Gardens and the drought - not all bad news!
Homeowners and other gardeners will be facing some challenges in the months and years ahead. See it as an opportunity for change, and your private haven could be even BETTER!
It's a good time to. . .
. . . have a really good clean-up. Dead material like palm fronds and stumps, plus weeds and dangerous trees. Removing unwanted species will also mean less competition for the more valuable plants that remain.
. . . learn more. Public gardens, open gardens, garden shows and nurseries make a great day trip and can provide inspiration, ideas and advice in addition to books, magazines, the internet and videos. Take a class or join a garden club.
. . . develop a garden plan, taking into account what you have now and your future lifestyle needs, personal tatstes and probable water availability. Consider seeking assistance from a garden consultant and/or garden designer.
. . . re-evaluate current plantings in terms of your garden plan. Remove specimens that don't suit your design, or have given problems in the past.
. . . improve your soil. A fresh layer of mulch makes the garden instantly look better, too. Get a mulcher, compost bin and/or worm farm to make soil improvers from waste.
. . . undertake hard landscaping projects such as paving, retaining walls, garden edging, garden lighting. Also, repairs to exisisting construction and installing root barriers.
. . . add more shade. Few homes in this climate wouldn't benefit from more shade. Could be constructed or carefully selected and positioned plants (trees, bamboos etc). Even if you can't plant right now, you can research what species to use and get the location ready.
. . . introduce some features like a garden bench, a large ceramic urn or a sculpture. How about replacing that make-do letterbox with something that's functional, secure and attractive?
. . . upgrade your equipment. Finally buy the good quality tools and protective gear you've wanted. Repair and service your mower and other tools so they're ready to go. Organise your storage.
And if you have a LITTLE water...
. . . concentrate on shade and privacy. The longer you delay plantings, the longer you'll wait to enjoy the benefits, while mature plantings will take a long time to reach the same stage if they have to be replaced. (Very valuable or severely stressed trees may warrant the attention of an arborist.)
. . . nuture other special plants. Even one or two spectacular specimens will make everone think you're a fabulously talented gardener while distracting attention from the brown and crispy ones. Plants of personal significance, rare or costly plants are other obvious candidates.
. . . propagate favourite plants. As a backup-up in case you do loose the original specimen, but also to have more plants to create great garden effects when planting time comes. Except for accents, moest plants look better in groups or masses.
. . . buy some babies. Plants in small sizes are cheaper and require less water. You can maintain them in pots for some time until conditions improve. Meanwhile, pop into decorative containers and group for a mini-garden on a patio or indoors (depending on the species).
. . . add more container plantings in general, especially to decks, patios and indoors where you'll see and enjoy them the most.
Why continue to maintain and improve your garden?
The possible effects on property value. It makes sense to encourage your neighbours, too, because of the contribution they make to the neighbourhood as a whole.
The way it reflects on your business, in the case of commercial premises.
It can be an extension of your living space. The garden can be a place to entertain, to spend time with the family or relax in private.
To save money. The privacy and shade provided by trees and hedges will be expensive to replace with awnings, air conditioning and high fences. Gardens can also supply fruit, herbs and vegetables, plus cut foliage and flowers for indoor arrangements.
The environment. Gardens can nuture wildlife, preserve biodiversity, absorb carbon and so forth.
To pass on an appreciation of gardens to next generation, and the knowledge and skills that go with them.
A hobby that can help you stay active and make friends in addition to all the benefits listed above.
