Smart Gardens for A Dry Climate - Coliban, Australia

Smart Gardens
for a Dry Climate

Cover: main photograph: Chocolate Lily, Arthropodium strictum

© Copyright Coliban Water, City of Greater Bendigo
and Department of Primary Industries
First published 2003
Revised edition 2007

Disclaimer
The information contained in this publication is of a general nature only.
This publication is not intended to provide a definitive analysis, or discussion, on each issue canvassed.
While Coliban Water, the City of Greater Bendigo and the Department of Primary Industries believes the information
contained herein is correct, they do not accept any liability whatsoever/howsoever arising from reliance on this
publication. Therefore, every reader should make their own enquiries, and conduct their own investigations, concerning
every issue canvassed herein.

SMART GARDENS FOR A DRY CLIMATE

Introduction
Understanding more about your soil, careful
selection of plants and the introduction of
Contents
water conservation principles to your garden Waterwise garden design. ...........................2
.
will mean that the time, money and effort you
put into your garden will result in a healthier, Understand and improve your soil. .............5
.
more interesting one that is appropriate for
our dry climate. Your waterwise garden will Mulching your garden..................................8
also provide multiple environmental benefits
including: Watering your garden.................................11

• preserving water, which is our most Plant selection for Waterwise gardens......20
.
precious resource;
• reducing the spread of environmental Some environmental weeds.......................22
weeds through careful plant selection;
• lowering groundwater levels, thus References and further reading.................24
helping to control urban salinity; and
• reducing the amount of pesticides Key to Plant List.........................................25
used on the garden, through healthier
Plant List....................................................26
soil and plants.

This booklet is brought to you by Coliban Water, the City of Greater Bendigo and the Department of
Primary Industries. It provides a wealth of practical information about waterwise plants and garden
design and offers practical advice about how to maintain your garden in a dry area.
Special thanks to Greg Guy of the Horticultural Department at BRIT (Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE),
Anthony Sheean, Mitch Kemp and Roger Barbetti of the City of Greater Bendigo, and Kevin Walsh,
author of Waterwise Gardening (2004) for their contribution to this book. We acknowledge the assistance
of staff from the Department of Primary Industries and the Department of Sustainability and Environment
in the development of the plant list.
We also acknowledge the ongoing support and assistance of Coliban Water, the City of Greater Bendigo,
the Department of Primary Industries, and Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE. Photogaphy by Geof
Gerdsen, Richard Gibbs and Norm Stimson. This edition was edited by Kevin Walsh.

1


‘an area of plants will
use less water than the
same area of lawn’

Waterwise garden design
Designing your garden to be waterwise is not Remove unsuccessful lawn
as hard as you might think. There are a few It is no use trying to grow lawn in areas that
simple principles to keep in mind and after are too shady, such as under established
that it comes down to using drought-tolerant trees. Use drought-tolerant plants instead.
plants. Worn patches such as around barbecue
areas or under clotheslines should be paved.
Areas under children’s swing sets should be
Reduced lawn areas replaced with a thick layer of soft-fall mulch
Watering of lawns is one of the first things to available from landscape suppliers.
be affected by water restrictions, so it makes
Have a straight-edged and
sense to have as little of it as possible if you level lawn
want to keep your property looking green The lawn you decide to keep should be
and attractive. straight-edged and of a regular shape such
Remember, too, that an area of plants will as a rectangle or even ‘L’ shaped. These
use less water than the same area of lawn, shapes are much more efficient to water than
and the more drought-tolerant the plant, the curved or non geometric lawns. Also, try to
less water is used. So replacing lawn with make the lawn relatively level, as this will
hard surfaces and waterwise plants will also mean water gets a chance to soak in rather
reduce your water bill. than just run off the surface. Have a very
Front lawn slight slope though, to shed excess water
The front lawn really serves no purpose when those big downpours happen.
except to help show off the house and this
could also be achieved by using drought-
tolerant groundcovers such as Creeping
Boobialla (Myoporum parvifolium), Ruby
Saltbush (Enchylaena tomentosa), Matted
Bush Pea (Pultenaea pedunculata) or ground
covering Grevilleas. Alternatively, a mixture of
shrubs and perennials could be grown to add
year-round colour.
Side lawns
Reconsider the need for side lawns.
Generally side lawns do not grow well
because of too much shade from houses and
fences. They are also affected by wear and
tear. It would be better to replace side lawns
with proper paths and colourful waterwise
garden plants.
Photo courtesy Continuing Education Bendigo.

