Image shows xeriscaping - sustainable landscaping ideal for colder months

Xeriscaping – Embracing Sustainable Landscaping in South Australia for the Colder Months

by Ri Industries

Image shows sustainable landscaping ideal for colder months

Xeriscaping, a sustainable landscaping technique ideally suited to the climate and environmental conditions of South Australia, has been gaining popularity. As we prepare for the colder months ahead, homeowners and landscapers alike are exploring innovative ways to maintain beautiful outdoor spaces while conserving water and resources. Xeriscaping can create stunning landscapes that thrive even during the chillier seasons, while significantly reducing water consumption and maintenance requirements.

Understanding Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping, derived from the Greek word “xeros” meaning dry, is a landscaping approach focused on creating visually appealing outdoor spaces using minimal water. Originating in arid regions, xeriscaping prioritises drought-tolerant plants, efficient irrigation systems, and soil improvements to maximise water retention. While traditionally associated with desert landscapes, xeriscaping principles are highly adaptable and well-suited to South Australia’s Mediterranean climate, characterised by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

Benefits of Xeriscaping in South Australia’s Colder Months

Water Conservation

One of the primary advantages of xeriscaping, especially during the colder months, is its ability to significantly reduce water consumption. By incorporating drought-tolerant native plants and implementing efficient irrigation methods, such as drip irrigation or rainwater harvesting systems, homeowners can maintain vibrant landscapes without relying heavily on supplemental watering. This not only conserves water but also helps mitigate the impact of water restrictions that may be imposed during periods of scarcity. Learn about Ri-Industries’ concrete rainwater tanks here and tips to use the collected rainwater to water your garden here. 

Low Maintenance

As the temperature drops and daylight hours decrease, traditional landscapes often require less maintenance. However, xeriscaped gardens take this a step further by inherently requiring minimal upkeep year-round. With carefully selected plants adapted to the local climate, xeriscaping reduces the need for mowing, pruning, and fertilising, freeing up time and resources for other activities. Additionally, the use of mulch and organic matter helps suppress weeds and improve soil health, further reducing maintenance tasks.

Cold Hardiness

While xeriscaping is typically associated with drought resistance, many native and Mediterranean plants selected for xeriscaped gardens also exhibit cold hardiness, making them well-suited to South Australia’s winter conditions. These plants can withstand frost and cooler temperatures, maintaining their foliage and structure throughout the colder months and providing visual interest year-round. By incorporating a diverse range of species with varying cold tolerances, xeriscaped landscapes can remain vibrant and attractive even in winter.

Environmental Sustainability

Xeriscaping promotes environmental sustainability by minimising the ecological footprint of landscaping activities. By reducing water consumption, chemical inputs, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with lawn maintenance equipment, xeriscaped gardens contribute to a healthier and more sustainable ecosystem. Furthermore, native plant species support local biodiversity, providing habitat and food sources for native wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and bees.

Tips for Xeriscaping in South Australia’s Colder Months

  • Choose Native and Drought-Tolerant Plants: Select species that are well-adapted to South Australia’s climate and soil conditions, ensuring they can withstand both dry summers and cold winters. See our article Best Plants for Xeriscaping for suggestions. 
  • Implement Efficient Irrigation Systems: Install drip irrigation or micro-sprinkler systems to deliver water directly to plant roots, minimising water waste and maximising efficiency.
  • Mulch and Amend Soil: Apply mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature, while incorporating organic matter to improve soil structure and fertility.
  • Group Plants by Water Needs: Design planting beds based on water requirements, grouping together plants with similar moisture needs to optimise water usage.

Concrete rainwater tanks and wastewater treatment systems are available at Ri-Industries. Our experts are available to answer your questions and help you decide on the best products for your home. Call us at 08 8444 8100.

 

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Lawn Care and Gardening Tips for Summer in Adelaide

by Ri Industries

Now it’s summer, we thought we would round up some lawn care and gardening tips to share with you. The summer growing season is, generally speaking, from December to February. In some Australian climates, it may begin as early as November or end as late as March, so checking your local climate is a great place to start. 

Why does ri-industries.com.au write articles about lawn care and gardening? Because we want to help everywhere we can! Our tips can help you reduce water bills and properly care for your septic system. 

Let’s talk about conserving water and reducing bills. 

