Design Your Own Waterwise Garden

It’s time to waterwise up — thankfully, it really isn’t that hard

- Dean Boone

The term “waterwise” is very much a part of gardening vernacular in Australia. Google the phrase and you’ll be inundated with corporations, government agencies, products and plant lists all promoting its principles.

As a nation, we’re finally starting to embrace the concept of being waterwise, with many new homes and estates actively promoting the right plant selections and design layouts to make the most of the least amount of water.

Most gardeners, however, still face a bit of a perception problem: could it really be that simple to establish a water-conserving garden or convert an existing garden into a waterwise wonderland? Ultimately, although the basic principles of how we garden have had to change, the answer is yes.

Australia has always been a dry place to garden. Our Indigenous cultures knew how to work with such punishing conditions and the rest of us are finally realising that we have to take our cues from nature, too.

We need to plant for the worst conditions, not the best, and water management of our gardens is key.

For most of us, the goal is to convert an existing garden and, while the path to success lies in the detail, it isn’t all that difficult to do. Follow some basic principles and you can make some real changes.

GET STUCK IN

Plan for shade: First, your garden layout should make the most of summer shade and winter sun. If you have a hot spot that cooks in the summer heat, please, please, please plant a tree. Shade is free and is your best friend. It may take some time, but as the saying goes: the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago; the next best time is right now.