Whenever you picture a garden — what comes to mind? Is it a picture of sparse plants spaced far from one another or is it a lush and full space full of greens and a different variety of plants, beaming with life?
At VL Designs, we understand that when it comes to designing your outdoor or indoor garden, you want it to be luscious and blooming! A small slice of nature that is just for you and your family, right in the middle of your own home.
However, planting too many plants just to be able to achieve this look and feel may not always be the most sustainable option, especially for those who are not looking for a significant increase in their water bill nor do they have the time for the regular upkeep and watering of plants.
Thankfully, landscape designers have devised a way to cut down on the resources and efforts needed to maintain a lush and full garden. How? Through water-wise gardening!
What is Water-Wise Gardening?
Water-wise gardening which is also called xeriscaping is a method used to cut down on water while still being able to completely water an extensive array of plants.
This method helps you keep a beautiful and healthy garden at a fraction of the cost. To do this, you need to be able to pick the right plants, work on your soil quality, and use smart watering methods.
For this, Australian native plants are perfect for this style of landscape gardening since they are suited to the local climate and soil.
Using Native Plants for your Garden Landscape Design
In a nutshell, native plants are the most effective if you want that lush and full garden feel.
These plants are used to the local environment, so they can handle drought better and need less water.
Here are some Australian native plants you can add to your garden:
Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos)
- Known for its unique flowers and vibrant colours.
Bottlebrush (Callistemon)
- Attractive to birds, with striking red flower spikes.
Grevillea
- Offers a variety of forms and colors, providing nectar for birds.
Wattle (Acacia)
- Features beautiful yellow blooms and enhances soil fertility.
Now that you’ve chosen what kind of plants you want to grow in your garden, we can now go ahead and prepare the garden before planting. The first step? Soil preparation.
How to Prepare your Soil for Garden Plants
Improving Soil Quality
Healthy soil holds water better and gives plants the nutrients they need. Add organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to make the soil structure better and help it keep water.
Mulching
Mulching helps keep water in the soil, stops weeds from growing, and keeps the soil temperature steady. Use organic mulches like wood chips, straw, or leaves around your plants.
Employing Water-Wise Gardening Methods
Efficient Watering Schedule
Water your garden early in the morning or late in the evening to lose less water from evaporation. Change how often and how long you water based on the season and weather.
Grouping Plants by Water Needs
Group plants with similar water requirements together. This ensures that each plant receives the right amount of water, preventing over or under-watering.
Creating Hydro Zones
Divide your garden into different hydro zones based on water needs. For example, place drought-tolerant plants in one area and water-loving plants in another.
Using Water Conservation for Watering your Plants
Rainwater Harvesting
Not all water you use to water your plants needs to come from your faucet!
Put in rain barrels or tanks to gather and save rainwater for your garden. This way, you won’t need as much water from the tap, and you’ll have free water for your plants.
Greywater Recycling
Re-use the water that comes out of your washing, your bathroom and even your kitchen!
Think about using greywater from your home, like from showers and washing machines, to water non-edible plants. Make sure to use biodegradable and non-toxic products so you don’t harm your plants.
Get your Dream Garden Today!
Designing a water-smart garden is one of the best ways for you to achieve the picture-perfect garden of your dreams while taking the sustainable route and not producing excessive water use.
To do this, just pick the right plants, make the soil better, and water smartly to have a lovely, easy-care garden that saves water and helps local wildlife. If you’re unsure on how to do it, professional landscape designers can easily help and together, you’ll easily bring your garden to life!
Our team at VL Designs is dedicated to helping you design a garden that is perfectly suited to your needs and your vision while taking the sustainable route. With this, our tailored solutions are designed to capture your dream vision while also incorporating eco-friendly methods in building your garden.
Contact us today and let’s begin in creating a garden that can act as an extension of your home — inviting not just you but everyone in the family to relax and enjoy.
