With hot temperatures and variable rainfall, keeping your garden looking good during an Aussie Summer requires waterwise practices. By being smart with your plant choices, you can still create beautiful outdoor spaces that thrive in our conditions while conserving one of our most precious resources: water.
Why waterwise gardening matters
Waterwise gardening – also known as xeriscaping – focuses on using appropriate plants and irrigation techniques that reduce water use. In a country where droughts are common, these practices help ensure our gardens remain lush and vibrant without unnecessary strain on local water supplies. Not only is this approach environmentally friendly, but it also saves on water bills and reduces the time spent on maintenance.
Choosing the right plants
When planning a waterwise garden, selecting native and drought-tolerant species is a top priority. Australian natives have adapted over millennia to local conditions, making them ideal candidates. Some fantastic choices include:
- Kangaroo Paw: Known for their distinctive, colourful flowers, kangaroo paws require minimal water and provide year-round interest.
- Bottlebrush: These hardy shrubs attract native birds and thrive with little irrigation once established.
- Grevilleas: With their bright flowers and ability to withstand dry conditions, grevilleas are perfect for low-maintenance gardens.
Many non-native plants also perform exceptionally well in dry gardens. These plants bring variety, colour, and texture to the landscape while still requiring minimal water once established. Some non-native, waterwise plants to consider are:
- Lavender: Originating from the Mediterranean, lavender thrives in dry, sunny conditions and its fragrant flowers attract pollinators.
- Rosemary: Also Mediterranean in origin, rosemary is both culinary and ornamental. It can endure long periods without watering, making it ideal for low-maintenance borders or hedges.
- Succulents: Succulents, including aloes, agaves, and sedums, store water in their fleshy leaves and stems, and are also great for adding architectural interest.
Smart irrigation practices
Even in a waterwise garden, some irrigation will be necessary – especially during establishment or periods of extreme heat. The key is to water efficiently, delivering the right amount to the right place at the right time. Consider these tips:
Drip irrigation systems:
Drip systems are one of the most efficient ways to water a garden. They deliver moisture directly to the root zone, minimising evaporation and runoff. Drip Eze® is the perfect low flow irrigation solution suited for a wide range of landscape applications, such as high density planting areas and intricately shaped landscape beds.
Timers and controllers:
Automatic timers ensure watering happens at optimal times, such as early morning or late evening, when evaporation rates are low. Smart controllers can even adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions. But they don’t need to be too complicated to get the benefits. The Pope 2 Hour Tap Timer connects straight to your garden tap so you can set and forget!
Mulching:
Applying mulch around plants helps retain soil moisture, reduce temperature fluctuations, and suppress weeds. Organic mulches, such as bark or straw, are especially effective and environmentally friendly.
Rainwater harvesting:
Installing a rainwater tank is another excellent way to supplement your irrigation needs. Rainwater is free and typically has a lower pH than mains water, making it gentler on plants. We offer a range of fittings to help integrate rainwater into your irrigation setup.
By embracing waterwise gardening practices, we can create sustainable and stunning outdoor spaces that reflect Australia’s natural beauty. Thoughtful plant choices, efficient irrigation methods and the right tools make it easier than ever to maintain a garden that thrives all year round – even in the most challenging Summer conditions.
