With the ever increasing dry summers and extra charges for excess water usage, water saving in the garden is something to keep in mind. When we think of water-saving, we generally think of collecting rainwater and using grey water to minimise wastage. Although these things are top of mind, other important areas to consider are looking at water pressure, knowing soil type, selecting the right plants, and using products to help minimise how often you need to water. Here is some more information about the things you can do to ensure efficient water use in your garden.

Soil Type 
When you know your soil type, you can adjust your watering to suit these soil conditions and plant the right plants. With dry or compacted soils, water for 5 minutes, wait for 10 minutes, then repeat. For hot and dry soils, try a water storage product such as SaturAid, or incorporate sphagnum moss into the soil. This applies to container gardens too.

Mulches
Good water-saving gardens incorporate mulch, because mulch reduces weed growth and moisture loss. Many great mulch options include stones, bark, peastraw, moss, weedmat and groundcover plants.

Water Pressure 
To find out if you are using more water than you need, hold a 1-litre jug under your tap and fill it. If it fills in less than seven seconds, you are using more water than you need, and you should turn your water pressure down.

Water less frequently
Watering less often encourages plants to develop a deep root system. To water efficiently, water the roots of the plants and not the foliage. You want to give the plant a good soak of 15-20 seconds or more, and this will help the water seep lower into the soil and help the roots to go in search of moisture. Even in summer, you should only water every 4-7 days (but more often with pots) if you are watering well.

Avoid Spinklers
Sprinklers are not an efficient use of water. Ideally, hand water your garden or use a weeper soak hose to deliver water directly to the plant's roots.

Time to water 
Although evenings are the best time, NZ has a tricky climate, which breeds fungal diseases because of hot days and cooler nights. Early in the morning or late in the afternoon is ideal for watering. Late afternoon watering means less evaporation during the day's heat, and any water on the leaves has time to evaporate to avoid fungus infections.

Lawn Watering 
Set your lawnmower on a higher setting to stop your lawn from drying out as quickly. Water at the right time of day to help avoid evaporation. Don't water often or for short periods as this causes a short root system. Water for longer and less often.

Plant selection 
Choose the right plants for your soil and environmental conditions
so you don't have to work hard to maintain them. Pop in to see us with some images of your space, and we can help you pick the best plants to suit it. Otherwise, here are some plants we recommend that need minimal watering once established.  

Plants:
Euphorbia, Sedum, Lomandra, Rosemary, Arctotis, Bergenia, Gazania, Verbena, Geranium, Phlox, Aubretia, Pimelea, Westringia, Yucca, Grevillea, Coprosma, Nasturtiums, Lewisia, Nandina, Cistus, Ceanothus, Hebes, Livingstone Daisy, Portulaca, Olives.