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.

 

Xeriscaping in South Australia

by Ri Industries

Xeriscaping in South Australia is a landscaping approach that focuses on conserving water by using drought-tolerant plants and efficient irrigation techniques. It is particularly well-suited for regions with arid or semi-arid climates, such as South Australia, where water resources can be limited. Xeriscaping not only helps to reduce water usage but also creates beautiful and sustainable landscapes.

Here are some key principles and considerations for xeriscaping in South Australia:

Plant Selection:

  • Choose native and drought-resistant plants: Select plants that are adapted to the local climate and can thrive with minimal water. South Australia has a diverse range of native plants that are well-suited for xeriscaping, such as kangaroo paws, grevilleas, and saltbushes.
  • Group plants by water needs: Arrange your plants in zones based on their water requirements to ensure efficient irrigation. This helps avoid overwatering or underwatering specific areas.

Soil Preparation:

  • Improve soil quality: Enhance your soil’s ability to retain moisture by adding organic matter like compost. Well-amended soil can better support plant growth and reduce the need for frequent watering.

Mulching:

  • Apply mulch: Cover the soil with a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or straw. Mulch helps to conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Efficient Irrigation:

  • Use drip irrigation: Drip irrigation systems deliver water directly to the root zones of plants, reducing water wastage through evaporation and runoff. Install a timer to control watering schedules.
  • Install rain sensors: Rain sensors can automatically shut off your irrigation system when it rains, preventing overwatering during wet periods.

Watering Practices:

  • Water deeply and infrequently: Instead of shallow, frequent watering, water your xeriscape plants deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth and drought resistance.
  • Water during cooler times: Watering in the early morning or late afternoon reduces water loss due to evaporation.

Hardscape and Design:

  • Use permeable materials: Choose permeable paving materials like gravel or permeable concrete to allow water to penetrate the soil rather than running off.
  • Group plants strategically: Group plants with similar water needs together to create visually appealing and water-efficient garden designs.

Maintenance:

  • Regularly inspect and maintain your xeriscape garden. Prune and remove dead or diseased plants, and adjust irrigation as needed based on seasonal weather changes.

Sustainability:

  • Consider using rainwater harvesting systems to collect and store rainwater for irrigation purposes, further reducing your reliance on mains water.

Xeriscaping in South Australia not only helps conserve water but also promotes the use of native plants, which can benefit local wildlife and create a sense of place in your landscape. Be sure to check with your local nursery or landscaping professionals for advice on selecting the best drought-resistant plants for your specific location in South Australia, as climate conditions can vary within the region.

See more about xeriscaping by visiting https://www.ri-industries.com.au/category/xeriscaping/.

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Best Plants for Xeriscaping

by Ri Industries

Last month we spoke about the benefits of xeriscaping and how to get started in our article ‘Xeriscaping: Benefits and How to Start’. We shared that choosing plants which are native to the region in which you live is the best option for a xeric garden. In this article, we’ll discuss what those plants are. 

To provide you with the best information we can, we went straight to the experts at SA Water. The first thing to consider is soil type and local environment:

  1. Coastal settings tend to have alkaline sandy soils
  2. Plains regions tend to have alkaline loam over clay  
  3. Hills tends to have acidic sandy loam over clay and higher rainfall

Sawater.com.au offers their top picks for the South Australian region:

Coastal (Species, Common Name, Lifeform) – 

  • Kunzea pomifera, Muntries, Mat
  • Myoporum parvifolium (broadleaf form), Creeping Boobialla, Mat
  • Goodenia varia, Sticky Goodenia, Groundcover
  • Chrysocephalum apiculatum, Common Yellow Button, Herb
  • Lepidosperma gladiatum, Coast Sword-sedge, Sedge
  • Thomasia petalocalyx, Paper-flower, Shrub
  • Rhagodia parabolica, Fragrant Saltbush, Shrub
  • Grevillea ilicifolia, Holly-leaf Grevillea, Shrub
  • Eucalyptus minniritchi, Minniritchi Mallee, Small tree
  • Allocasuarina verticillata, Drooping She-oak, Tree

 

Plains (Species, Common Name, Lifeform) – 

  • Myoporum parvifolium (broadleaf form), Creeping Boobialla, Mat
  • Scaevola albida, Fan-Flower, Mat
  • Chrysocephalum apiculatum, Common Yellow Button, Herb
  • Pycnosorus globosus, Billy-buttons, Herb
  • Lomandra multiflora ssp. dura, Iron-grass, Sedge
  • Thomasia petalocalyx, Paper-flower, Shrub
  • Rhagodia parabolica, Fragrant Saltbrush, Shrub
  • Grevillea ilicifolia, Holly-leaf Grevillea, Shrub
  • Correa glabra var. turnbullii, Smooth Correa, Shrub
  • Eucalyptus minniritchi, Minniritchi Mallee, Small tree
  • Allocasuarina verticillata, Drooping She-oak, Tree
  • Acacia melanoxylon, Blackwood, Tree
  • Myoporum petiolatum, Sticky Boobialla, Shrub

 

Hills (Species, Common Name, Lifeform) – 

  • Scaevola albida, Fan-Flower, Mat
  • Pultenaea pedunculata, Matted Bush-pea, Mat
  • Grevillea lavandulacea ssp. lavandulacea, Heath Grevillea, Groundcover
  • Correa decumbens, Spreading Correa, Groundcover
  • Chrysocephalum apiculatum, Common Yellow Button, Herb
  • Mentha diemenica, Slender mint, Herb
  • Lomandra multiflora ssp. dura, Iron-grass, Sedge
  • Correa glabra var. turnbullii, Smooth Correa, Shrub
  • Myoporum petiolatum, Sticky Boobialla, Shrub
  • Allocasuarina verticillata, Drooping She-oak, Tree
  • Acacia melanoxylon, Blackwood, Tree
  • Callitris rhomboidea, Oyster Bay Pine, Tree

Your local nursery can also assist you in choosing the best plants for your area. We’d love to hear which plants you choose, so please let us know on our Facebook page!

