Waterwise
We are constantly being reminded that the world’s supply of water is waning and that we should all be making an effort to conserve our precious supply. Here are a few tips that can help us do just that.
Garden Beds
-Water deeply and less often. This encourages roots to go deep into the soil in search of moisture.
-Water in the early morning or the evening to prevent loss of water through evaporation.
-Use soaker hoses or weeper-style hoses that water close to the ground.
-If you use a traditional sprinkler position it so that you are not watering paved surfaces.
- Use mulch to keep plants roots cool and moist between waterings, eg. Bark Mulch, Sea Soil, Mushroom Manure.
Lawns
-Water lawns early in the morning to prevent loss of water through evaporation.
-Water deeply applying about 2.5cm (1″) of water a week. You can apply this amount of water in about an hour.
-Keep your lawn mowed high (5-7.6cm [2-3"]). This helps shade the crown of the grass plants during hot weather.
-It’s okay to stop watering and let the lawn go dormant in summer. It will turn brown but will green up quickly once temperatures cool and fall rains begin.
-Reduce the size of or completely remove the lawn and replace it with more patio or decking.
-Replace the lawn with low growing plants that can be used as lawn substitutes.
Lawn Substitutes:
Sun/ Shade
Cotoneaster dammeri Leptinella
Creeping Thymes Ajuga
Blue Star Creeper Corsican Mint
White Star Creeper Scotch and Irish Moss
Emerald Carpet Creeper Oxalis oregana
Take note: For a truly easy care, tough, drought tolerant, emerald green lawn plant White Clover. Perfect for slopes. Hardly ever needs mowing.