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Click here to view our
top drought tolerant plants
YES YOU
CAN HAVE A GREAT GARDEN USING LESS WATER!
Use these proven methods in garden beds or pots and
you will save time and water in the garden.
IMPROVE THE SOIL...
Organic matter absorbs and holds moisture within the soil. Add
compost, animal manure or other organic matter to help water to stay in the root
zone for longer. The use of water crystals or wetting agents is also
recommended.
CREATE GROUPS OF PLANTS IN YOUR
GARDEN BASED ON THEIR WATER NEEDS...
Placing plants with similar water requirements together makes it
easier to get the right amount of water to different plants. Some plants
naturally require less water than others. If you have some 'thirsty' favourites
try placing them in one area which is less exposed and which is easy to water if
they need it.
USE CORRECT WATERING TECHNIQUES...
Watering deeply but less often encourages deep roots and prevents
disease (although some sandy soils may need shorter and more frequent bursts).
Don't 'fairy water' the foliage – keep watering slow and low. To reduce
evaporation water early in the day or late in the evening, (this is now
mandatory in S.E. Qld), and don't water if it is very windy.
WATER THE GARDEN ONLY WHEN IT
NEEDS IT...
Water plants only when they really need a drink. If the soil is damp
or the plants look good, wait another day to water.
MULCH THE SOIL SURFACE...
Mulching cuts down water loss due to evaporation. Use straw, compost,
pine bark, chopped lucerne or sugar cane. Mulch should be 7 to 10 centimetres
deep and needs to be topped up regularly. Leave some space around the stem or
trunk of the plant. Don't forget your pots!
S.E. QLD WATER RESTRICTIONS...
Check out the current watering regulations for S.E. Qld on your local council
Website (click here for
Moreton Bay
Regional Council)
There are many products now that will save water and in a lot of
cases, improve the health of your plants.
- Wetting agents (Searles Penetraide) allows more of the soil to absorb more at
the available water.
- Water Crystals store water and fetilizer in a jelly form near the roots
of the plant. Organic compost and composted material of any kind dug through the soil greatly increases the
water holding capacity of the soil.
- Mulch - reduces surface evaporation and keeps the soil cooler and
hence the applied water is able to soak deeper, where the plant can use it.
- All of those plastic bottles we throw out can be used as cheap and easy
drip irrigation systems (have a look in our vege garden)
Check out
www.annettemcfarlane.com for a terrific,
useful and informative gardening website from a local expert - and she's a
really nice lady too!!
Here is a snippet from Annette's webpage with suitable detergents to use if you
are recycling grey water.
Low Phosphorous/Low Sodium Products Include: Aware
Environmental Concentrate, Planet Ark Ultra Concentrate, Trinature Herbal
Concentrate, Eco-wise Washing Soda, Biozet, Lux Pure Soap Flakes, Aura,
Envirocare Plus, Bushland, Earth Choice, Australian Earth Concentrate (according
to independent research undertaken by Lanfax Laboratories NSW
www.lanfaxlabs.com.au phone Sydney 02 6775 1157). Use common
sense when recycling grey water. Grey water should not be stored. Apply it
directly to the soil, rather than spraying it into the air or allowing it to
come in contact with the plant foliage such as lawns. Only divert grey water
when the soil is dry and the water can be readily absorbed. Never allow grey
water to drain into neighbouring properties. Use grey water around the garden,
rather than concentrating its use in one part of the garden.
Check out some of the ways we save water here at Theos.
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Use a tub in the sink for washing up. |
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Another smaller bucket for rinsing |
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Rinsing water can also be used for washing and peeling potatoes |
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Buckets and tubs are then easily carried out to the garden for the plants |
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These are some of the water saving devices we sell in store. |
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Cut the bottom out of 2 Ltr milk bottles, dig into ground close to thirsty plants, fill with water for slow deep root watering. |
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Theo's Top Drought Tolerant Plants
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Frangipani
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Grafted Grevillea
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Clivia Miaiata
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Crucifix Orchid
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NZ
Christmas Bush
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Allamanda (Jamaican Sunset)
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Xanthorreas (Grass Tree)
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Bougainvillea (Dwarf varieties)
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Loripetalum - China Pink
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Strelitzea (Bird of Paradise)
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Geraniums (all types)
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Cacti/Succulents, yukkas
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Bromeliad
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Furcraea
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"How do you save water in
your garden? Do you have any tips or good ideas to share with others. We
would love to see your photos and ideas to share with others. Email us so we can
publish some of the best ideas on our web page!"
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