Our block includes a few introduced gums, presumably planted as ornamentals. These have flowered through much of winter, and are a joy to have. In permaculture terms, they serve a number of functions, including providing bird habitat (the wattlebirds, particularly, love them) and pollen (if not nectar) for bees at a time when food is quite scarce.
In addition, the red-flowering gum provides early shade over the barbecue area where we've now positioned the caravan, so this will help make it a tolerable 'spare bedroom' in summer for visitors like our little nephew, who adores being able to sleep and play out there.
The pink-flowered gum offers some protection behind the house from cold winds (predominant winter winds coming from the southwest) and vital shade to the dog run.
As fruit trees are established in the orchard area beside the dog run, this one might provide unwelcome competition. However, this is a bridge we'll cross when we come to it. Options for fruit trees are limited, and gums will be an issue almost anywhere, particularly if we want to maintain some cleared grassy areas around house.
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