15 tips for a water-wise garden

NATIONAL PROPERTY NEWS - With water becoming an increasingly scarce resource, we need to do all we can to conserve it.

Climate change is an undeniable fact and South Africa is not immune to the impact it has. Worldwide, temperatures are rising, leading to lower rainfall with higher temperatures in certain areas and higher rainfall with extreme flooding in other areas.

Steve van Wyk, MD at Seeff Centurion, says over the past few years most of South Africa has experienced drought to a certain extent. "Lately the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and the North-West Province have all been subject to very low rainfall. In Cape Town for example, residents were limited to 50 litres of water per person per day. Our ability to dam our rivers has diminished as we have already dammed most rivers."

Van Wyk says undertaking certain measures can help limit the impact of low rainfall. "This can firstly be done by collecting water from the roof of the house into a plastic or cement tank.

Secondly, one can test for underground water and install a borehole, and thirdly, it is important to make use of grey water from the shower, bath or kitchen. Lastly, it is crucial to limit your water usage wherever possible."

Only water in the morning or evening, or better still, use drip irrigation.

Water-wise tips with regard to gardening:

Replace all or part of the lawn with synthetic grass.
Brick-pave certain areas.
Cover certain areas with round stones, pebbles, wood chips or quarried stone.
Only plant shrubs that are drought resistant or require minimal water.
Use shade-cloth to reduce evaporation.
Dig huge amounts of compost that contains organic matter into the flower beds to retain water.
Put mulch between plants to reduce evaporation.
Only water in the morning or evening, or better still, use drip irrigation. Rather water less frequently with plenty of water than a little water every day. This way the water gets down to the roots.
Where possible, plant shrubs that can create windbreaks as well as shade.
Remove all invasive and exotic plants and shrubs that require excessive water.
Only plant indigenous plants and shrubs that require minimal water.
Take note of the sun, shade, wind and soil type before you plant.
By regular weeding, thinning and pruning you will reduce the amount of water needed.
Don't mow the lawn too short, as the roots will tend to dry out quicker.
Ground cover reduces weeds, keeps the soil cool and reduces erosion.