  • A simple step to take is to water early in the morning or overnight. Watering while the temperature is relatively cool allows the lawn and garden the chance to fully absorb the water. Watering late in the day can produce humidity overnight which can lead to the development of fungus.
  • Water the garden only when it needs to be watered. How will you know? Stick your finger about 4 cm into the soil, and if the soil is not moist, it’s time to water.
  • Be thorough when watering the garden. Flower beds can do just fine when watered just once or twice per week as long as it’s a good, thorough soak. 
  • Did you know that you can reuse waste water to water the lawn via sub surface irrigation and garden? The surface irrigation disposal area must be dedicated to the sole use of effluent disposal. The area must be landscaped, preferably with salt tolerant shrubs and trees and should be designed to discourage pedestrian and vehicle access. The Ri-Treat Waste Water System works to clean and reuse your waste water from the toilet, kitchen, and laundry to irrigate your garden. This system is a cost-efficient and environmentally friendly way to keep your garden looking green and healthy.
  • Collect rainwater and use it to water the lawn and garden. Our article How to Water Your Garden With Water Collected in a Rainwater Tank talks about the benefits of using a rainwater tank and how to use it.

Now let’s talk about lawn and garden tips to help protect the septic system.

  • Be mindful of the septic tank soakaway. A septic tank soakaway is a series of underground, perforated pipes that allow septic tank effluent to soakaway over a large area. A lawn is the best cover for the soakaway. It will help prevent soil erosion while adding beauty to the landscape. When planting, do not dig too deep and be sure to wear gloves to protect against bacteria that may be in the soil.
  • Know what/what not to plant around a septic tank. First, do not plant anything with deep roots or anything that will be super thirsty. Second, don’t ever plant fruits or vegetables over the septic tank! Third, it’s recommended to plant the right kind of vegetation over the septic tank such as perennials, annuals, and grass. Willow Myrtle trees, Swamp Oak trees, River Red Gum trees, Papyrus shrubs, and Oleander shrubs make particularly good choices to plant near the septic tank. Learn more in our articles Tips for Planting Around a Septic Tank and Tips for Planting Over Septic Drain Fields.

As you can see, we care about providing quality products which benefit the environment as well as you. Our experts will be happy to speak with you and the products that can best suit your needs. Please call us at 08 8444 8100.

 

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How to Water Your Garden With Water Collected in a Rainwater Tank

by Ri Industries

Before we discuss how to water your garden with water collected in a rainwater tank, let’s discuss why you might want to use rainwater.

First, rainwater harvesting reduces pollution. When rain falls, oil, pesticides, animal waste and fertilisers from lawns, footpaths, driveways, and streets get washed into our sewers which then overflow into rivers and estuaries. By harvesting rainwater, we eliminate those possible contaminants joining the water. Harvested rainwater is also free of salts, pollutants, and chlorine that are found in ground and surface water.

Second, harvested rainwater reduces demand on our water supplies. This is especially important during the summer months and times of drought.

Now that you have decided to harvest rainwater, how do you actually capture the water? We recommend installing a Ri-Industries Concrete Rainwater Tank. Our underground concrete rainwater tanks offer a number of advantages:

  • The water stays cooler.
  • No algae develops.
  • The water has no after-taste.
  • They are vandal-proof and fire-proof.
  • Being underground means they are out of sight and don’t take up much of your valuable real estate.
  • Concrete is stronger and more durable than plastic, steel or fibre glass.
  • Once the rainwater tank has been installed, you will need to move water from the tank to your garden. The best way to do this is with a pump.
  • Pump systems can be submerged underground or they can be free standing. They can provide enough pressure that the water flows similarly to mains water. You can also install a mains switch-over device to switch from rainwater to mains use when the rainwater runs out.

Another option to consider is having a header tank. This is a great option to use with underground tanks. The header tank will be placed at a higher level than the storage tank. A low-powered pump will transfer the water from the rainwater tank to the header tank, then you can use a gravity fed method to release the water. You can fit a garden tap near to the bottom of the header tank and use a soaker hose to transfer the water out of the tank, using gravity.

Watering your garden with harvested water is a great way to help conserve water and eliminate pollutants. Ri-Industries is proud to provide quality concrete rainwater tanks in Adelaide and surrounding areas for your use. Please call us to speak with one of our experts to learn more.