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Summer Gardening with Yarra Valley Water

Garden designs

Planting a waterwise garden with some creative thinking and planning can turn your garden into a beautiful and productive place that is more in tune with our environment.
 

  • Planning and Design: Observe the micro-climate in different arts of your garden (e.g. sunny, shady, windy, etc) this will allow you to select plants that are suited to particular conditions.
  • Select water wise plants to create an attractive low-maintenance garden that helps conserve water. Waterwise plants are available in a diverse range. Garden design ideas and compatible species lists are available from savewater.com.au and your local council website.
  • Consider the positioning of different plants. Choose hardy deep-rooted plants for sloping areas where water tends to run off rather than infiltrate the soil. Place thirsty plants in depressions where rain water collects
  • Group plants with similar water requirements together so you can irrigate them efficiently.
  • Set aside a majority of your garden for hardy water wise plants which are suitable for Melbourne conditions. Keep the area size for thirsty plans to a minimum and locate these close to the house for maximum enjoyment.


Plant Selection

Consider using native plants that are ideally suited to your conditions and need minimal watering once established. Local native (or indigenous) species have the added biodiversity bonus of providing the greatest food and habitat benefits for local fauna. There is also a huge range of hardy exotic species that are well suited to Melbourne’s conditions but are not invasive weeds.


Planting

Autumn is a good time to plant in Melbourne, as the garden has nine months to establish before the heat of next summer.

Unglazed Clay pots are porous and dry out quickly. Coast these with a sealing agent prior to planting, but make sure the drainage holes are clear. 

If potting then use a premium grade potting mix. It has a higher water holding capacity.