Landscaping with Native Grasses

Dec 23, 2025

5 min read

Presented by Kate Skvor

Kangaroo Grass

Kangaroo Grass is one of Australia’s most iconic native grasses and thrives in Australia’s harsh climate. It is a perennial warm-season grass that provides good nutrition without the high sugar content of some introduced grasses.

Benefits: Kangaroo Grass is particularly low in non-structural carbohydrates (NSC), making it an excellent choice for horses that need to avoid high-sugar diets. It is drought-tolerant, requiring less water than many other grasses, which is a huge benefit in dry regions. Additionally, its deep root system helps improve soil health by preventing erosion and promoting moisture retention.

Wallaby Grass

Wallaby Grass is another excellent native option for horse pastures. It is hardy, thriving in a variety of soil conditions and requires low rainfall.

Benefits: Low in sugar and starch it is highly palatable for a range of horses. Being low in sugar and starch but high in nutrients it is a safe pasture option for those horses prone to weight gain. Wallaby Grass also grows well in cooler climates and tolerates poor soil conditions, making it a versatile option across various regions of Australia.

Weeping Grass

Weeping Grass is a popular native species that is highly nutritious and safe for horses.

Benefits: Weeping Grass is a perennial species that grows well in temperate areas and can tolerate both shade and full sun. The fine blades are soft and grow out providing excellent ground cover which in turn reduces soil erosion. Low in sugar Weeping Grass is a great grazing option for all horses.

Landscaping with native grasses offers a resilient, low-maintenance interest, and vital habitats for local wildlife.

These hardy plants, well-suited to Australian conditions, require less water and fertilizer than many introduced species, making them an eco-friendly and drought-tolerant landscaping choice. Common examples include Kangaroo Grass, Wallaby Grass, and Tussock Grass, which can be used for mass planting, as specimen plants, or to create naturalistic borders and meadows.

Dichelachne micrantha at the Geelong Botanic Gardens.

This is one of the most underused of all Australian grasses!

High summer in my grassland. The glumes of wallaby grass and spear grass on mass make a striking effect.

The Role of Native Grasses in Wildlife Gardens

Native grasses, often overlooked in favor of showy blooms, offer a unique set of benefits for wildlife gardens. These grasses have evolved alongside local wildlife, making them a natural choice for providing the elements needed to sustain various species.

Habitat and Shelter: Native grasses offer hiding places and shelter for various wildlife, including insects, small mammals, and birds. The dense growth of grasses provides protective cover from predators and harsh weather conditions.

Food Sources: Many native grasses produce seeds that are a valuable food source for birds, small mammals, and insects. The seeds of native grasses attract species like sparrows, finches, quails, and ground-feeding birds.

Insect Support: Native grasses provide habitat for a wide range of insects, including butterflies, moths, and grasshoppers. These insects, in turn, serve as food as a critical food source for birds and other predators higher up the food web.

Nesting Sites: The structure of native grasses offers secure locations for birds to build nests. Grasses' flexible stems and seed heads can provide a foundation for bird nests, ensuring successful reproduction. Many bird species use grass stems to construct their nests themselves.

Biodiversity Boost: Incorporating native grasses diversifies the plant species present in a landscape, which attracts a broader range of wildlife. This increased biodiversity contributes to a more resilient and balanced ecosystem.

Winter Protection: Like perennial wildflowers, native grasses go dormant in winter, with their treen foliage turning brown while their roots survive underground to sprout again in spring. This dead foliage of native grasses in winter provides cover and protection for insects and other wildlife during the colder months, supporting their survival.

Soil Health: Native grasses contribute to soil health by stabilizing soil, preventing erosion, and enhancing water filtration. Healthy soil supports a variety of organisms that contribute to the overall ecosystem.

Attract Local Wildlife with Native Grasses:

Home Garden Design Ideas

Incorporating native grasses into a wildlife garden design at home involves careful planning to create a balanced and functional ecosystem that supports local wildlife. Here's where native grasses could fit best within your home wildlife garden:

· Borders and Edges: Plant native grasses along the borders of your garden to create transition zones between different habitats. These areas provide cover and nesting opportunities for wildlife while blending the garden into the surrounding environment.

· Backdrop for Flower Beds: Use native grasses as a backdrop for flower beds or other plantings. Their vertical growth and swaying movement can add texture and visual interest to the garden, while also providing shelter for animals.

· Wildlife Corridors: Designate pathways or corridors within your garden using native grasses. These corridors can connect different garden sections, allowing wildlife to move freely while offering protective cover.

· Understory Plantings: Use shorter native grasses as understory plantings beneath taller native trees and native shrubs. This layering creates a diverse habitat structure, attracting a variety of wildlife species.

· Rain Gardens: Native grasses that naturally grow in moist soils are great choices for rain gardens due to their ability to absorb excess water and reduce runoff. These gardens not only manage water but also attract amphibians, insects, and birds.

· Slopes and Erosion Control: Plant native grasses on slopes to help prevent soil erosion. Their deep root systems stabilize the soil while creating habitat for ground-dwelling wildlife.

· Water Features: Plant native grasses near water features like ponds or small streams. Their presence can help blend the water feature into the surrounding landscape while providing a habitat for amphibians and insects.

· Fence or Visual Screens: Use native grasses to create visual screens or natural barriers within your garden. These screens can help define spaces, provide privacy, and contribute to the garden's aesthetics.

· Container Gardens: No yard? No problem. Some native grasses can be grown in containers on patios or balconies. This allows you to bring the benefits of native grasses to smaller spaces, while still attracting birds and insects.

· Rock Gardens: Incorporate native grasses into rock gardens to add softness and movement to any hardscaping. They can create a natural transition between the stones and provide shelter for smaller wildlife.

Remember, the placement of native grasses in your wildlife garden depends on factors such as sun exposure, soil type, and the specific needs of the wildlife you wish to attract. Luckily, there are native grass species adapted to just about any growing condition! As you plan your garden design, consider creating a diverse mix of habitats and incorporating native grasses in a way that complements the overall aesthetic while prioritizing the well-being of local wildlife.

Dianellas are versatile, low-maintenance native Australian plants excellent for landscaping due to their strappy, blue-green foliage, striking flowers, and attractive berries, which attract native birds and pollinators. They can be used in various ways, including mass planting for groundcover and weed control, as an architectural accent along paths, or as a border plant. Dianellas tolerate a range of conditions, from full sun to shade, and are drought-resistant once established, making them a resilient and eco-friendly choice for diverse garden styles, such as contemporary, cottage, or urban landscapes.

AI Overview

To landscape with Patersonia occidentalis (Long Purple-flag), plant it in full sun to light shade with well-draining soil, and water regularly until established. Its clumping, strappy leaves and vibrant purple flowers make it ideal for mass plantings, borders, rockeries, and verge gardens. This hardy, low-maintenance native plant attracts birds and butterflies, tolerates coastal conditions, and provides a beautiful, striking feature in any landscape.