THE importance of water to a healthy garden cannot be overstated. Most plants, like us, can go for weeks without food but only days without water. More plants die from lack of water than all other factors combined. How much water your plants need is governed by.
■ How much sun or shade the plant gets.
■ The type of soil.
■The type of plant.
■Do you mulch your garden.
A rule of thumb is the bigger and softer the foliage the more water is required e.g. big leafed vegetables needs much more water than natives.
This is why, in the middle of our blistering summers, a native garden needs only rainfall to survive while fruit and vegetable gardens need almost twice daily watering.
Flowering shrubs also like a regular drink.
Additionally, sandy soils need more water than clay soils.
Plants that require less water include succulents, natives, bougainvillea, box hedges and proteas but bear in mind even some drought resistant plants will require regular water to establish themselves.
On the other hand a quick trip to one of the three botanic gardens in the greater Sydney region will help to identify plants that don't require so much water and are particularly suited to harsh summers.
With evidence pointing to hotter summers in the future, how we use water, and its cost, will strongly influence what we grow in our gardens.
For more inspiration contact Michael Lee at www.greenthumbgardener.com.au.