2


‘waterwise gardens
can be as interesting
and colourful as you
want to make them’
Divide the garden into Understand your site
various watering ‘zones’ If you understand your garden and the
Divide your garden into four watering zones climate that affects it, you can take
by grouping plants together according to advantage of it, or take steps to reduce the
their water needs. This way you can water a worst aspects. For example, if you have
whole garden bed when required and not just a wet area or a low area where rain tends
because one plant in the garden is thirsty. naturally to run, then you could put the most
Dividing your garden into watering zones water loving plants there to take advantage
will also make it easier to cope with water of the situation. If you suffer hot winds then
restrictions. a windbreak of drought-tolerant plants will
reduce the drying effects of the wind. If an
One zone will be the areas that need no area remains shady and does not dry out
watering at all and include paths, paving rapidly this may be a good watering zone for
and garden beds that feature a selection of some of the water guzzlers that like shade.
extremely drought hardy indigenous, native
and exotic plants. You should also take the effort to understand
the soil you have in your garden – see the
You could then set aside garden areas for following section.
plants with medium drought-tolerance,
which may need to be watered about once
a month, and ones of low drought-tolerance
that might be watered once a fortnight.
Try to keep areas of heavy water users to
a minimum. ‘Water guzzlers’ include lawns,
ferns and vegetable gardens.

Photos courtesy Continuing Education Bendigo.

3


‘there is a huge
range of drought-
tolerant plants for all
types of gardens’
Use drought-tolerant plants
There is a huge range of drought-tolerant
plants for all types of gardens – from local
indigenous plants to Australian natives, as
well as plants from other parts of the world
that do very well on minimal amounts of
water. They come in all types and effects too,
so that you should be able to choose just
the right plant for the situation, as well as
creating the look you are after.
For further information on Waterwise Plants,
please refer to page 20.

Waterwise gardens come in
all styles
A waterwise garden should not limit the
type of garden you have, or the range of
plants you can use. Your garden can be
formal or informal, cottage garden or very
contemporary, native plants or all bold
foliage. Remember that waterwise gardens
can be as interesting and colourful as you
want to make them.

Photo courtesy Glen Loddon Homes.

4


‘good soil is the
basis of a good
garden’

Understand and improve your soil
Good soil is the basis of a good garden. By A simple test to determine your soil
understanding, managing and improving your type
soil you will be able to use less water, while Take a handful of your soil and make it just
maintaining an attractive looking garden, damp. Try forming it into a ball or sausage in
even in the toughest times. Understanding your palm. If it forms a ball that readily stays
your soil will also help you choose the right in shape then your soil is clay. If it tends to
plants for your conditions. hold its shape, but is a bit crumbly, then it is
loam. A sandy soil will not hold shape but fall
apart very quickly.
Understanding soil Loam
The water holding capacity of a soil directly A loamy textured soil with a crumbly
relates to the soil type, especially its structure structure and with good pore space will allow
and texture. water to move through it by capillary action
Soil structure and soil texture similar to how water moves when it soaks
A good soil consists of peds (soil particles through blotting paper.
held together by humus) with spaces Well-structured clays and sandy loams with
between them called ‘soil pore space’. lots of organic matter are the best soils for
These spaces can accommodate air, water, holding the largest amounts of water for plant
micro-organisms and roots of plants. The growth.
amount and type of pore space varies with
soil texture and structure. A good soil has up Clay soil
to 50 per cent pore space by volume. If your soil is clay you may want to add
gypsum to help break it up. This helps water
Soil structure relates to the arrangement of get in more easily, and also breaks up the
soil particles and their pore space. crust that often forms and makes water run
Texture relates to the soil particle sizes from off the surface, rather than soak in. Gypsum
gravels through to coarse sands, fine sands is available in both a powder and spray-on
through to silts, and finally clays which have formula.
the smallest of soil particles. Clay soils may need deep-ripping or breaking
The infiltration rate of the soil relates to the up when almost dry to help with initial
rate at which water will soak into soil. A good aeration, but it is bad practice to cultivate
textured and structured soil should have a wet or very dry clay soils.
good infiltration rate. Sandy soil
Sandy soils lose their moisture very quickly.
Many are also hard to wet again once
they have dried out. With sandy soils it is
important to constantly add old organic
matter.

