Your 5-step checklist to nail a waterwise garden

Perth’s climate can be tough on gardens, but with a few thoughtful choices you can create a space that thrives while saving bucketloads of water across the seasons. 

Waterwise Landscaper and Waterwise Irrigation Specialist Darren Senior has almost 20 years of experience helping Western Australians grow healthier gardens. His five essential steps will help you set your garden up for long term success.  

1. Start from the bottom with soil improver

Healthy soil is key to a thriving garden. It helps the soil hold water, supports nutrients and gives your plants the best chance to grow strong, especially in Perth’s sandy conditions. 

How to fix sandy soil

If water sits on top of your soil instead of soaking in, it may be water repellent. Mix clay and organic compost into the top layer when planting. This improves water absorption and helps the soil hold moisture where roots can reach it, saving bucketloads of water over the long term.  For established lawns, apply a similar mix as a top dressing so it can work its way down to the root zone over time. 

How to fix soil with too much clay

If your garden becomes boggy in winter, you may have clay dominant soil. Add organic matter and gypsum to help loosen the structure and improve drainage. This allows oxygen to reach the roots and makes nutrients more available. Always mix it into the top layer before planting. 

If you need tailored advice, connect with a Waterwise Landscaper, a Waterwise Garden Centre or Nursery. 

improvE your soil

2. Get in the zone

Plants with similar water needs grow best when they are grouped together. This approach is known as hydrozoning and helps you: 

• water efficiently
• reduce overwatering
• support healthier plant growth 

Hydrozoning lets you set your irrigation stations to deliver the right amount of water to the right plants. It is one of the simplest ways to improve water efficiency in your garden. 

3. Choose waterwise plants

A waterwise garden is not limited to cactus or spiky plants. Western Australia has hundreds of stunning native and exotic species that thrive in our climate. 

Waterwise plants: 

• Need less water 
• Are low maintenance 
• Add colour and character to your garden

Explore wa native plant choices 

4. Water smarter, not harder

Too much water can leach nutrients from your soil. In Perth, most gardens only need 10 millimetres of water twice a week in summer to stay healthy. This amount reaches the underground zone where most feeding and drinking roots grow.

The run time you need depends on your sprinkler type. You can find recommended times based on your irrigation system.

5. Lock it all in with mulch

Mulch acts like sunscreen for your garden. It protects the soil and helps you save bucketloads by stopping precious moisture from evaporating. 

Mulch also: 

• keeps soil cool 
• improves soil health
• reduces weeds
• helps water reach the roots where it is needed most

Choose a chunky mulch and spread it about 10 centimetres deep for the best results. 

choose THE right mulch

These simple steps can help your garden grow beautifully while reducing your water use. It is a win for you and for Western Australia’s water future.