Page 24 - Landscape-Issue152

PROJECT

SPRING INTO ACTION – EVERY DROP COUNTS!

Smart, Water-Wise Gardening Starts Now

Plumbago hedges in front of the clubhouse restaurant Winding walkways in the reserve
pring has sprung! As we wait for the Efficient watering is key this season.
summer rains, now’s the perfect time to Consider switching to drip irrigation – a simple
Sgive your garden a fresh start – without but powerful system that delivers water directly
wasting a single drop of water. to plant roots. It cuts down on waste, keeps your
Start with a springclean for your outdoor plants thriving and helps you stay ahead of the
spaces. Instead of reaching for the hose, grab a dry spells.
broom, rake or leaf blower for your paths, patios Thinking of planting? Choose water-wise,
and driveways. Got moss or weeds lingering indigenous species like Agapanthus, Gazanias
from winter? Use a moss killer or a ready-to-use and Golden Daisy bushes for your medium
herbicide instead of blasting them with a high- water hydrozone, and Aloes or Spekboom for
pressure washer. the low water hydrozone of the garden. These
plants bring vibrant colours throughout spring
and beyond, all while needing far less water.
To help your trees and larger shrubs soak
up every drop, dig shallow basins around them
on the edge of the drip zone – these catch
rainwater and guide it straight to the roots
Walkway next to the dam leading into the reserve Planting next to the main gate exit instead of letting it run off.
Got a pool? Keep it covered when not in use
to dramatically reduce evaporation and save on
refilling. Better yet, harvest rainwater by fitting
your gutters with pipes or sleeves that channel
precious rain straight into tanks or your pool.
Don’t overlook the little things: collect cold
water while waiting for the hot water tap to
warm up. It’s ideal for watering your pot plants
– and it keeps clean water from going down the
drain.
Remember, every small step adds up. With
just a few simple changes, you can enjoy a lush,
vibrant garden this spring while doing your part
to protect our most precious resource – water.

Stay Water Wise.

Stay Informed.

Aerial footage to identify areas with heavy infestations of invasive plants Visit www.randwater.co.za/waterwise or follow
us on social media for more tips on sustainable
gardening.
empowering both the team and the community to remain proactive phases to minimise disruption to wildlife. When cleaning the green
and address the correct plants at the right times. belts, the well-being of wildlife is prioritised by selectively removing
In the case of eradicating Pompom Weed, aerial footage was used invasive plants and trimming back excessively overgrown vegetation.
to identify areas with heavy infestations. However, this method This approach ensures that ample natural plant life remains to sustain
proved less effective than expected as the weed is difficult to spot the wildlife that depends on these habitats.
from the sky and ultimately, the only reliable way to locate and In addition, certain areas of the estate that border on the nature
address infestations has been on foot. This approach has enabled reserve are maintained in a way that preserves their natural beauty
effective identification and targeting of the most affected areas. while ensuring they remain functional and balanced. This approach
There has also been an initiative to raise community awareness is called nature-scaping – a harmonious blend of nature and
to tackle the control of invasive plants. A key focus is educating landscaping that allows these spaces to thrive in their natural state
residents about invasive species in order to protect and preserve the while being carefully managed.
natural environment. Invasive control in the green belts is essential to preserve the
natural ecosystem, support native biodiversity and ensure a healthy,
Green belts balanced habitat for wildlife.
The garden group also manages invasive plant species across the
estate’s green belts. This work is carried out in carefully planned Information and photos supplied by the garden group n

22 Landscape SA • Issue 152 2025 Check us out www.salandscape.co.za