The mornings are crisp, the days are getting longer, and with the clouds clearing (most of the time), spring is the perfect opportunity to breathe new life into your garden. Whether you’re dreaming of vibrant flowers or fresh herbs, now is the time to prepare.
Melbourne’s climate is unique, and certain plants thrive better than others. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you prepare your garden for spring and to show you the best plants to grow right now.
And if you’d like some expert help, East Coast Greenscapes can take care of everything from preparing garden beds for planting to building beautiful, productive veggie gardens.
How to Prepare Your Garden
Start the season strong by pruning, clearing weeds and removing any leftover winter debris. Once your garden is tidy, it’s time to refresh the soil with rich organic compost and a healthy layer of mulch.
Compost
We recommend mushroom compost. This pasteurised blend of wheaten straw, chicken manure, and gypsum is perfect for:
- Rejuvenating established gardens
- Improving soil structure in new gardens
- Conserving soil moisture
- Acting as mulch, especially for roses
Mulch
Mulching is essential in Melbourne’s unpredictable climate. Not only does it neaten up your garden beds, but it also:
- Insulates plant roots from frost
- Helps retain soil moisture during warmer months
- Adds nutrients and boosts soil health
- Reduces erosion
Tip: Before adding mulch, sprinkle your garden beds with a slow-release fertiliser. This ensures your plants thrive all season long.
What to Plant in Spring
Spring Flowers
Planting in spring rewards you with colour, fragrance and long-lasting blooms. September is ideal for flowers such as:
- Daises
- Carnations
- Lavender
- Marigolds
- Snapdragons
- Pansies
- Foxgloves
- Dahlias
Geraniums and petunias are particularly popular—they’re versatile, colourful, and can be grown in beds, pots, or hanging baskets.
Sunflowers are another cheerful option for a sunny garden corner, though if you’re in a frost-prone area, wait until the soil has warmed before planting.
Other flowers to consider from September onwards include:
Alyssum, asters, begonias, celosias, chrysanthemums, cinerarias, cornflowers, gazanias, and impatiens—each adding their own burst of colour and texture to your garden.
Herbs
Fresh herbs not only elevate your cooking but also thrive in Melbourne’s spring conditions. Great choices to plant now include
- Chives
- Dill
- Mint
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Sage
- Thyme
Coriander loves the cooler weather and does well in early spring but tends to bolt when summer heat arrives. Basil, on the other hand, is more delicate—wait until later in spring to plant it once the risk of frost has passed.
Whether you want a garden bursting with flowers, a fragrant patch of herbs, or a thriving veggie garden, East Coast Greenscapes can help bring your vision to life. From preparing your soil to building custom vegetable beds, they’ll make sure your spring garden gets off to the best possible start