Lomandras produce attractive grass-like foliage and grow to about 1 metre in height. Spiny yellow, perfumed flowers are produced from between the leaves.

Lomandras are particularly suitable for mass plantings, or as a border. They are heat tolerant and grow successfully in fairly poor soils, provided it is well-drained. In addition to being suitable for hotter, drier situations, a position of semi-shade is also most suitable.

Lomandras are botanical relatives of grass trees. The most commonly seen species in cultivation is Lomandra.longifolia, a large plant with strap-like leaves.

Lomandra plants were of high importance to Aboriginal people as the leaves were used in the construction of baskets as well as fish and eel traps.

Lomandra multiflora is a small, grass-like plant with stiff grey-green leaves from 25-85cm high. The creamy, yellow flowers occur in clusters around the base of the leaves during spring.

A new release is lomandra “crackerjack”, which produces fine grass-like leaves, in a blue-grey colour when young. Mature stems turn to green. Growing to a height of 45cm, it grows well in sun to part-shade positions and is tolerant of frosts.

Another grass-like Australian native plant that is suitable for dry conditions is dianella. Dianella, also known as flax lilies because they have very tough and fibrous strap-like leaves, form attractive clumps. They produce long flower stems of blue flowers with yellow stamens. Plants can grow up to a metre in height.

Dianellas make good garden subjects for rockeries and in a bush garden. They are also suitable for growing along the edges of paths or driveways. New plants may be obtained from fresh, ripe seeds, or dividing up existing clumps.

Dianella caerulea (paroo Lily) and Dianella revoluta (spreading flax lily) are two of the more common varieties. Hybridisation has produced more varieties such as D. Explorer, which is ideal for re-vegetation and stabilising banks.

Summer is a good time to take lavender cuttings, producing new plants to extend the number of plants available, or to grow a plant that is also growing in another garden; 7cm pieces that have been pulled from the main stem are ideal as they will include a part of the older, outer stem of the parent plant. This will assist the plant piece to form a good root system.

Lavenders are available in three main types.

English lavender produces long, thin flowers stems that have the characteristic lavender scent, resulting from the oil content of the flowers and leaves.

Italian lavenders have a flower that is usually an elongated square shape, produced on quite squat plants.

French lavenders have thicker flowers in a shape that tapers to a cone shape at the end. Larger flatter leaves grow under the flower stems, sometimes on reasonably long stems. Many variations of each of these main types of lavender are now available, in sizes ranging from quite prostrate forms, through to very upright types. Lavenders dislike humid conditions, preferring a position that is well drained and in full sun. In addition to the traditional blue/mauve flowers, plants that result in flowers that are white or shades of red have been developed. However, some of the more unusual colourings are produced on plants that are not always as robust as the more traditional forms.

Freshly-picked herbs add great flavour to meals, both hot and cold, ranging from Asian through to Italian.

Basil plants grow well in a position of semi-shade. Regular harvesting of the leaves of basil plants will ensure an extended life. It is important to maintain moisture levels of plants. Unlike most herbs, basil leaves increase their flavour with cooking.

Chives are hardy plants that grow well in garden beds as well as in pots. They prefer a sunny position, however water levels should be maintained. The top part of the plant can be harvested leaving the bulb to re-shoot.

Chillies are members of the capsicum family and prefer a sunny or part-shaded position. They are tolerant of a wide range of soil types and make suitable subjects for pot culture. Plants prefer to be well-watered and lightly mulched regularly.

Chillies are available in a range of ‘hotness’, as well as different colours. They should be harvested regularly for the plant to maintain production. However, fruits will not continue to ripen once they have been harvested.

Ginger plants can be grown under other plants, as they prefer a fully-shaded position. Attractively perfumed flowers appear with the shiny green leaves.

However, it is the rhizome, or bulb, growing under the ground that is harvested. The required amount can be removed from the plant using a sharp knife as this will minimise damage to the remaining plant.

Lemongrass is popular in Asian cooking. It also flavoursome when added to fruity iced teas in summer. Plants reach 1.5 metres in height. They have the appearance of a grassy clump.

Plants grow well in a position of full sun, in pots or garden beds.

Moisture levels should be maintained, particularly in periods of dryness. 

The soft, inner stem of the plant is used. Hitting the stem with the back of a knife will ensure the flavours are accessible.