Bulbs/Corms
Most bulbs/corms are suitable.
Some of the more hardy bulbs/corms are: Watsonias,
Chinkerinchee and Knysna lily (Cytanthus), Moreas, Amaryllis,
Freesias, Ixias, etc. Several Agapanthus species although not
bulbs are drought-tolerant and make excellent ground covers.
Annuals
Very few annual plants can survive drought for long periods,
but with MULCHING, and careful selection of the many varieties
available, one can have a very good display,
Ground preparation
Mulching and composting have the following benefits:
conserves soil moisture and reduces evaporation of water
prevents soil erosion and run-off and retains maximum water
reduces weed growth and thereby saves water
absorbs heat and keeps the soil cool beneath
reduces the fluctuation in temperature
improves the soil condition and nutrients
during compost decomposure
Watering early in the morning allows less water to be lost
through evaporation, Certain plants develop fungi, if watered
at night, e.g. mildew on roses and zinnias or rust on lawns,
A PROPERLY DESIGNED irrigation system could save up to 30%
of water used. Always override your irrigation system if it rains.
Encourage deep roots by watering for longer periods but less
often. This applies particularly to lawns.
Conclusion
It is important to realise that a water-wise garden planted now,
will continue to yield benefits not only in the immediate years,
but 40 or 50 years hence, when water scarcity will be even
more severe.
The challenge to us all is the optimal use of water in our gardens
as a way of life and the most effective means to this end is to
avail ourselves of the enormous floral wealth of indigenous
plants available here in the Western Cape.
Saving water is a way of life
Straw, bark chips, gravel, pebbles, exposed aggregate, nut shells
and leaves are other materials which can be used for mulching.
Soil water retention is vitally important to a plant’s ability to
utilise water. Try using a soil-wetting agent to help the soil retain
and absorb the water which is applied to it.
Watering
Grey water or the water one discards in the home is often
wasted, instead of used in the garden. Many people have
devised ways of catching bathwater and rainwater which
can be recycled and used in the garden.
During water restrictions people are only permitted to water
the garden on a specified day (depending upon the level of
restriction), before 10:00 in the morning or after 17:00 in
the evening.
PRINTED MARCH 2006
Saving water is a way of life
Creating a
water-efficient
garden
Introduction
Shrubs
The water consumed from municipal connections in our towns
and cities for gardening purposes amounts to an estimated 36%
of all domestic water consumed. This is a staggering amount for
a country whose average annual rainfall is only 497 mm.
The dry Cape Town summer only serves to aggravate the
problem of water scarcity.
In order to conserve water in the garden, and still have a
good display, plants that can withstand prolonged periods
without watering should be grouped together, We, as gardeners,
need to familiarise ourselves with the large variety of droughttolerant plants which can be successfully used in our water-wise
gardens.
Besides our large selection of indigenous plants, there is
an extensive selection of drought-tolerant plants, which
are often overlooked by gardeners when making a selection.
The indigenous plants available to us have developed by nature
to cope with the dry local conditions, and are therefore infinitely
suitable for a water conserving, water-wise garden. While some
plants detailed in this leaflet are not indigenous, many are and
your local nursery will only be too pleased to offer further advice.
(Look for the water-wise label)
Ground covers
There are many attractive drought-tolerant shrubs of
varying sizes, shapes and textures which will provide a
framework for the garden or a screen of protection for
more lower growing shrubs, perennials and ground covers.
Successful gardens are planned, using a mixture of shrubs,
perennials, bulbs and climbers, with similar soil and water
requirements, which will also provide you with a year-round
display. Some of the many tough, attractive shrubs are:
*Bauhinia galpinii (Pride of the Cape), *Brachylaena (good
for seaside gardens), *Buddleia, *Coprosma (mirror plant),
nysknjvs
*Myrtus, *Ochna
serrulata, *Portulacaria, *Raphiolepsis
and *Viburnum tinus.
Smaller shrubs which provide a link between taller varieties and
perennials because of their bushiness, can act as ground covers
depending on their natural growth. Try some of these droughtresistant species:
*Barleria, *Cistus, *Carissa, *Coleonema, *Helicchrysum,
*Rosmarinus (rosemary), *Salvia africana, *Sutherlandia,
*Dimorphotheca cuneata (bride’d bouquet), *Euphorbia
mauritanica, *Hermannia stricta (desert rose), *Sutera
grandiflora, *Lavandula dentata (lavender), *Westringia
variegata, *Eriocephalus (wild rosemary), and many more.
Trees
There are many beautifully shaped trees, such as the *Acacia
Karoo, *Rhus Pendulina, *Rhus Lancea, *Dodonea Ongustifolia
(sand olive), *Sysigium Cordtina, Olea (olive), *Cussonia (cabbage
tree), etc. that are more tolerant of drier conditions,
Before planting, check to see if you have a suitable position in
your garden to accomodate its mature size, height and shape.
*Indigenous
Perennials and succulents
The following are some well-known species:
*Gerbera jamesonii (Barberton daisy), *Kniphofia uvaria (red
hot poker), *Aloes, *Gaura, *Arctotis, *Crassulas, *Euphorbia,
Felicia, *Lampranthus, *Pelargoniums, *Dietes and Sanseviera.
*Indigenous
Good ground covers are Lampranthus, Erigeron Osteospermum
(especially in coastal areas), Carpobrutus and Sutera. To add
colour, try bulbine caulescens which has attractive yellow
flowers. Gazania grows with little attention and the absolute
minimum of water.
Grass
Very highly recommended buffalo grass (Stenotaphrum
secundatum) with its broad, deep green leaves is especially
suitable for lawns in sun or shade, requiring less water and
maintenance. Royal Cape, a fine grass from the Cynodon family
is also worth growing. Lawns generally require more water than
shrubs. It would be a good idea to assess how much lawn area
one actually needs as one’s water consumption can be reduced
through using paving, gravel or aggregate, especially where
people frequently walk.
Creepers and vines
Creepers and vines can form an important aspect in any garden
as they can always provide a good cover for screening, pergolas
and backdrops.
Bougainvillea needs no introduction but the indigenous
(Cape Honeysuckle) *Tecomaria, and Plumbago are also well
known. The Geranium, Pelargonium peltatum, Jasminum
multipartatum, *Gelsemium jasminoides, Senecio tamoides
(canary creeper) are other examples of the potential and
attractiveness of this group.
Saving water is a way of life
*Indigenous