Gardens
During times of drought, we can still have beautiful gardens – it just takes some thought and a little extra planning to ensure they are water efficient.
By saving indoors you can have some water left for watering your garden. Greywater from bathrooms, kitchens and laundries can keep gardens alive. Level 6 Water Restrictions also permit limited bucketing on allocated days, from 4-7pm.
Use buckets to collect shower and kitchen water for your plants. You can also connect a flexible hose from your washing machine to divert greywater to your garden. Engage a plumber and first obtain council approval if you decide to install a below-ground greywater system (WaterWise Rebate applies).
Tips for water-wise gardening:
- Install a rainwater tank (WaterWise and some council rebates apply) and use the tank supply to water your garden, top up your pool or for other outdoor water uses.
- Mulch your garden regularly to maintain moisture in the soil and control weeds that compete with plants for water.
- Regularly check outdoor taps, pipes and plumbing fixtures for leaks.
- Select drought-tolerant plants to reduce the water your garden needs (WaterWise rebates of up to $50 are available for drought resistant plants).
- Use water crystals in your garden.
- Before adding new plants to your garden, prepare the garden bed with good soil, water storing granules, wetting agents and thick layers of mulch to maximise water efficiency.
- Group plants in the garden that require similar amounts of water.
- Avoid watering when it is windy – wind causes water to evaporate and blows it to areas where it is not needed.
- When choosing a lawn type, choose slow growing, water saving varieties like Palmetto. They have deep roots for tolerance and they don’t need mowing as much as other varieties.
- Don’t cut the lawn too short, and remember that it will readily regenerate after a small amount of rain.