Australia is one of the driest continents on the planet. Almost all of Australia’s major population centres suffer water shortages from time to time, which come hand in hand with sometimes severe water restrictions. This means that we need to do whatever we can to reduce our water usage, especially in our gardens – one of the core concepts of sustainable landscaping – ensuring you are watering your garden right.

If you’re serious about creating a truly sustainable and environmentally friendly garden with the help of Landscaping Sydney, water conservation should be at the front of your mind. I know how hard it can be to plan a garden that doesn’t use much water, so I’ve put together a few tips to help get you started:

Think About Your Gardens Topography

Even the most challenging species will need water occasionally if you want them to look their best. You can make small changes to increase water use efficiency when planning your new garden.

For example, don’t plant a garden raised above a concrete path with no barrier to prevent water from running away. Ensure that water is contained within garden pots and beds and that it glides onto another garden bed if it has to flow somewhere. Don’t install sprinklers that spray water onto a road or veranda; think carefully about where you plant certain species.

Plant Drought-Resistant Species

Australia is full of beautiful native plants. We have some of the wealthiest plant species diversity in the world. However, for some unknown reason, native plants aren’t widespread in Australian gardens.

One of the best ways to reduce your water usage is to plant things that don’t need a lot of water. Most of our native plants are drought tolerant, meaning they only need watering occasionally – if at all.

Choose species that are native to your local area. They will be most suited to your local environmental conditions and most likely to grow well and provide you with a beautiful, sustainable garden!

Make Sure You’ve Got Good Soil!

Many people don’t realise the importance of high-quality, water-permeable soil. If your soil is highly water resistant – which many Australian grounds are – then water will probably just run off your garden beds rather than soaking in. Add a soil improver to decrease water resistance, and consider replacing some areas with high-quality soil.

Final Word

Water conservation is a massive issue we, as sustainable gardeners, must be aware of. Fortunately, crafting a beautiful outdoor space that is both environmentally friendly and water-saving is pretty straightforward. Plant native species, consider your garden’s layout and consider replacing water-repellent soils.