Dry landscaping
It is possible to install landscapes using plants that require no ongoing water once established. Obviously native plants, cacti, succulents and hardy Mediterranean varieties are best suited to these style of dry landscapes or xeriscapes. In the south west, these planting schemes are best established in autumn/early winter to make the most of the short wet season. If unable to irrigate for the first summer losses will occur. This may be acceptable depending upon the scale or nature of the project but ideally water should be provided for at least the first summer for a premium result.
Selecting stock
When ordering or selecting greenstock it is important to choose plants which are in good health, growing robustly and showing no signs of disease. Well grown plants have a better chance of establishing quickly. If there is excessive tip or top growth, it is advisable to prune this off when planting in the warmer months to reduce transpiration and allow the plant to establish a root system which is able to sustain further growth. Plants which have been sun hardened are preferable to shade grown stock unless they are going immediately into a shaded position.
Note: Advanced plants have higher watering requirements until their root system develops so this must be taken into consideration when installing irrigation.
Avoid weed species
Avoid selecting species which have weed potential. Many hardy introduced plants have become naturalised and threaten to take over bushland and cultivated areas resulting in huge expense and ongoing programs aimed at containing or eradicating the ‘garden escapees’.
For further information visit: https://florabase.dbca.wa.gov.au
- Use deep-rooted plants, large shrubs and trees, which are able to be self- sustaining once they are established. They will reduce water use and ensure the longevity of a landscape.
- Use trees that are able to shade temperatures and provide protection for smaller plants
- Use trees and shrubs as windbreaks– planted as semi-permeable wind barrier.
- Hot dry winds can cause serious damage and protecting plants from wind reduces stress and water use.
- Make water efficient choices depending on the scale and budget of a project e. for large scale landscapes use trees, spreading drought tolerant groundcovers and hardy native grasses and keep lawn areas functional only and substituted hardy ground covers or alternative surfaces with shading via trees or other structures.
