Page 22 - Landscape-Issue140

RAND WATER EDITORIAL

EFFICIENT WATER USE

PRINCIPLES FOR LANDSCAPES

espite being the 30th driest nation in the world, most South
African gardens are not planned with water conservation in mind.
DThe agricultural industry, which includes whole plant production
for landscaping, uses over 50% of the country’s water resources, with
water losses ranging from 30% to 40%. Water management is therefore
very important in South Africa, and landscapers who water their
landscaped gardens often are not doing their part for the environment.
It is now time for landscapers to undertake strategies to maximise water
efficiency and embrace water-saving practices aimed at reducing water
waste in their gardens.
Saving tips for water efficiency
Understand your soil type designed, but can be applied to existing gardens by moving plants in
Understanding the type of soil in your landscape will minimise runoff their dormant period to a more appropriate zone. Zoning can be applied
and maximise water retention. Compacted soil reduces porosity and to any size garden, from a balcony to a town house garden, to a garden
water holding capacity, and occurs most frequently in clay soil. Sandy of a few acres. What changes is the scale and size of the individual zones
soils absorb water quickly, so water these with a strong flow rate. Also, (three pots on a balcony could have plants from different zones, as could
water more frequently as water passes through sandy soil quickly. a large garden).
Increase soil water retention by adding lots of organic matter, such as
compost. Loamy soils are best as they hold water around plant roots. Efficient watering systems
Water with a moderate flow rate, but less frequently than sandy soils. South Africa’s summers are expected to become hotter and drier, with
extreme weather events such as freak storms and flash floods becoming
more frequent as a result of climate change. Deep soakings encourage
roots to grow downwards, using moisture deep in the ground and
making plants more drought resistant. Ensure that water reaches the
expected root depth - 20cm for lawn, vegetables and herbs; 60-90cm for
trees and shrubs (taken down by capillary action). Allow the top 8-10cm
of soil to dry out before watering again. When planting a tree, place a
water pipe from the base of the tree roots to just above the soil surface.
Watering into this pipe will take the water directly to the tree roots and
encourage deep rooting.

Install permeable paving
Increase water holding capacity by installing permeable paving to
allow rainwater to seep through to the sub-surface beneath pathways
and other hard surfaces. By using compost as a mulch, you can reduce
watering by up to 70%. Permeable paving is a maintenance-free
gardening option, which requires no annual planting, no watering,
and no fertilising! If this type of gardening design suits you, consider
installing more paved areas, for example a driveway, an entertainment
area around the pool, a patio extension or replacing the lawn in areas of
heavy usage such as alley ways.
Applying mulch
Consider the slope of your landscape Mulching has numerous advantages for water conservation and
Landscape gardens situated on steep slopes are more vulnerable to plant health. In addition to lowering evaporation, it also stabilises soil
down-slope flooding. As the rainy season approaches, the natural temperature, which is good for root development and soil organisms,
topography of the garden can also be used to capture rainwater for and inhibits weed germination and growth by limiting light penetration
diversion to storage tanks to be used during dry periods. to the soil surface. The nutrients in organic mulch are released into the
soil gradually.
Hydrozoning
Grouping plants with similar water requirements together is essential to A water wise landscape is a wise investment, which will result in reduced
achieve effective zoning. Zoning is not only done when new gardens are maintenance, long term sustainability and reduced budget.

FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION ON
WATER WISE, PLEASE
CONTACT US ON:
0860 10 10 60.
www.randwater.co.za n

20 Landscape SA • Issue 140 2024 Check us out www.salandscape.co.za