Being water savvy doesn’t mean that you can’t still enjoy a gorgeous garden.
With the recent droughts in South Africa, many home owners are installing rain water harvesting or grey water systems to irrigate their gardens. If you’re looking for a top-quality system to help you maintain a water-wise wildlife haven, JoJo offers a range of water solutions to suit every need and household setup.
The species of plants you select for your garden also makes a big difference.
According to Glenice Ebedes in an article for Grounded Landscaping, many gardens still incorporate exotic species that may require higher than normal watering cycles. This is where the use of indigenous, water-wise planting can be beneficial.
Many people assume that water-wise planting means only using succulents or aloes. This is not necessarily the case, as there are many other species that can help you conserve water in your garden. Groundcovers, for example, can spread to cover the soil, thereby helping to save water by reducing evaporation. Home owners can also reduce the size of their lawns by replacing these areas with shrubs and groundcovers that do not require as much water.
To help you on your way to a sustainable, water-wise garden, here are a few indigenous plant species to consider:
1. Aptenia cordifolia
A beautiful succulent groundcover that is a favourite for retaining walls and dry patches of soil where other plants may struggle.
2. Dietes spp.
These grass-like perennials are very hardy and, once established, require little watering or maintenance.
3. Tulbaghia violacea
Tulbaghia, or Wild Garlic, is one of the hardiest species on this list and has become very popular with gardeners and landscape architects around the country.
4. Agapanthus preacox
Agapanthus is one of the most popular water-wise plants in South Africa and is cultivated worldwide.
5. Plectranthus neochilus
This aromatic succulent perennial is ideal for a rockery or retaining wall where it holds a neat shape and its greyish-green foliage provides a great colour contrast.
6. Carpobrotus spp.
This hardy, evergreen succulent has become very popular in landscape architecture, and is frequently used as a replacement for lawn on verges.
7. Aloe spp.
Aloe is a hardy, beautiful species that can be used as shrubs or structural plants in water-wise gardens.
8. Strelitzia reginae
Strelitzias are one of South Africa’s favourite exports and is cultivated worldwide. Once established, they can withstand long dry spells and a fair amount of neglect.
9. Dymondia margaretae
Dymondia is a very low-growing groundcover and ideal for areas where home owners want to replace lawn with a low-maintenance solution.
10. Asparagus densiflorus
These groundcovers are hardy, drought-resistant bedding plants that prefer semi-shade conditions but will survive in full sun or shade.
For more tips and other indigenous plant species to establish your water-wise garden, read the full article by Glenice Ebedes at http://www.groundedlandscaping.co.za/top-14-water-wise-plants-garden/