5


‘always work with
the existing soil’

Indigenous Plants and soil Improve your soil
Our local flora has evolved over many Always continually improve your soil by
thousands of years to thrive in our local adding lots of composted organic matter.
soils. One of the advantages of growing This is best done in winter and spring.
indigenous plants is that you don’t need to Organic matter in the soil helps to feed the
import foreign soil and apply large amounts plants, keeping them healthy and healthy
of fertiliser. This also reduces the risk of plants cope much better with less water. It
introducing weeds and other soil-borne pests also encourages earthworms, whose little
and diseases. Some local native plants will tunnels form great conduits to allow water
adapt to soils which have been altered or to penetrate into the soil. The organic matter
improved in some way, for example by the also holds the moisture in the root zone of
addition of organic matter or clean clay or plants where they can use it.
sand.
Humus (organic matter broken down by
In an established garden where the soil micro-organisms and other soil life) acts
has been dramatically altered, careful plant as a binding agent in the formation of soil
selection is required. While many indigenous peds (crumbs), ensuring good water holding
plants will adapt to changed soil some may capacity as well as good drainage. Humus
struggle in the altered conditions. Potential can hold several times its own weight in
problems include too many nutrients, poor water and helps prevent plant nutrients from
drainage leading to water-logged soil, leaching away. Humus gradually breaks
competition from weeds, and changes to the down, releasing nutrients to plants. A humus-
natural make-up of micro-organisms in the rich soil will also help keep a more constant
soil. temperature throughout the year.
In new development areas always work with
the existing soil. If you need additional soil
– for example, you want to create some
mounds for interest and improve drainage
– then determine your soil type and try
to purchase the same type of soil from a
location close by. An adjoining site cut for a
new house is often a good option.

Melaleuca decussata - Totem Poles.

6


‘healthy plants cope
much better with
less water’

Water and soils Other soil additives to hold water
Another example of a soil additive that helps
We need to ensure that water will soak into
to hold water are water crystals. These swell
the soil when we water the garden or when
up to a jelly-like consistency, and while they
it rains.
do not overcome hydrophobia in soils, they
Improve water penetration with are useful for holding moisture in the root
terracing zone of plants. This is particularly useful for
Creating flatter ground by terracing slopes,
reducing transplant shock in newly-planted
as well as adding organic matter, allows
plants and seedlings, and for keeping
much better water penetration as the water
moisture in potting mixes that dry-out rapidly.
gets a chance to infiltrate the soil, rather
than just run off. Make the ground as level as Coco peat or copra peat is an organic
possible, but ensure there is a gentle slope material made from the husks of coconuts.
so that in very wet periods, or times of heavy Incorporated into the soil, it is also able to
downpours, excess water can get away. hold large amounts of water. It can be used
in the same situations as water crystals,
Improving hydrophobic soils
and as a general aid to moisture retention in
If you find your soil does not take the water
garden beds.
in easily and it tends to sit on the surface
then the soil is referred to as ‘hydrophobic’.
In this case it may pay to add one of the
soil-wetting agents. There are a number
available and they can be bought in powder
or liquid form. They are often a special type
of detergent that acts by breaking up surface
tension, allowing water to spread through
the soil particles. Wetting agents are best
applied at the start of the dry season, as they
are biodegradable and only last for around
six months. Don’t use these types of wetting
agents near waterways as they have been
known to affect aquatic creatures such as
frogs.

Photo courtesy PepperGreen Farm.

