Water-wise garden ideas for summer
Summertime is the perfect time to garden, but it can also be a thirsty time for your plants. If you're looking for ways to conserve water while still having a beautiful garden, check out these water-wise ideas! From using drought-tolerant plants to installing a watering system, there are plenty of ways to keep your garden looking great without wasting water. So get started on your water-wise summer garden today!
How to plan a water-wise garden
Summer is the time when most of us start thinking about our gardens and spending time outdoors. We dream of a luscious green lawn, vibrant flowers and a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
However, as the temperatures start to rise, our gardens can quickly become parched and brown. One way to keep your garden healthy and happy during summer is to plan a water-wise garden. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Choose drought-tolerant plants: When selecting plants for your garden, look for varieties that are native to your area or that are known to be drought-tolerant. These plants will be better equipped to withstand periods of dry weather.
- Group plants accordingly: When planting your garden, group plants according to their needs. Look at how much water they require, whether they full sun or prefer the shade, and plant those that have similar needs together.
- Create distinctive zones: While it might be tempting to let your garden grow wild, it’s important to have some structure in place. Create a layout that weaves different plants together, while still separating plants according to their water intake.
By creating a plan for your garden with these tips in mind, you can cultivate a beautiful water-wise garden that will thrive in summer weather.
What to plant in a water-wise garden
If you're looking to add some plants to your garden that are both water-wise and summer-friendly, then you're in luck! South Africa is home to a wide variety of beautiful plants that fit the bill perfectly. Here are 10 drought-tolerant plants and flowers perfect for South African soil in the summer:
- Aloe arborescens
- Sugarbush Protea
- African Daisies
- Gazanias
- Spekboom
- Ice plant (Delosperma cooperi)
- African Lily (Agapanthus)
- Cape Honeysuckle (Tecoma capensis)
- Butterfly bush (Polygala fruiticosa)
- Clivia
How to grow a flourishing water-wise garden
Looking to save water in your garden? Here are 10 water-wise ideas to get you started:
1. Ditch the lawn
A traditional lawn is one of the thirstiest plants around, so consider replacing it with drought-resistant alternatives like native grasses, shrubs, or peach pips or groundcover plants that thrive in full sun like the ice plant.
2. Group plants together
When you group drought-resistant plants together, they can create a microclimate that helps them survive on less water. For your exotic flowers or plants that are a little thristier, this approach will ensure they receive enough water without wastage.
3. Use mulch
A layer of mulch helps to retain moisture in the soil and suppress weed growth, both of which can help reduce the amount of water your garden needs.
4. Water when it’s cool
Evaporation is less likely when the sun isn't beating down on your garden, so water early in the morning or late in the evening for the best results.
5. Install a drip irrigation system
Drip irrigation systems deliver water directly to the roots of your plants, ensuring that they receive the moisture they need without wastage. This can be a great way to save water, money and time in your garden.
6. Water right at the root
If you don’t have an irrigation system, ensure your plants are in a pot with sufficient drainage and a drip tray. Water at the base of plants, not from overhead. This will help reduce evaporation and ensure that more water actually reaches the roots.
7. Let your lawn grow
If you have a lawn or a grassy patch, let it grow a few centimetres longer before trimming. Longer grass has deeper roots, which means it can stay hydrated even during periods of drought. Just be sure to set your mower blade a bit higher than usual before you start cutting.
8. Choose indigenous, drought-resistant plants
Plants like succulents and cacti are well adapted to dry conditions and will thrive even with minimal watering. When gardening in South Africa it’s important to remember that native plants are almost always the best option. Not only are they adapted to the hot and dry climate, but they also require less water and maintenance than non-native species.
If you’re eager to create a water-wise garden this summer and need a secure place to store all your excess outdoor furniture and garden tools, head to Stor-Age. Boasting a wide range of storage units and flexible leases, it’s the perfect household storage solution.
To learn more about our services, give us a call on 0861 18 18 18 or request a quick and easy online quote!