Page 21 - LandscapeSAIssue114

RAND WATER EDITORIAL

THE IMPORTANCE

OF CREATING A

BIRD-FRIENDLY,

WATER WISE Gabar goshawk

GARDEN

Birds play an important role in our gardens as many
plants rely on them for effective pollination and seed Grey ‘go-away’ bird
dispersal. Gardens can create a wide range of habitats
for birds, but in many of them, the diversity of birds

is limited to a handful of species. You can easily triple
the number and diversity of bird species that visit
your garden by planting no-drop and one-drop water
wise plants which will provide a buffet throughout

the year for seed, fruit eaters, as well as nectarivorous Lilac-breasted roller
birds. In addition to conserving water, having a variety
of water wise plants contributes to creating an eco-
friendly garden in which insects flourish and draw the

attention of birds. Many no-drop and one-drop water
wise plants also provide perfect roosting and nesting
sites for birds. Orange-breasted bush shrike

What are water wise plants? regular and lengthy watering. Reduce the size
− They originate from regions with low of your lawn with one-drop water wise trees
rainfall and are therefore adapted to survive and shrubs and plant indigenous grasses such
and thrive with very little water. as thatching reed grass (Chondrapetalum
− Once established, they require very little tectorum) or red grass (Themeda triandra)
watering, except during hot, dry spells. beneath them. These grasses also provide
During dry, non-rainfall months, they only seeds on which seed-eating birds such as
need to be watered every six to eight weavers, sparrows, wydahs and doves feed.
weeks. Tip 3: Plant a variety of trees, shrubs and Speckled mouse bird
− All succulents are no-drop or one-drop perennials
plants. In most instances, they need no The greater the variety of plants that you may have a harmful effect on birds. Using
additional water and can survive on rainfall have in your garden, the greater the diversity these chemicals will reduce species diversity
only. of birds you will attract. Different heights and and result in insect-eating birds hunting
profiles of plants will enable a range of birds elsewhere for food.
Five tips to help you create a water to use various niches in the garden. Select
wise, bird-friendly garden your plant species, while matching specific Tip 5: Allow leaf litter to accumulate
Tip 1: Water features and bird baths hydrozones, with a view to having flowers, Leaf litter and mulches provide additional
nutrients to your plants and help to slow
Keep large water features and ponds to fruit and seeds available in your garden at water loss from the soil. Accumulated leaf
a minimum and make them as small as different times of the year. Remember also to litter also provides ideal foraging areas for
possible. While birds do like to drink and create a seclusion zone to lure the shyer, more birds such as thrushes and robin-chats that
bathe, a small, raised bird bath with shallow secretive bird species such as Cape white-eye, like to turn over leaves and dig through
water is ideal and can be replenished with bush shrikes, and rameron pigeons. garden debris in search of worms and insects.
fresh, clean water regularly. Tip 4: Avoid pesticides
Tip 2: Reduce your lawn size Keep your garden as natural as possible and www.randwater.co.za
Traditional lawns such as kikuyu require avoid using pesticides or herbicides that Email waterwise@randwater.co.za n

Landscape SA • Issue 114 2022 19