 

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Xeriscaping – Benefits and How to Start

by Ri Industries

Regular readers of our articles may remember ‘The Benefits of Xeriscaping’ article we published in August of 2019. After reading the most recent drought report by the Australian Government of Meteorology, we thought now would be a good time to once again discuss xeriscaping. 

According to the May 2022 drought report, rainfall in April of 2022 was below average for western Tasmania, coastal south-eastern South Australia, south-western Victoria, and a large area of Central Australia spanning the south-west of the Northern Territory and interior of Western Australia. Serious rainfall deficiencies (totals in the lowest 10% of historical observations since 1900) are affecting parts of southern Australia for the period starting December 2021. 

Why did this information lead us to write about xeriscaping? Because xeriscaping is landscaping designed specifically for areas that are susceptible to drought, or for properties where water conservation is practiced. Creating outdoor spaces which require little water is not only good for the environment, but it’s also good for your bank account!

There are more benefits than just reducing the amount of water used on lawn, trees, plants, and shrubs. It also reduces pollution since pesticides and fertilisers are not needed and it also removes the need for mowing. One of the best benefits is the ease of maintenance. Less water needed means less time fussing with hoses and sprinklers and the types of plants used typically grow slowly meaning less time spent pruning and trimming. 

How to get started with your xeric garden? 

  1. Determine the best location. Will you remove the entire lawn or just sections? Areas that are least used tend to be the best location for growing these types of plants. 
  2. Group plants by the amount of water they will need. Phgmag.com recommends three zones: 
    1. Zone One (Oasis Zone) – The oasis zone has the most water-dependent plants and requires more maintenance than other zones. 
    2. Zone Two (Transition Zone) – The transition zone requires less watering and maintenance than the oasis zone but has more needs than the xeric zone. 
    3. Zone Three (Xeric Zone) – The xeric zone requires very little water and maintenance.
  3. Replace lawn with mulch, rocks, gravel or a combination.
  4. Choose plants native to the region where you live and learn how drought-resistant each is. 
  5. Determine how to irrigate the garden. A drip irrigation system is often a good choice. 
  6. Make sure you are working with good soil as it will hold water well, provide nutrients, and properly aerate to allow water to reach deep roots. 

Now that you’ve planned your xeric garden, you’re well on your way to helping the environment and saving time, energy, and money.  Stay tuned for our next article which will discuss best choices of plants for South Australia.

 

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The Benefits of Xeriscaping

by Ri Industries

Xeriscaping, pronounced “zeer-i-scape,” is defined as ‘landscaping designed specifically for areas that are susceptible to drought, or for properties where water conservation is practiced.’ The term is derived from the Greek word ‘Xeros,’ which means dry, and ‘scape,’ which means scene. Put together, we get ‘dry scene.’

Xeriscaping is a beneficial practice in South Australia as we battle drought or limited rainfall conditions. The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology puts out a monthly drought report and the latest (June 2019) shows western South Australia once again had below average rainfall. For those of us who want beautiful gardens and/or to help our environment, xeriscaping can be a fantastic solution. 

 What are the benefits of xeriscaping?

  • Reduce water consumption as much as 50 -75%. In fact, if you choose a desert landscape it can eliminate water consumption completely.
  • Limited maintenance is required as mulching and weeding may be all that is required.
  • All natural – by choosing native plants there will be no need for chemical supplements.
  • Reduces pollution because there is no need to use gardening tools such as gas mowers.
  • Creates a wildlife habitat by growing native plants alongside trees, and shrubs.
  • Saves money since there is no need to purchase fertiliser or expensive gardening equipment.

Since the most important aspect of xeriscaping is reduced water consumption, it is important to research the plot of land where the garden will be. Look at the contours of the terrain, soil absorption, and drainage patterns. You want soil that is rich in organic material and you will want to keep it well aerated. Compost is a great way to enrich the soil. 

The goal of the xeriscape is to provide as much of the needed water by rainfall as possible. However, there will be times when additional water will be needed. Consider installing a drip irrigation system from your rainwater tank or simply use soaker hoses. Each of these will deliver water slowly and promote root absorption in your plants and will safeguard against soil erosion. 

Choose native, drought-resistant plants. We have a nice variety of such plants available here in South Australia. Choose a combination of plants you find pleasing to look at and would enjoy. 

Mulching is imperative to help soil retain moisture and temperature as well as help to control weeds. You want to avoid leaving the soil around plants bare. Leaves, wood chips, coarse compost, gravel, bark, and pine needles are all good choices for mulch.

Minimise the turf areas in your garden since they require more watering. Most people choose to include a small turf area for aesthetic reasons. Choose turf from the variety that consumes less water.

It is possible to create a beautiful landscape while conserving water. There are many online resources to help you plan your own xeriscape or there are xeriscape professionals who can plan and create it for you. 

If you would like to learn more about the Ri-Industries concrete rainwater tanks, please call and speak with one of our experts.