Page 16 - Landscape-Issue153

RAND WATER FEATURE

WISE LANDSCAPES FOR THE FUTURE

Redefining beauty through sustainability and smart water use

In a country where lush, green lawns and water-thirsty gardens have long
symbolised beauty and status, a quiet revolution is underway. South Africans are
beginning to embrace landscapes that are not only visually appealing but also

environmentally responsible. The cornerstone of this movement is hydrozoning, a
concept that groups plants based on their water needs, transforming the way we
design, irrigate, and maintain our outdoor spaces.

his concept was initially met with scepticism. Many believed
that sustainable gardens were expensive, difficult to implement,
Tand lacked aesthetic appeal. There was also a significant
knowledge gap around eco-friendly practices and their long-term
value. However, times have changed.
Today more homeowners, developers and landscape professionals
are designing resilient, resource-smart environments; these shifts are
driven by the increasing pressures of climate change, water scarcity
and the rising cost of utilities.
What is hydrozoning?
Hydrozoning is a water-wise landscaping approach where plants are
grouped into zones based on their specific water requirements. Each
zone is irrigated according to need, using a tailored system complete
with dedicated valves and appropriate sprinkler types. This method
not only conserves water but enhances plant health, reduces
maintenance costs and ensures that the landscape is functional,
beautiful and sustainable.
A typical landscape can be divided into four hydrozones:
Hydrozoning Category Water Use Garden Coverage Annual Irrigation
No Drop (Very Low) Very Low 40–60% <300 mm/year
1 Drop (Low) Low 30–60% 300–500 mm/year
2 Drop (Medium) Moderate 20–40% 500–750 mm/year
3 Drop (High) High 10–30% 750–1000 mm/year

By allocating more space to low and very low water-use zones, water
usage can be reduced by up to 80%, while still maintaining visual
appeal and ecological integrity.
Low water zone

HYDROzONE PLANT LIST Sustainable doesn’t mean boring
There is a growing awareness that ornamental landscapes designed
for enjoyment, comfort or convenience can still be lush, colourful and
Click here vibrant, even when designed around water conservation principles.
The following innovative techniques are being integrated into
or scan modern South African gardens with great success:
• Rainwater harvesting in garden beds and car parks;
• Swales that direct stormwater efficiently;
• Greywater reuse; and
• Precision irrigation through smart hydrozones.
To support this shift, a South African plant list linked to hydrozones
has been developed, categorising both indigenous and exotic
species according to water needs. This promotes consistency among
landscape professionals and offers practical guidance for anyone
to get access to the wanting to create a smart, sustainable garden.
Whether you live in a summer rainfall or winter rainfall region,
extensive hydrozone the plant list caters to both climatic zones, offering flexibility and
plant list. confidence in plant selection. While a “buffer zone” list is still under
development, the existing guide provides more than enough to
begin your transformation.

14 Landscape SA • Issue 153 2025 Check us out www.salandscape.co.za