Choose the right plants
Some plants don’t require as much water as others so putting them in will give you a great head- start on saving water. Australian natives are used to our dry climate so are a good choice. Far from being boring, there are varieties that are bursting with colour. Try grevilleas, banksia and waratahs. Succulents and cacti are another option as they are native to dry, desert climates. Before any planting improve the soil with organic matter as it helps the soil retain moisture.
Install irrigation
Drip irrigation and soaker hoses release water slowly and directly to the roots of your plants. It’s easy to install too, as all the connectors simply push into the hoses laid out on the ground. Put the watering system on a timer so you don’t have to worry about remembering to turn it on or off.
Spread mulch
Mulch helps prevent moisture loss out of your garden beds through evaporation. Lay it out a few centimetres thick at the start of the season. As it breaks down, you may have to top it up. Another bonus of mulch is that it helps prevent the growth of weeds. Save on work along with water? Gotta love that!
When to water
The best time to water your garden is the early morning or in the evening. This will reduce the amount of water lost due to evaporation and give the plants water to survive the day’s heat. The best way to water is less frequently but more thoroughly.
