Waterwise gardens, lawns and verges
Watch Josh Byrne talk about how to use garden bores wisely
Creating a waterwise garden is one of the most efficient ways you can save groundwater. You don’t have to compromise on having an enjoyable green space for your home.
Plan a waterwise garden
Planning and design play an important role in achieving a waterwise garden.
Waterwise garden design should incorporate waterwise plants and a functional mix of hard surface, garden beds and lawn species suitable for Perth’s climate.
Use hydrozoning and group plants according to their irrigation, nutrient and maintenance requirements
Ways to achieve a waterwise garden
Read these tips on how to achieve a waterwise garden.
Click the links to find out more from Water Corporation’s handy waterwise webpages. Also keep an eye out for Water Corporation’s waterwise offers to help you save money and water in your garden.
Choose waterwise plants and create hydrozones
Choose waterwise Western Australian native and drought-tolerant plants. These will need less water and are low maintenance. Use Water Corporation’s Waterwise plants directory to find plants that will grow the best where you live.
Create hydrozones, where plants with similar water needs are grouped together in the garden. This will make it easier to set up irrigation systems to deliver the right amount of water for your plants’ needs – saving water.
Find out more about waterwise plants and garden design through Water Corporation
Improve your soil and use mulch
Improve your soil by adding organic compost, a soil wetting agent and soil amendments, such as clay. This will improve the water and nutrient-holding capacity of your soil.
Apply a 5–10 cm layer of coarse mulch to help keep the water in and reduce evaporation.
Choose soil conditioners and mulches with the Waterwise and Smart Approved WaterMark symbols.
Install and build more climate-resilient lawns
If you are installing a new lawn, choose warm-season and drought-tolerant lawn species that are suitable for Perth’s warm conditions.
Increase and maintain your lawn’s health by following watering guidelines, applying a soil wetting agent at least three times a year, aerating your lawn annually during spring, and applying a slow-release fertiliser every two months during the warmer months and once during winter.
Create a waterwise verge
Consider the benefits of creating a waterwise verge for you and your street to enjoy.
Waterwise verges use less water.