Great Tips to Making Your Garden More Water Efficient and Sustainable - South East Water Australia

1. Garden Hints and Tips
Great tips to making your garden more water efficient and sustainable.
Approximately 40% of household water use in Victoria is in the garden; by having a water efficient
garden your home can not only save you water but also cut the cost of your water bills.
There are a number of things you can do to make your garden more sustainable, simply read through
the seven key tips saving your garden’s water consumption while still maintaining a green pleasant and
rewarding garden.
Tip 1- Planning and preparation
Careful planning is the key to saving water in your garden
Tip 2- Improve the soil
Soil moisture content is vital to the health of any plant. You can improve the organic matter of your
soil by adding manure, compost and /or peat etc. A high level of organic matter in your soil will
improve plant growth.
Tip 3 - Grow the right plants
When choosing plants it’s important to not only consider size, shape, function and appearance, but
also the amount of water they will require. Many plants, particularly some of the Australian native
species, grow and flourish on very little water. Your local nursery or Water Saver Garden Centre can
offer valuable advice on water efficient plants and grasses.
Tip 4 - Reduce grassed areas
Lawns require more water than other areas of your garden and therefore offer the best opportunity to
help you conserve water and save money. The type of grass you choose is also important with warm
season grasses such as couch, buffalo and kikuyu needing less water than other varieties.
Tip 5 - Water Wisely
The ideal watering system is one which will deliver water directly to the plant roots, such as sub-
surface drippers. A lot of water can be saved with a well designed watering system and using
alternative water sources such as harvested rainwater.
Tip 6 - Use more mulch
Many gardens have too little mulch for it to be effective. A layer of good mulch of at least 75mm thick
reduces evaporation from the soil subsurface by as much as 70%. Mulch also discourages weed growth,
prevents erosion and evens out soils temperature variations.
Tip 7- Garden Maintenance
A water efficient garden requires regular maintenance to ensure it remains healthy. Your irrigation
system should also be regularly checked to prevent leaks and wastage, mulches topped up and any
new planting should be in line with the planned objective to saving water!

2. For more information....
If you would like further information please visit the following websites:
The savewater! plant selector recommends plants that have proved to be water efficient and very
popular. We have selected approximately 250 plants that are attractive, robust and will grow in a wide
range of conditions.
Savewater - www.savewater.com.au
Provides a range of information about saving water inside and outside your home.
Smartwater - www.smartwater.com.au
This is a joint initiative between the three Melbourne water retailers and the state government to
provide information on innovative water conservation, water recycling and biosolids management
solutions.
Sustainable Gardening Australia - www.sgaonline.org.au
Useful information, fact sheets and forums help you become a more sustainable gardener.
Smart Garden Watering - www.smartgardenwatering.org.au/index1.html
The interactive online gardening tool helps you better understand your garden requirements.