Page 5 - Landscape-Issue134

RAND WATER EDITORIAL

ELEVATING SMALL SPACES

Through Transformative Landscaping and Water Conservation

hough small-space landscaping
might be challenging, there are many
Tsolutions and ideas available to those
who are prepared to be minimalists. With
appropriate water conservation practices,
sustainability and aesthetic appeal can thrive
harmoniously.
What is small-space landscaping?
This is where individuals can cultivate plants
within a restricted environment such as a
balcony, patio or a small yard, using containers.
Resisting the urge to overcrowd a small
space garden is challenging; when plants are
placed too close together, they compete for
essential resources like nutrients and light.
A dense canopy formed by closely spaced
plants can also promote higher susceptibility
to diseases. For optimal results, use a modest
number of well-spaced plants, with organic
mulch in between, to help preserve the soil
moisture, as opposed to cramming numerous
plants into the same area.
Tips for designing a small-space
landscape
Careful planning is needed to make the best Essential water conservation with good drainage. Use a quality potting
use of small spaces. Here are some ideas elements for small-space mix that holds moisture while allowing
to help you create a functional and visually landscaping excess water to drain.
appealing landscape in a small space: The principles below can effectively
conserve water while also promoting a Rainwater harvesting: Install rain barrels to
Evaluate your space: Evaluate the available healthy and thriving garden. collect rainwater for use in the garden later.
space, paying attention to sunlight exposure, Harvest rainwater to water plants, reducing
shade patterns and potential obstacles such Soil preparation: Organic matter can reliance on municipal water sources.
as structures or trees. Consider the soil quality, help improve soil structure and drainage.
drainage and micro-climates in your small Well-amended soil allows plants to more Permeable pavers: It is essential to choose
space. efficiently access water, reducing the need permeable pavers made from porous
for frequent watering. materials like gravel or spaced-out stones.
Establish focal points: Choose a decorative Plant thyme or moss in between these
container, a one-of-a-kind plant, or a garden Watering methods: To minimise water spaces to improve the aesthetics of your
ornament to serve as the focal point for your wastage due to evaporation, use drip garden. This allows rainwater to penetrate
small garden. Focal points draw the eye and irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver water the ground, reducing runoff and helping to
can make the space seem larger and more directly to the base of plants. To reduce replenish groundwater.
intentional. evaporation, water in the early morning or
late afternoon. Avoid watering between
FOR FURTHER
Choose plants that take up less space: Select 10am and 2pm from October to February. INFORMATION ON
plants such as dwarf or compact varieties.
Consider using herbs and edible plants that Water-efficient plants: Select drought- WATER WISE, PLEASE
CONTACT US ON:
can be harvested and used for cooking, tolerant or water-efficient varieties that are
providing both beauty and functionality. appropriate for your climate and growing 0860 10 10 60.
conditions. To maximise irrigation, group
Container gardening: To create a mobile and plants with similar water needs together
adaptable garden, use containers and potted (hydrozoning).
plants. This is particularly useful if your small
space is a balcony or patio. To increase visual Mulching: To reduce evaporation, suppress
appeal, select a variety of container sizes and weeds and keep soil moisture stable, apply
shapes. an organic mulch layer (bark chips or straw) www.randwater.co.za
around plants. Mulch also helps regulate
Vertical gardening: Hanging baskets, wall- soil temperature, preventing extreme
mounted planters or vertical gardening fluctuations that can cause water loss.
structures can help you make the most of
your vertical space. This technique adds visual Considerations for container gardening: To
interest while also saving ground space. avoid waterlogged soil, choose containers

Check us out www.salandscape.co.za Landscape SA • Issue 134 2024 3