including endangered and locally adapted species from the subtropics. By choosing plants from us, you’re not only connecting with a garden full of life - you’re supporting large-scale ecosystem restoration.

Ready to Start?

Visit ReForest Now's nursery to bring the best of the subtropical forest into your own garden. You can find a full list of the species we grow here. Whether you're planting for beauty, wildlife, or sustainability, our native plant range delivers both joy and ecological impact.