South Africa is a water-scarce country, and one of the thirty driest countries in the world. Being water wise is all about using water efficiently and responsibly. It’s about being mindful of how we use water in our daily lives, from the amount we use for a shower to the way we water our gardens or wash our cars.

By being water wise, we’re helping to protect our environment and ecosystems, reduce energy consumption (because it takes energy to treat and pump water), and ensure that there’s enough water to go around for future generations. Conserving water is a practical and essential aspect of living an environmentally conscious life.

How to save water in your garden

These water-saving techniques conserve water and create a thriving, more sustainable garden:

1. Water early or late: Watering your garden during the early morning or late evening minimises water loss due to evaporation. Cooler temperatures allow water to soak into the soil more effectively, ensuring plants get the hydration they need without wasting water.

2. Use mulch: Applying a thick layer of mulch around your plants helps retain soil moisture by reducing evaporation and regulating soil temperature. Organic mulches like straw, bark, or compost not only conserve water but also improve soil health as they decompose. Plus, mulch can suppress weed growth, which in turn reduces competition for water​.

3. Collect rainwater: Installing rain barrels or other rainwater harvesting systems allows you to collect and store rainwater for garden use. This is especially useful during dry spells and reduces reliance on municipal water supplies. Using collected rainwater helps to make your garden more self-sufficient and eco-friendly.

4. Drip irrigation: A drip irrigation system delivers water directly to the base of each plant, targeting the root zone where it’s needed most. This reduces water waste caused by runoff and evaporation and ensures that plants receive consistent moisture. It’s an efficient way to water large garden beds or areas with varying water needs​.

5. Hand watering: Hand watering gives you more control over the amount of water each plant receives, which can prevent both overwatering and underwatering. Hand watering is particularly beneficial for small gardens or areas with a diverse range of plants​.

6. Group plants by water needs: Organise your garden by grouping plants with similar water requirements together. Known as hydrozoning, this helps you manage water more efficiently by allowing you to tailor watering practices to the needs of specific plant groups. It also prevents water wastage on plants that require less frequent watering.

7. Avoid overwatering: Before watering, check soil moisture by sticking your finger about 3cm into the soil. If it feels damp, you can skip watering that day. Overwatering not only wastes water but can also lead to root rot and other plant diseases. Focusing on watering the root zone directly, rather than the leaves, can also help prevent disease.

8. Use greywater: Reusing household greywater – such as water from baths, showers, or washing machines (excluding water with harsh chemicals) – can be an effective way to water your garden. Just ensure the greywater is safe for plants and avoid using it on edible plants if it contains any harmful substances. This is an efficient way to reduce water consumption .

9. Consider vertical gardening: Vertical gardens, where plants grow on structures rather than in traditional beds, reduce the amount of soil exposed to air, limiting evaporation. Vertical gardens also allow for more efficient watering, as water trickles down from the top plants to those below, maximising every drop. This is especially useful in small spaces and can contribute to significant water savings.

Water wise plants for South African gardens

Choosing native or drought-tolerant plants that are adapted to our local climate can significantly reduce the need for additional watering. These plants are better equipped to thrive on natural rainfall, making them ideal for water-wise gardening.

Here are some excellent examples of water-wise plants that are perfect for South African gardens:

1. Aloes: Aloes are iconic water-wise plants, with over 500 species native to Africa. They are incredibly drought-tolerant, storing water in their fleshy leaves, and require very little maintenance. The Aloe Vera, Aloe Ferox, and Aloe Arborescens are some popular varieties that also offer medicinal benefits​.
2. Spekboom (Portulacaria afra): Often hailed as a “miracle plant,” spekboom is a powerhouse in water conservation. It’s extremely drought-resistant and can thrive in poor soil conditions, making it an ideal choice for water-wise gardens. Spekboom also plays a significant role in carbon sequestration, helping to offset carbon emissions.
3. Wild Garlic (Tulbaghia violacea): Known for its beautiful purple flowers and its ability to thrive in dry conditions, wild garlic is a fantastic addition to any garden. It’s also a natural pest deterrent, thanks to its strong scent, making it both practical and attractive.
4. Cape Honeysuckle (Tecoma capensis): This vibrant shrub is not only water-wise but also a magnet for birds and pollinators. It’s hardy, drought-tolerant, and blooms with stunning orange-red flowers that add a pop of color to your garden​.
5. Quiver Tree (Aloidendron dichotomum): Native to the Northern Cape, the Quiver Tree is a striking, sculptural plant that’s perfectly adapted to hot, dry climates. It’s a slow-growing species but can become a dramatic focal point in any garden.
6. Marula Tree (Sclerocarya birrea): This indigenous tree is well-suited for dry conditions and is famous for its fruit, which is used to make Amarula liqueur. It’s a hardy tree that can withstand prolonged dry periods and adds both shade and beauty to your garden​.
7. Agapanthus: Known for their beautiful blue, purple and white flowers, Agapanthus plants are incredibly drought tolerant. They grow from corms, which store water, allowing them to survive long periods without irrigation. They’re also perfect for adding a touch of elegance to garden borders.
8. Acacia: Acacia trees are well-known for their resilience in dry climates. These trees have deep root systems that allow them to access water deep underground, making them incredibly drought tolerant. Acacias are also nitrogen-fixing plants, which means they enrich the soil, making them a great addition to any water-wise garden.