Blending heritage and habitat
William Graddon, University of Tasmania Masters student & TLC intern
When Jason Byrne and his family moved into their Sandy Bay home in 2018, the garden was little more than a dry paddock dotted with a few roses, apple trees, and other introduced species. Since moving in, Jason has systematically planted around the existing vegetation, mixing the European species with a range of native Australian and Tasmanian plants that suit the local climate and soil.
A garden with values
Jason, a professor at the University of Tasmania, is known for his work on urban green spaces, climate adaptation and environmental justice. He joined the Gardens for Wildlife program earlier this year, after learning that it was now run by the Tasmanian Land Conservancy. His garden reflects his ecological values, shaped by principles of environmental ethics, functional aesthetics and waste minimisation.
Jason says, “The story I’m trying to tell in the garden is one of reverse colonialism, planting native Tasmanian and Australian plants that essentially overtake, yet still live in collaboration with, the introduced British species.”
Wildlife moves in
Some of the non-native plants that were in the garden initially still hold their place, kept there to provide habitat for birds while complimenting and contrasting with the native plants.
Jason and his family have observed an abundance of animal life in their garden, with many bird species flocking to the colourful blooms of the newly planted native flowers, and insects and lizards skittering about in the shrubbery. In the middle of the front yard, an area of lawn has been set aside for marsupials to graze; however, the garden is currently fenced off to give new plantings time to establish without being munched by opportunistic wallabies. Once the shrubs are sufficiently graze-resistant, the plan is to open up the garden and let marsupials roam free.
Planting with purpose
Every planting decision has been made with care. Jason follows the design principle of using odd-numbered groupings, which tend to look more natural. In the front yard, three pincushion gakeas (Hakea laurina), three white rice flowers (Pimelia ferruginea), and three Esk River pines (Callistris oblonga) are thoughtfully arranged. Along the side of the house, golden-flowered native dogwoods (Pomaderris elliptica) contrast with the purple of introduced irises and native violets (Viola banksia). Across the soon-to-be marsupial lawn, billy buttons (Craspedia globosa) echo the sunny yellow of a fruiting lemon tree. Around the feature cherry blossom, three pink rice flower (Pimelia ferruginea) shrubs blur the lines between native and non-native, reinforcing the idea that both have a place in a thriving garden.
Looking to the future
Many of the native plants come from Jason’s home state of Western Australia. This choice is partly sentimental but also informed by climate science. As Hobart’s climate becomes warmer and drier, these West Australian species may thrive, while local Tasmanian species may struggle, particularly on the sunny north-facing slopes. At the same time, Jason notes that changing conditions in WA may put pressure on wild populations there.
Food and function
Food production is another theme running through the garden. In the backyard, Jason grows plums and apricots, protected by lavender shrubs that help deter insects. Bush foods are woven throughout the garden, including mountain pepperberry (Tasmannia lanceolata), grey saltbush (Atriplex cinerea), pigface (Carpobrotus rossii), and running postman (Kennedia prostrata). The latter two species also help stabilise slopes in the front yard.
Letting the garden grow
Most of the garden’s plants have come from the Plants of Tasmania Nursery in Ridgeway, though Jason has also done his own propagation. A few of the natives have begun self-seeding. The blue chalk sticks (Senecio serpens), now spread throughout the garden, all originating from a single plant, and the two native poa species (Poa labillardierei and P. poiformis) are spreading across the front garden.
Through thoughtful design and hard work, Jason and his family have turned their garden into a little paradise for wildlife. Birds and insects have made themselves at home, and once the garden is ready for them, marsupials are bound to follow.
