Expert tips for drought-resilient gardening
As the City grapples with critical water shortages and imposes restrictions, discover how to choose the right drought-tolerant plants and implement smart irrigation practices to keep your garden thriving.
Linsay Moore from Farm Nursery gives professional advice on how to keep your garden beautiful while saving water.
This is after the City of Johannesburg appealed to residents and businesses to reduce their water consumption in the wake of the ongoing drought, high temperatures, and falling dam levels.
Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Environment and Infrastructure Services Anthony Still said water consumption in Johannesburg needed to be reduced by 15% to ensure reservoirs did not run dry. Rand Water would reduce its supply to Johannesburg Water by 15% as a result.
Also read: MMC Mpho Phalatse urges Joburg residents to take an interest in farming
Water levels in the Integrated Vaal River System have dropped below the 60% threshold, and the Vaal River was at 33.2%.
Johannesburg residents consume 1.5b litres of water a day, and the city currently has level 1 restrictions, which prohibit consumers from irrigating their gardens and using municipal water to clean paved areas at their residences between 06:00 and 18:00.
Residents are encouraged to use hosepipes and water cans to water their gardens instead. No hosepipes may be used to wash cars and clean pavements. The restrictions will be suspended as soon as Gauteng receives good rainfall.
But this doesn’t mean the garden should suffer, the answer lies in adopting drought-tolerant gardening practices, and local garden expert Moore guides the way:
What are drought-tolerant plants?
“Drought-tolerant plants, also known as water-wise plants, are plants that can survive periods of drought and don’t require a lot of water. Some examples of drought-tolerant plants include succulents, cacti, aloes, and agapanthus,” said Moore.
How to help your plants adjust from the nursery to your garden?
Many of us are accustomed to our lush gardens, with plants nurtured by daily watering or consistent irrigation. However, Moore points out that most nursery plants have become reliant on this pampering. “To transition these plants into a drought-tolerant lifestyle, we need to employ a ‘weaning off’ strategy.”
Moore suggests that when residents bring home new plants, they should take a few important steps. “First, water the plant thoroughly after planting. Then, during the first week, water every second day. In the second week, skip a day between waterings and continue this pattern until the plant adapts to your desired watering intervals.”
Selecting the best plants for drought conditions.
Not all plants can withstand drought, but choosing the right ones can create a flourishing garden even in arid conditions. Moore identifies several characteristics that typically enhance a plant’s drought tolerance:
- Greyish leaves: Plants such as lavenders and strelitzias (crane flower) have leaves that reflect sunlight, reducing water loss.
- Waxy or needle-like leaves: Cape thatching reed, agapanthus, and wild garlic have foliage that conserves moisture effectively.
- Smaller leaves: Choices such as felicia (kingfisher daisy), euphorbia breathless, and salvia hot lips typically allow for less evaporation.
- Plump or juicy leaves: Succulents, with their ability to store water, are excellent diversifiers for any drought-sensitive landscape.
- Hairy leaves: Plants like Mexican sage, rudbeckias, and petunias not only thrive on less water but also add beautiful texture and colour to gardens.
Moore assures that these characteristics can also be found among plants suitable for shaded areas. “Drought-resistant gardening isn’t limited to sunny spots; gardens can thrive in various environments with the right selection.”
Water saving tips from Joburg Water
- Do not leave taps dripping.
- Do not use hosepipes to wash your cars or to clean paved areas and driveways.
- Close the tap or use a mug when brushing your teeth.
- Store drinking water in a bottle in the refrigerator instead of turning a tap on each time you want to drink.
- Shorten your shower as much as possible.
- Fix all leaks in the house.
- Wash vegetables and fruits in a bowl rather than under a running tap.
- Re-use water to water your garden or pot plant.
- Report all significant water losses such as broken pipes, leaking water meters, open hydrants, and leaks in the streets to: 011 375 5555/ 0860 562 874, SMS 082 653 2143, or visit www.johannesburgwater.co.za.
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