When I moved into my current place, the backyard looked like it had given up on life. Patchy grass. A stubborn hedge. One lemon tree that had clearly been through some things. I had all these ideas from Pinterest boards saved on my phone, but zero clue where to start.

A friend told me, “Don’t just buy whatever looks nice at the nursery — you’ll regret it.” That’s when I decided to find a gardener who actually knew what would work in my space. And they were right — picking the right plants is more than grabbing what catches your eye. It’s about choosing for your climate, your soil, and honestly, your patience level.

Start with your climate — seriously

Before that first meeting, I thought plants just needed “sun” or “shade.” Turns out, that’s the gardening equivalent of saying a car just needs “fuel.” Sydney’s warm, humid summers and mild winters are a dream for some plants and a slow death sentence for others.

One of the first things the gardener did? Stood in my yard and pointed out how the sun moved through the space during the day. North-facing sections, they said, would bake in summer — so keep thirsty plants away from there unless I planned on daily watering. South-facing? Cooler, shadier, better for ferns and hydrangeas.

Knowing your climate means you’re working with nature instead of trying to fight it — and losing.

Your soil will decide who stays and who struggles

We did a quick pH test, and I learned my soil was slightly acidic. Good news for camellias and azaleas, not so good for lavender or some herbs. My first thought was to “fix” it so I could have what I wanted. The gardener’s advice? Don’t. Work with what you have.

A bit of compost here, some mulch there, and I ended up with healthier plants that didn’t need constant rescue missions.

Sunlight rules the game

I once planted a hydrangea in full summer sun because it looked nice there. It lasted about six days before it gave me that droopy, “Why are you doing this to me?” look every afternoon. Moved it to a shadier corner and it perked right up.

The sustainable gardening tips from the NSW Environment site really hammer this home — you can save on water and stress if you plant things where they naturally want to grow.

Think about maintenance before you fall in love

At the nursery, everything looks perfect. That little climber? Gorgeous. Until three months later, when it’s strangling your fence. I made that mistake with wisteria — stunning in bloom, but it grows like it’s in a race and you’re losing.

If you’re not the type who enjoys weekend pruning sessions, stick to lower-maintenance plants. Native grasses, succulents, and hardy shrubs can be a blessing for busy people.

Planting with a plan makes life easier

Random plant shopping trips feel fun, but they can turn your garden into a jumble. Grouping plants with the same water and sunlight needs means less stress for you — and for them.

I like mixing heights and textures, so it doesn’t all look flat. Hardy shrubs in the back, seasonal flowers in the middle, groundcovers in the front. Easy on the eyes, easy to look after.

Year-round appeal beats short-term thrills

I used to plant whatever looked amazing in the moment. Then I’d spend winter looking at bare patches. Now I mix evergreens for structure, perennials for reliable colour, and bulbs for those surprise “oh wow” moments in spring.

The garden feels alive all year instead of going dormant for months at a time.

Natives — the garden heroes we forget

I didn’t appreciate Australian natives until I planted a grevillea. Flowers for months, no drama with the weather, and the local parrots treat it like their favourite café.

They’re not just hardy — they cut down on water use and help support the local ecosystem without you lifting a finger.

Match your plants to your home’s style

Plants aren’t just for the yard; they’re part of the overall feel of your home. Structured hedges suit modern builds. Overflowing cottage-style blooms suit heritage homes.

When I was stuck for inspiration, I browsed landscape design ideas and started noticing how the right planting style makes the house look better, even from the street.

Plan for growth, not just day one

That “cute” shrub at the nursery? It might become a monster in two years. I’ve had to rip out plants that outgrew their space because I didn’t think ahead.

Measure your space. Check mature sizes. Saves a lot of backache later.

Watering: Not as simple as you think

Too much water can kill a plant as fast as too little. Grouping plants by water needs makes irrigation easier. Drip systems are great for slow, deep watering, and mulch helps keep the soil moist longer.

It’s one of those small investments that pays off over time.

Seasons change — so should your care

Your garden in January is not the same as in July. Summer might mean early morning watering; winter might mean frost protection.

This is where seasonal garden maintenance becomes your best friend. Planning ahead means fewer emergencies and healthier plants.

My takeaway from working with a gardener

Hiring someone to guide me through plant choices wasn’t about handing over all the work — it was about avoiding mistakes I’d regret later. They helped me build a garden that suits the space and the way I live.

Now, instead of constant “fix-it” gardening, I get to enjoy it — coffee in hand, parrots on the grevillea, hydrangea happily shaded.

Final thoughts

Choosing the right plants isn’t just about looks. It’s about picking species that suit your climate, soil, and lifestyle so your garden works with you, not against you.

From experience, a bit of planning now saves years of frustration later. And if you’re unsure, getting advice early will save you money, effort, and a lot of dead plants.