Summer 2019
The drought continues
If you are in Sydney, did you know that Level 2 water restrictions came into place on 10 December 2019? The rules around watering your garden are clear and if you don't comply, you may face a fine. The rules are shown below. Importantly too, it's not sustainable to use our precious potable water excessively on gardens at this time.
The Dry Garden at Lambley Gardens
Photo: Annabelle Drew
A dry example
Many would say that a drought tolerant garden utilising a low water-use plant palette is the way to go in Australia, whether your area is currently affected by drought or not. After all, our nation is the driest continent on earth.
Lambley Gardens and Nursery, located 140km north-west of Melbourne, is rightfully proud of its beautiful Dry Garden. Using stunning plants with low water requirements, such as Santolina, Euphorbia, Sedum, Olive trees, Salvia, Crassula and Beschorneria, the entire garden gets little if any irrigation year-round. It's worth a visit if you are in the Ballarat area. The gardens are open daily from 9am to 5pm - free admission.
You can also order plants from their nursery online. I've had them delivered to Sydney and they arrived safe and sound.
Nursery, Ascot, Victoria
Photo: Annabelle Drew
Level 2 Water Restrictions - Sydney Gardens
Gardens
You can water your garden with a watering can or bucket before 10am or after 4pm. Hoses are not permitted at any time.
Irrigation systems
You can only use drip or smart* irrigation systems for fifteen minutes a day before 10am or after 4pm.
*Smart watering systems include automated weather adjustments, a rain sensor or a soil moisture sensor for a maximum of 15 minutes a day per watering zone. These devices have special features that enable them to sense when your garden needs to be watered. Control programs should be optimised for local conditions for plant survival rather than growth.
This information, including the top image, is from Sydney Water, on their lovewater.sydney website. Find out more, including rules for establishing new turf and how to apply for an exemption, at the link below.
Programmable irrigation controller by Aqualin
Drip irrigation by joyfullygrowingblog.com
The drought doesn't mean failure for your landscape. Some modifications to consider are rainwater tanks, sub-mulch dripper and smart irrigation systems. And if your garden needs a revamp anyway, we can discuss drought-tolerant plant replacements.
If you'd like advice about the best way to deal with the drought in your garden, please get in touch.
Non-thirsty Succulents at a Northcote Garden. Design: Annabelle Drew
Photo: C. Leahy