Table of Contents
A garden that uses water thoughtfully starts with the conditions already there. Suitable planting, useful soil, mulch and a manageable watering arrangement can reduce avoidable work and waste without requiring the whole garden to be replaced.
Keep what remains useful
Healthy established plants, sound paving and suitable garden structures may be worth retaining. Their condition and position still need checking: keeping an item is useful when it supports the new layout, not simply because it is already there.
Planning retained and new areas together can also avoid disturbing a completed bed to install a path or drainage later.
Match plants to the growing position
Light, exposure, soil and mature size affect whether a plant suits a bed. Native species may be appropriate, but the label alone does not establish that every native plant will suit your property or need little water.
Group plants with compatible needs where practical. A plant requiring frequent moisture is harder to manage beside one that prefers a drier position.
Prepare soil for the actual need
Check the available soil depth, compaction and drainage before adding soil improvers. Existing soil may be useful with the right preparation; other conditions may require a different approach. More material is not always the answer, especially where raising levels would affect trees, walls or neighbouring surfaces.
Mulch can help conserve soil moisture and reduce some weed growth. Select it for the bed and keep it clear of stems, trunks and drainage points. It still needs inspection and replenishment as appropriate.
Water where and when it is needed
New plants and turf need care while they establish. Check moisture in the growing area rather than watering solely by the calendar, and adjust for rain, heat and the plants supplied.
An irrigation system can be included in the work where appropriate, but it needs suitable coverage and ongoing adjustment. Follow the current Sydney Water watering guidelines for your property.
A real planting and lawn project
Our Ryde backyard makeover included a feature garden, natural turf and irrigation. Planting and mulched areas sit alongside the lawn, with the watering arrangement considered as part of the project.
For your own garden, compare the lawn area you will actually use with planted beds and practical paths. Garden landscaping can prepare the soil, establish suitable plants and finish the beds with mulch.
