Don’t make major changes to your garden in summer
Summer is not the time to make big changes for a waterwise garden. By all means mulch, prune, shade, get rid of pot plants and reduce lawn area, but please don't put in young plants, start a new grass lawn or even install a new irrigation system.
Summer conditions are hot, disturbed soil and plants lose a lot of water in hot weather and most plants don't need any additional challenges.
Wait for autumn, or spring in Northern Australia, when the weather is cooler and more stable. Changing your garden will be easier, more successful and you will be in an excellent position for next summer as plants will have plenty of time to establish.