LIFESTYLE NEWS - Following an unusually dry winter in parts of the country, seasonal forecasts are pointing to warmer-than-normal temperatures and below-normal rainfall in many areas in the months ahead. 

For gardeners, that means making the most of every drop of water could become increasingly important.

The good news? A water-wise garden doesn't have to mean sacrificing colour, beauty or productivity.

With Garden Day taking place on Sunday, 18 October 2026, it is the perfect opportunity to give your garden some attention, make a few simple changes and get ready to enjoy the green space around you when the weather warms up.

“A water-wise garden doesn't have to mean a dry or boring garden,” says garden designer and gardening expert Ian Dommisse. “There are so many ways to make better use of the water we have, while still creating gardens that are beautiful, productive and enjoyable.”

Here are five simple ways to prepare your garden for a hotter, drier summer.

1. Make every drop count

Instead of letting suitable household water disappear down the drain, consider whether some greywater can be safely reused in the garden.

Kitchen, bath and shower water can potentially be repurposed, although care is needed. Avoid using kitchen water containing oils or fatty substances, which can cause problems in soil and irrigation systems. 

Choosing an organic or eco-friendly dishwashing liquid can also make kitchen greywater more suitable for garden use.

The key is to use greywater thoughtfully and appropriately for your plants and soil.

2. Get water straight to the roots

If you want to reduce evaporation, an olla pot could be worth trying.

These porous clay pots are buried in the soil and filled with water. Moisture gradually seeps through the clay directly into the surrounding soil, allowing plants to access water at root level.

It is a simple, low-tech way of watering that can help reduce unnecessary water loss, particularly during hot weather.

3. Give your soil a helping hand

Sometimes the best way to save water is to stop it from disappearing in the first place.

Mulching the soil helps protect it from heat and evaporation while improving its ability to retain moisture. It can also help regulate soil temperatures and contribute organic matter as some types of mulch break down.

You don't necessarily need to buy anything fancy. Fallen leaves, compost and other suitable organic material can all be useful, while commercially available mulch is another option.

4. Choose plants that can handle the heat

A water-wise garden can still be full of colour and personality.

When planning new beds or replacing plants, look for beautiful, drought-resilient varieties that are suited to your local climate. 

Choosing plants that are naturally better adapted to local conditions can reduce their reliance on additional watering once they are established.

Think beyond simply having a green lawn, too. Mix textures, shapes, flowers, herbs and edible plants to create a garden that is both attractive and useful.

5. Think long term about greywater

For homeowners looking for a more substantial solution, a properly designed greywater system can provide a longer-term way to capture and reuse household water.

Depending on the system, household greywater can be collected in a tank and redistributed to the garden, reducing the amount of potable water needed for irrigation.

It is a bigger investment than simply changing watering habits, but it could be worth considering for households looking to make water efficiency part of their long-term garden plans.

A water-wise garden can still be full of colour and personality.

A garden is worth celebrating

Preparing for a hotter, drier summer doesn't have to turn gardening into another chore.

Garden Day is an annual celebration of South Africa's gardens, inviting people to pause, gather and enjoy their green spaces. 

Whether you have a sprawling backyard, a productive vegetable patch, a balcony filled with pots or just a few plants on a windowsill, there is no such thing as a garden that's too small to celebrate.

Now in its 11th year, Garden Day encourages South Africans to come together and appreciate the many ways gardens enrich our lives – from growing food and supporting biodiversity to creating spaces to relax, connect and spend time with family and friends.

This year's theme, “From Garden to Table: Grow, Gather, Celebrate”, puts the focus on the journey from growing to gathering and, ultimately, sharing what our gardens provide.

And that makes preparing a garden for summer about more than simply saving water. It is about creating a space that can continue to give back – whether that means fresh herbs for the kitchen, flowers for the table, a shady spot to read a book or somewhere to gather with friends.

A little preparation now can help gardens cope better with the season ahead while making them even more enjoyable when Garden Day arrives.

Garden Day takes place on Sunday, 18 October. Gardeners can find practical inspiration and information on the official Garden Day website, including ideas for celebrating gardens of all sizes.

So, whether your garden is big or small, this summer could be the perfect time to grow what works for you, use water wisely and make the most of your patch of green.

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