Helping gardens in drought-stricken regions to grow
WHILE Sydney may have had plenty of rain recently, it’s still tough going for regional gardeners.
Home Mag
Don't miss out on the headlines from Home Mag. Followed categories will be added to My News.
QUESTION: I live in regional NSW and my garden is looking parched. What’s your advice for helping it to thrive in the drought?
ANSWER: Given the recent downpours along the coast, it’s easy to forget that most of NSW is still in drought. And while keeping livestock fed and healthy is the top priority, there are plenty of home gardens that could do with a bit of love right now.
Horticulturalist and member of the Bathurst Gardeners’ Club, Peter Varman (pictured), says keeping your garden looking good is not just about having some decorative plants outside the house.
For farmers and the townspeople who rely on their business, creating and maintaining a beautiful garden is an obvious way to take a break from day-to-day concerns.
“There are a lot of mental health benefits to maintaining a garden,” Peter says.
“It’s a good occupation to keep your thoughts on something else rather than your everyday worries.”
OPEN GARDENS
The central western town is hosting the Bathurst Spring Spectacular this weekend, opening 10 of the most beautiful private gardens in the region.
Peter says gardens range from those on small blocks to acreage. Entry is $20 with money going to local charities, including the Rural Fire Service.
The spring gardens will include everything from irises and azaleas to rhododendrons. Peter says helping gardens to thrive in recent years has been difficult in the conditions.
“Last year we had a dry winter and severe frosts at minus six and minus seven degrees,” he says.
CHOOSING A MASTERPLANNED COMMUNITY
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BUILDER
“Frost dries the ground out. We’ve lost a lot of shrubs and trees because of that and this year isn’t much better.”
For those trying to maintain their trees and shrubs in the dry, Peter says drip watering over an extended period is the way to go.
“The only thing to do is to put a hose next to the tree and have it on a fast drip and leave it for six to seven hours,” he says.
“The water goes in way deep rather than hand watering a couple of times a week.
“It’s much better to give it a very good soak once a week.”
Given the weather conditions don’t look like improving anytime soon, it may be worth installing an irrigation system set on timers to maintaining a watering schedule.
COTTAGE INDUSTRY
While many of us associate country gardens with cottage plants like daisies, foxgloves and roses, Peter says they’re not the best choices when there’s so little rain.
“They take a lot of water and they need it every day to keep looking good,” he says.
“Instead, go for shrubs and trees with various textures. If you’re keen to add colour, choose flowering varieties such as plum and cherry blossom trees, or deciduous varieties where the leaves change colour in autumn. While native species local to the area are a great choice, exotic trees such as conifers often cope well with the dry.
And don’t forget perfume in the garden.
“Perfumed plants are great because it’s good for the mind,” he says.
They’re also popular with bees, who are looking for reliable food sources right now.
Mulch is a key weapon in Peter’s defence against water loss, although he says you should choose carefully.
“I like wood chip,” he says.
“You have to be careful with sugar cane mulch because it’s very fine. When you put it down, you have to water the ground first, then put the sugar cane down and water it again because it can blow away easily.
“Wood chips are coarse and they allow the water to run straight through.”
More:bathurstgardenclub.org.au
GROW YOUR OWN
Help your garden thrive despite the dry with these tips.
● Consider installing an irrigation system on a timer to make sure your plants get enough water.
● Reduce the size of your lawn. They go brown in drought and keeping them looking good soaks up a lot of water.
● Look after the locals. Protect local bee populations by growing drought-resistant flowering plants.
● Play around with texture. Silver plants tend to be more drought tolerant. Mix them up with other shades of green.
● Spend time in your garden and watch things grow. It’s a great way to unwind and take a break from the day.