Page 35 - Waterfall City Dec 2023_Jan 2024 Issue

Gazania rigens (Treasure flower) Crassula ovata (Jade plant) Lampranthus aureus (Golden vygie) Watsonia borbonica (Bugle lily)

warms up. Your mulch will decompose of chlorophyll is to absorb energy atmosphere, making it a contributing
over time. When this happens, from light. Direct solar radiation factor to climate change.
nutrients are deposited back into the from the sun for prolonged periods 7. Rain barrels: Collect rainwater during
soil, which improves its structure and can result in the breakdown of wet periods to use during the dry
nutrient-holding capacity. chlorophyll, especially when the spells. This is a sustainable source of
3. Drought-resistant plants: Choose temperatures are high. This, in turn, irrigation.
drought-tolerant plants that have causes the plant to wilt, lose colour
adapted to hot and dry conditions. and weaken. In conjunction with dry
Endemic plants are often a good soil, this threatens the health of the
choice. Xerophytes are plants that plant. Thus, shade and keeping soil
can survive with little water. Here is saturated are key.
a list of plants that you may want to 6. Soil improvement: Improve the
incorporate into your garden: quality of your soil with organic
• Gazania rigens (Treasure flower) matter like compost. This helps to
• Crassula ovata (Jade plant) retain moisture. Soil saturation is
• Lampranthus aureus (Golden vygie) important to keep plants thriving
• Watsonia borbonica (Bugle lily) throughout the impending harsh 8. Pruning and deadheading: Remove
4. Group plants by water needs: climatic conditions. Because of the dead or wilted flowers and excess
Arrange your garden so that plants soil’s ability to retain moisture, the foliage to reduce water loss through
with similar water requirements are frequency of needing to water your transpiration. Deadheading and
grouped together. This allows you to garden will be reduced, making it pruning also promote growth.
water more efficiently. useful in terms of water conservation. 9. Monitor plants: Keep a close eye
5. Shade and shelter: Provide shade on your plants for signs of stress, and
for sensitive plants using shade cloth Compost also has other water if needed. Do not overwater as
or other structures. This reduces environmental benefits outside of this can lead to root rot.
the stress from intense sunlight. your garden. Composting lowers 10. Water conservation: Target the root
Chlorophyll is a green pigment found greenhouse gas emissions such as zone of your plants, reducing water
in the cells of plants. The function methane. Methane is harmful to the
wastage. Rather water deeply as
opposed to frequently. This is because
when water is applied quickly, a lot
may be lost to run-off. Watering too
quickly and frequently results in
the growth of shallow root systems,
which are a lot more vulnerable in hot
and dry conditions. Deep watering
is key to encouraging the growth of
desirable, deep root systems.

Don’t let the upcoming climatic
conditions get the better of your garden.
Use these tips to keep your plants alive
and healthy.

Waterfall City Issue 12 2023/Issue 1 2024 33