I like a very full, ornate tree, with plenty of sparkle. I have large bows and a train that runs through the top of he tree, with puffing smoke and a bright lint and whistle. I like the tree to take on the whole meaning of Christmas and I overload it with memories and moments of Christmases past. I also have Christmas elves in mine. They are about knee high and are dressed in rich burgundy and green traditional costumes, with lots of gold embelishmens. They have porcelain faces and there are enough climbing amongst on perched on branches to look real for my daughters amazement! They add to the whimsical and imagination of little ones.

Hi Astri. I am in Canberra and have nineteen trees in our garden. How big is your block? Which way does it face for solar access? Do you have any power lines or easements to consider? What plans do you have for dealing with the autumn leaves? I'm not quite sure what you mean by a gatehouse and arbour on the fenceline but have you checked the regulations for structures on your boundary? Where do you want to plant the hedge and what is the width?

No I’m not in Brisbane. Bunnings generally have a limited selection of the more popular natives. Your best best bet will be a local independent nursery. They can order in and give good advice. A lot of native nurseries also sell online and deliver interstate.

once the groundcovers are well established they can be raked over with a flexible rake and quickly recover and some of the fallen leaves will help with mulch..i guess the challenge is to prepare the site well and make sure that the new groundcovers are planted late say in Autumn with plenty of time to be well established before next autumn but i think that nothing looks better than a carpet of Autumn leaves with some crocus bulbs poking through and i was never in a hurry to rake all the leaves up at once