Think you’ve got a black thumb? These plants might prove you wrong

May 1, 2025

Even notorious plant killers are growing these garden champions with ease

Seen those gorgeous, leafy gardens on Martha Stewart’s Instagram? Then looked down at your own dried-up basil and sighed? It’s time for a tiny perspective shift — because maybe the problem isn’t you. Maybe you’ve just been trying to grow the wrong plants.

Here’s the good news: you’re not a hopeless case, and gardening isn’t reserved for the naturally green-thumbed. With the right plants and a little local know-how from your neighbours at Strathalbyn H Hardware, you can go from “oops, I killed another one” to “look what I grew!”

Let’s get realistic. Life’s full. Time is tight. And not everyone wants to spend weekends babysitting fussy plants. So, we’ve rounded up a list of stellar, beginner-friendly growers that are practically un-killable (almost) — and perfect for folks like you who just want to grow something without the heartbreak.

What Makes a Plant Beginner-Friendly?

Think low maintenance. Think resilient, forgiving, and the botanical version of a good mate. These plants handle a late watering, a missed feed, or a weekend away without throwing a tantrum. They don't need perfect light, expensive soil, or you decoding Latin names. They just need a place to settle in and someone willing to give it a go.

Bonus Tip:

Look for plants marked “tough,” “hardy,” “drought tolerant,” or “great for beginners” at the nursery.

Plants That Actually Want You to Win

You may not believe it now, but there’s a whole green gang rooting for your success. Here are our top picks that even self-proclaimed plant killers have kept alive — and (gasp) thriving:

1. Mint

It's the overachiever of the herb world — and for good reason. Drop a mint seedling into any half-decent pot with some drainage, forget about it for a few days, and it'll still be waving hello from the garden.

Loves partial shade to sun
Grows fast (almost suspiciously so)
Perfect for teas, cocktails, or garnishes

2. Aloe Vera

A beauty that doubles as a burn balm. This spiky stunner stores water in its plump leaves — meaning it wants you to ignore it most of the time. Show it some sun and an occasional sip, and it’ll live a long, happy life.

3. Chives

They take up hardly any space, are brilliant in salads or omelettes, and they just… keep coming back. Great for sunny windowsills or garden edges.

4. Succulents & Cacti

Pretty. Simple. Practically immortal. Turns out that spiky little succulent from your aunt’s windowsill could teach a course in resilience.

Minimal watering (once every couple of weeks)
Likes warmth and light but not fuss
Perfect for renters or shared flats

5. Correa (Native Fuchsia)

This hardy native is ideal for locals who want something drought-tolerant, bird-attracting, and naturally suited to South Australian conditions. Resistant to both heat and neglect — yes, please.

Still Nervous? Let Us Be Your Garden Wingwoman

We get it. Starting anything new can feel a bit… much. There's the gear, the soil, the endless (and often conflicting) advice online. But here’s where a little local support makes all the difference.

At our garden centre, we don’t just sell plants — we help grow people’s confidence. Our team can suggest plants that match your lifestyle, your balcony, even your soil. We’ll walk with you, pot by pot, until one day you realise, “Hey… I’m actually doing this.”

Old Story:

You walked home from the nursery nervously holding one plant and quietly whispering, “Please don’t die.”

New Story:

You wander through your yard, brushing past mint and marvelling at your aloe’s new pup, wondering what you’ll plant next.

Tiny Habits, Tangible Joys

You don’t need a whole backyard or a Pinterest-perfect plot to begin. You just need one container, one resilient little plant, and the decision to try. The rest — the confidence, the know-how, the sense of pride — that all grows with time.

Because you’re not planting a garden overnight. You’re planting moments of calm, little wins, and reasons to smile when nothing else in your day feels like it’s going your way.

So, Where Do You Start?

Come in-store — seriously, just say hi
Ask us what plant won't judge your busy schedule
Tell us where it’s going in your home
We’ll help you pick one real-life plant buddy

Then water it. Talk to it. Stick it on your shelf. Watch it grow. And when you’re ready? Come back and tell us — because we’ll remember your face, and we’ll be thrilled you’re back for round two.

Your black thumb? Total myth. You just haven’t been set up to win — until now.

Happy planting,

— Candeece

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