We are going away for a few days early in 2003 down to Albany on the south-west coast of Western Australia, a seven hour drive from where we live. Just to get away from the hot weather for a few days should be relaxing.
The effects ofNinoNino have been quite uncomfortable during the month of December the temperature has been unseasonably hot. For example, on New Year's Day it will be 35 degrees Celsius (95 Fahrenheit). It has not done much for the garden - we expect to lose a couple of azaleas before the summer ends. Nevertheless, we did get a few millimeters of rain during Sunday, December 28. I understand next year will be a La Nina year that should bring blessed relief for farmers and others suffering from drought conditions over the whole country.
There is not much point planting anything at present. We are told by the Water Corporation to use sprinklers on only two days each week. As a matter of fact there are some very good tips on the Water Corporation web site about: the standard drink for Perth gardens, the concept of watering zones, some common plants appropriate to each zone, and the watering schedules for each zone.
The watering zone is concerned with the gardener knowing exactly the frequency which each plant requires its standard drink. The standard drink being the concept that each plant needs the same amount of water each watering.
On the water corporation web site there is a complete list of a variety of trees, shrubs, perennials, beddingroundcoverroundcover, climber, and palms that will help and assist to select plants by their watering zones and growth characteristics. There is also a geographical area type of help for gardeners that allows, according to the type of soil, a check to be made on how the frequency of watering varies according to the area and the soil type.
The Water Corporation keeps a register of Nursing Industry Association affiliated nurseries that can advise customers of the zoning of appropriate plants. Perth gardens are heavy water users, unless properly designed and irrigated. The Water Corporation guide details the planting and watering needs of ornamental plants in southwestern Australia; and the irrigation techniques needed to cope with sandy soils and hot dry summers.
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