Revamping an existing garden
Is an existing sprinkler or watering system water efficient, this could need redesigning? Dramatically altering the watering regime can have detrimental results for an existing garden. If a garden has been over watered for a long period of time it is better to reduce the water application gradually over a couple of years in conjunction with other water saving measures like mulching.
Are the garden beds mulched? Perhaps you need to change the shape, size or position of beds so they are easy to mulch. Mulching in early spring when the soils are moist from winter rains helps hold in the moisture to reduce watering as well as weeds.
Growing the right type of plant to suit the climate and position immediately reduces water needs and maintenance. Removing competing weeds regularly also keeps them from completing with favorite plants for water.
Are the garden beds mulched? Perhaps you need to change the shape, size or position of beds so they are easy to mulch. Mulching in early spring when the soils are moist from winter rains helps hold in the moisture to reduce watering as well as weeds.
Growing the right type of plant to suit the climate and position immediately reduces water needs and maintenance. Removing competing weeds regularly also keeps them from completing with favorite plants for water.
In summary...
- Assess the value of existing plants and features
- Design a garden to meet your current and proposed future needs
- Remove unwanted elements from the garden that don’t fit in with the new design
- Minimise lawn areas replace with mulches, gravels, stones, paving and groundcovers
- Use microclimates to advantage
- Group plants with similar water needs together
- Make sure you know how to water effectively and efficiently
- Mulch all garden beds and around all plants regularly and effectively
- Choose the right plants and replace plants with those to suit your climate
- Don’t allow weeds to compete for water