Hi Harry,

In terms of whether Clay soils are "good" or not, the nutrients in clay
soils are much more available to most plants than a more sandy soil.

Whichever plants you eventually choose to plant, look at the soil type they
would grow in naturally (unless you are getting grafted specimens). If they
are coastal and prefer pure sand they they won't grow in clay.

Callistemons are crekk dwellers in nature, and do well in waterlooged, clay
soils. Even teh quite dry clay soil of my yard supprts Banksia spinulosa,
Endeavour callistemon and several other species you would think were
intolerant of heavy clays, such as Actinotus, and Bauera (a sandstone
species). neither are in raised beds, but perhaps the drought has more to
do with their success than not being raised above the clay?

Good luck


"Harry" wrote in message
...
When is the best time of the year to plant tube stock natives?
We intend to buy a couple of hundred Grevilia, Banksia, Callistermons etc.

Our property (Hunter Valley area) has concrete type clay with
rocks/pebbles.

Should I dig a larger hole (6") and put some good soil in to establish the
plants?

--
Harry