Page 16 - Landscape-Issue 156

RAND WATER FEATURE

RAIN-READY LANDSCAPES: SMARTER

IRRIGATION AND WATER CONSERVATION

IN GAUTENG’S RAINY SEASON

n a region where water remains a precious Urban-Sensitive Landscapes: A should not be ignored. Instead, this season is
resource, rain alone doesn’t guarantee a Smarter Way Forward the ideal time to ensure your system works
Isustainable landscape. Instead, it serves Urban-sensitive landscapes are designed with the weather, never against it.
as an opportunity to optimise irrigation, to respond to climatic variability, water 1. Adjust Irrigation Schedules According to
reduce waste, and design urban-sensitive availability, and the built environment. Weather
landscapes that thrive in all weather These landscapes: • Temporarily reduce watering days
conditions. ✓ Reduce water demand; during wet periods.
✓ Enhance water infiltration and storage; • Install rain sensors or smart controllers
Understanding Gauteng’s Rainfall ✓ mprove plant resilience across all that pause irrigation when the soil is
I
Dynamics weather conditions; already saturated.
Gauteng’s rainfall is seasonal, often arriving ✓ Support biodiversity in dense urban • Ensure watering occurs in early morning
in intense bursts. These downpours can settings. hours to minimise evaporation (on days
result in: From bio-swales and rain gardens to when irrigation is needed).
• Runoff on sloped terrains, where water permeable surfaces and indigenous plant
escapes before it can infiltrate. palettes, these landscapes help stabilise 2. Consider Soil Type and Landscape Gradient
• Pooling in flatter areas, which may cause soil, slow runoff and make every drop of • Sloped areas benefit from slow-release
root rot, soil compaction or turf decline. water count. irrigation methods such as drip systems.
• Inconsistent moisture availability, • Flat areas require aeration and improved
stressing plants during the dry periods Practical Guidance and Industry drainage to prevent waterlogging.
that follow. Message • Amending soil with compost improves
This is why strategic irrigation and water- Smarter Irrigation for a Sustainable Rainy water retention and soil structure,
wise design remain essential, even in a rainy Season helping plants access moisture for
season. Even with regular rainfall, irrigation systems longer.

14 Landscape SA • Issue 156 2025 Check us out www.salandscape.co.za