Acacia Mini Cog

Acacia cognata Mini Cog is a dwarf form of shrub selected by plant breeder Peter Goldup of Goldup Nursery and has been growing in his garden for over 10 years. This plant grows to a height of 0.75 - 1m and has a spread of 1.8m making it excellent for use as a garden border, rockery plant and specimen pot plant or as low level planting for any landscape. Acacia cognata Mini Cog is a hardy low maintenance small shrub with attractive foliage & habit; it has a superior adaptability to cope with dry conditions and frosts. Once mature may show a light sprinkling of soft pale yellow ball flowers in late winter to early spring (this plant is not a prolific flowerer). This outstanding performing dwarf form of Acacia cognata has been highly recommended by the Retail and Landscape industry. Other dwarf forms of Acacia cognata's in the market include: Acacia Curvaceous, Acacia Dazzler, Acacia Fettuccine, Acacia Green Mist, Acacia Limelight, Acacia Waterfall and in the US Acacia Mini Cog is marketed under the name of Acacia Cousin Itt. The dwarf forms listed of Acacia cognata can be mixed planted to create textural variations in the landscape.

The Blackburn garden had existing established trees creating a shaded site; this can be difficult to find plants to work in these conditions. The brief was to use plants that required low water with little maintenance to create a lush understory in a soft informal effect. Plant design and planting was by Bushland Flora who used Acacia Mini Cog, Lomandra Lime Tuff and Damperia Cobalt Mound repeatedly throughout the garden.

Balwyn Garden designed by Landscape designer Steve Taylor

Aitken conference centre – This project involved the planting of a 100 x15 metre embankment in front of the conference centre accommodation. Due to its location and the practicalities of maintaining the numerous gardens on the property the customer had specific requirements for the project. These standards were taken into account whilst selecting plant varieties and arranging them in the gardens accordingly. The requirements included the use of plants that grew no taller than 2 metres that were decorative and maintain a neat growing habit with minimal maintenance whilst tolerating the tough and variable conditions of Yuroke such as hot, dry summers, unremitting wind, winter frosts and no irrigation. These requirements aside, the main focus of the customer’s wishes was for the garden to be decorative in appearance. The day after the devastating Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria on 7th of February 2009 after a week of temperatures with 3 days over the mid 40’s. Notice how the grass surrounding the Acacia "Mini Cogs's" has succumbed to the extreme weather while the "Mini Cog’s" remain green and thriving, demonstrating their resilience to the harsh Australian environment.

Mount Lilydale School – Mount Lilydale Mercy College now showcases a beautiful formal garden that exemplifies how Australian natives can be used to not just an economic and environmental advantage but can also provide beautiful surroundings. The garden captures the splendour and versatility of Australian natives whilst the grounds staff benefit from the plants inherent ability to require little water and often even less maintenance than exotic varieties. At the entrance to the building they have used Acacia cognata dwarf "Mini Cog" amass to create a lovely soft and lush bed of green which requires no pruning.