More and more schools
within the Western Cape are initiating gardening projects for various reasons -- as
symbols of unity within the school, as practical ways in which to nurture a sense of
environmental stewardship within the school or merely as ways to beautify school premises.
This resource aims to provide teachers and learners with a few concrete tips on how to
improve a garden's water retention and conservation ability. As the name suggests, Water
wise is a developing approach to gardening that takes into account how various factors
such as topography, plant type or irrigation methods have their effect on how much water
is eventually used in your garden. Users are also welcome to consult the National Botanical Institute for further information on
Water wise gardening (Tel. +27 21 762 11 66) or visit
their website here. |
Water -- the dwindling
resource
South Africa is a dry country, with an
average rainfall of less than 500 mm per annum and even in the higher rainfall regions,
that rain is not reliable. Regularly, too little rain brings crippling droughts and too
much brings devastating floods. Added to this is an increasing population with legitimate
claims to an adequate supply of fresh water to drink, to cook with and for sanitation.
As the demand for this precious resource
grows, so will its price as well as legislation to discourage excessive use. The sad fact
is that, although gardens are often singled out for water restrictions and bans, many
people overwater their gardens. That is one of the reasons why gardens consume between
30 % and 50 % of all domestic water used.
Water wise gardening cuts down on that
waste, while preserving the beauty of the garden, the diversity of plants, and the value
an established garden adds to property.
The garden of the future
Water wise gardening must
become a way of life and not an emergency measure. It will result in a beautiful garden --
not a moonscape with a few cacti.
An established garden can be made Water
wise with a little effort and little thought. If you are planning a new garden, the more
Water wise you make it from the start, the easier and cheaper it will be to keep it
beautiful. Once you have made the decision to concentrate on Water wise plants for your
garden, and discussed them with your local nursery, the following principles will help you
create and maintain the garden of the future. |
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Steps toward a Water
wise garden
1. Group plants with similar water
requirements in the same beds
Many sought after plants many require
regular watering, these should be grouped together in the most prominent part of the
garden, where they are frequently seen and admired. Plants which may need watering only
once a month should be considered for the rest of your garden. While most plants
require regular watering after planting, once Water wise plants are established, you can
reduce watering dramatically.
Bedding plants and annuals require
regular watering. Ask your nursery which of them are Water wise, and enquire about
mulching and water retention granules which reduce the need for water. Plant South African
Water wise plants. We are blessed with a vast diversity -- over 24 000 -- many of which
are Water wise and very beautiful.
2. Reconsider your
lawns
Lawns guzzle water.
Assess how much lawn you actually need for entertaining, children playing and pet
exercising, and then consider reducing the area without reducing your enjoyment. If some
areas of lawn are used as paths, maybe they would be better paved. Would narrow strips of
grass look better as flower beds or mulched walkways ?
Do not cut your lawn too short during the
growing season. Automatic sprinklers should irrigate lawns (and not the surrounding
paths!) early morning in Summer and late afternoon in Winter. If it rains, override the
system and remember, too much water results in shallow root growth and encourages fungal
and other attacks on the grass.
Light fertilizing will reduce a lawn's
need for water considerably and hollow tining compacted lawns allows more effective
penetration and reduced run-off.
Ask your nursery about Water wise grass
types and think about replacing your existing grass if it is a water guzzler. It may take
time to establish a new lawn but it will be worth it.
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Did
you know ?
Aside from pressing
problems such as global climate change (global warming), there are strong arguments that
water shortages are likely to be the the 21st century's most burning environmental issue.
The Environmental Media Services, based
in Washington DC, recently asked a few of the USA's most influential environmental
thinkers what they thought are the biggest environmental issues facing the 21st
century. Lester Brown, president of the Worldwatch Institute drew a strong link
between overpopulation and water deficits.
(Requires Real Audio)
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See also our on-line Enviro Facts
on water as a precious resource. |
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