February and thoughts of water and how to save it

In this month of February 2001, thinking of water and thinking of the many quotations one could use such as: "Water, water, everywhere, Nor any drop to drink." (S.T. Coleridge) Or, "Here lies one whose name was writ in water." (John Keats). One is constantly struck by the importance of water. The frustration of trying to keep a garden fresh and green forever causes one to think of ways of saving water. Gardeners are also perhaps faced with a possibility sooner or later of paying more for this precious resource. Therefore every year it seems that gardeners should consider other ways of having a "green" garden; without a lawn that is. We all know that cost savings do exist, look at the emphasis most responsible nurseries put on ground covers that are very well suited to the climate in Western Australia. Lots of these spread rapidly and the garden gets strong matting that retains moisture and suppresses the weeds. Low shrubs, matting and ground hugging plants provide a cover that is very much maintenance free. Hemiandra gardneri is a cover that likes full sun and seems to be able to resist total drought. It is better to water this type during the first summer and thus encourage it to grow well under and on top of the ground. The plant has masses of burgundy red flowers in spring and into the summer. Hemiandra pungens is a related type of plant and grows vigorously. There are masses of mauve flowers in the summer and autumn. The plant can survive quite well in the most demanding of situations. Dymondia margaretheae is a strong growing cover and like Dichondra repens tolerates some wear and tear. It likes a lot of sun and can be grown by division at any time of the year. The plants spread very quickly and if one plants a bed in the winter, it is possible to get a ready source of sprigs to extend the area during the spring. It is dangerous to walk on Dymondia without footwear during the flowering period. Of course, it is possible to save water too by planning the garden correctly and make sure that you have the correct types of plants. There are several ways too to construct pathways and relaxation areas of other than lawn. Paving bricks and inexpensive materials make useful additions to a well-planned garden. I think I have mentioned before that we have tried to get a balance of plants, shrubs, trees, and patios and walkways to make our garden as water-wise as possible. Nevertheless, I do not think that we will ever be able to be without a reticulation system at all.

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