Yes, you know you need to use ‘less water’. But what does this mean exactly? If you’re going to stick within your locality’s set regulations, it really pays to know them inside out. In places like Australia, for example, where rain isn’t exactly common in many parts of the country, there are several distinct levels of water-saving measures and restrictions. Similar practices are in place in the United States and they vary depending on your state. 

Knowing your water restrictions will allow you to figure out which plants you’ll be able to grow in your garden. And even if you are technically able to grow them in your garden, there’s a cost-benefit analysis you’ll need to make. In some areas, the restrictions mean that you will have to do some extra work such as 1) investing in higher quality mulch (which is more expensive) and 2) using greywater.

We’re talking about saving water, and we’re telling you not to overdo it. Seems obvious, no? Not so fast. There’s a big difference between watering your garden at the right time (and as often as it needs it) and overwatering. 

To check whether you’ve given your garden a little too much H2O, go spade-deep and check the dampness levels. If the spade goes down without any issues and the soil feels damp, you’re good. If it’s dry, it’s time to water. 

Clay and sandy soil are different, however. Clay soil can feel damp even if the water is lacking, while sandy soil can feel dry even if it has plenty of water. In these scenarios, look at your plants. When leaves look ‘different’ to their usual (for example, when they look darker or they alter position), take it as an opportunity to get to know your soil. It’s at this point that you need to add more water to your garden. 

If you’re looking to save water, you need to avoid water-guzzling plants. There are a number of water-wise plants that you can consider for your garden. For example, plants such as palms and lavender require far less water than those that hail from wetter tropical climes, like hibiscus. 

In general, try and go native. Local plants are local for a reason. It’s because the climate and conditions work best for their growth. Bring in something that’s exotic and unknown to your location, and it’ll probably need more water than is ideal.

Soil is just as important to the healthy growth of your plants and flowers as the amount of water you’re using. For example, we recommend adding organic matter on a consistent basis, as this leads to structural improvement for optimal moisture retention. Mulching is a word you should become intimately familiar with. It ensures moisture is trapped in place when it’s dry, meaning you’ll need less water. Finally, invest in quality soil; in this case, ‘you get what you pay for’ rings very true. 

Think of water the same way you think of your recycling routine. Instead of relying on water from your sprinkler, consider investing in solutions that allow you to collect and reuse water. Depending on where you are, it’s possible to avoid the use of a sprinkler almost altogether. We recommend two ways of doing this: 

• Greywater. This is water that comes from your baths, washing machines, showers, hence the name. You can use diverters that store this water in an irrigation system. 

• Rainwater. Rainwater is probably your easiest bet. Using your existing drain pipe you can collect water in the receptacle of your choice. Type ‘rainwater collector’ or similar into Google and you’ll get plenty of relevant products. 

We’re going to end this piece on a cheesy note: love your garden. The advice above may result in a few groans at first, but it’s all part of taking care of your garden the right way. 

What do we mean by this? Gardens aren’t ‘set and forget’, they’re not ‘plug and play’. If you want a garden that looks beautiful and adds to your quality of life, you need to invest accordingly in both time and money.