7


‘mulching helps to
reduce the number
of weed problems in
your garden’
Mulching your garden
Mulching is a wonderful way to improve soil
condition. Mulch reduces soil water loss,
Types of mulches
keeps soils cooler in summer, and helps to A mulch cover can be formed from a wide
reduce the number of weed problems in your range of materials. They can be cheap or
garden. expensive and formed from either organic or
inorganic materials. Quick rotting mulches,
such as pea straw and compost, have the
Why we use mulches benefit of adding organic matter rapidly,
Mulching is the single most important thing but need to be replaced regularly. Long
you can do to help your garden survive in our term mulches, while lower in maintenance,
dry climate. do not give much benefit beyond reducing
evaporation.
Mulches reduce evaporation
The principle reason for mulching is to Compost
reduce evaporation of water from the soil. In Compost is the best mulch you can use as
fact, it has been shown that a 70 mm thick it has plenty of nutrient, good evaporation
layer of mulch will reduce soil evaporation by control, and quickly improves soil texture
as much as 70 per cent. and water-holding. It is also a great worm
encourager, and it is easy to make your own.
Other benefits of mulching
As well as reduced evaporation, mulching Pea straw or lucerne hay
has a number of other benefits. As the Both pea straw and lucerne hay have plenty
mulch breaks down it improves the soil’s of nitrogen and break down well to supply
structure and its ability to hold moisture in nutrients to plants. They are ideal for heavy
the root zone of the plant. At the same time feeders like roses and vegetable gardens,
it is adding nutrient to the soil. A mulch will especially where their quick decay improves
also reduce the number of weeds, and this soil texture. Avoid using in very windy areas.
is important as weeds use precious water. Shredded green waste
You will also find that any weeds that do Council landfills and private operators often
germinate in the mulch are very easy to have shredded green waste for sale at very
remove. Importantly, mulches can prevent or reasonable prices. As this material can often
delay the formation of water repelling crusts contain weeds or seeds it is essential that
that often form on our soils. you compost it first before using it as a
mulch or soil improver.

8


Make your own compost
Good compost makes a great
mulch. Just about anything organic
can be added to a compost. Build
Mulching your garden it up in thick layers of carbon rich
material like straws, garden waste
Grass clippings and autumn leaves, alternating with
High in nitrogen content, these are best thin layers of nitrogenous material
mixed with leaf litter, straw or twiggy like manures and fresh grass
material to prevent it forming soggy, water clippings. Avoid adding problem
impenetrable layers. Ideally, it is best to weeds like couch and oxalis, and
compost grass clippings before using. keep the heap just damp. After a
Paper or cardboard month turn it so that the material
Ideal to use under bark or stone. Paper that was on the outside is now on
should be several layers thick and have holes the inside and vice versa. A month
punched in it to allow water through. It is later repeat this to ensure that all
best to wet the paper or cardboard before matter spends some time in the
laying it. hottest part of the heap, to kill any
seeds. In this way your compost
Bark or wood chip will be ready in just a few months.
Some bark and wood products contain
substances that inhibit plant growth, and
should be left for several months in the
weather to leach out toxins prior to using Weedmat
as a mulch. Most of these products can be Better than plastic because it lets air and
used around established plants. Think about moisture through. If using an irrigation system
the source of the material and try to make it is best to have drip irrigation under the
environmental choices, like using pine bark weedmat.
rather than red gum. Plastic
Mushroom compost This is best avoided as it reduces available
Mushroom compost is often available. This air for the soil to breathe, often making the
has great moisture holding ability and makes soil turn ‘sour’. While plastic does reduce
a fantastic soil improver as well as a mulch. evaporation it also sheds water, often
Generally it is weed free, but be aware that meaning that less water gets into the soil.
it has lime added to it, and so is no good for Living mulches
lime sensitive plants such as Camellias. Many people use low and ground covering
Stone, pebbles or rocks plants as a living mulch. These probably use
Stone, pebbles or rocks are examples of up any water they save, but do create an
good long-lasting mulch material, especially interesting and green garden. Make sure you
for storing heat through the day and releasing use plants with low water requirements.
warmth at night, which is great for frosty
areas. Again, avoid using unsustainable
materials and choose by-products or
recycled materials like crushed bricks.

9


‘mulch should be checked
every November and then
topped up if necessary’

Mulching your garden
Using mulch Mulch thickness
The depth of a mulch layer depends on
Mulches are essential in our dry climate to the material you are using. If it is fine, like
help create a more waterwise garden. Here compost, or a mixture with a lot of fine
are a few tips on their correct use. material in it, such as shredded green waste,
How to mulch then it needs to be put on thinner, say
Always thoroughly remove any weeds before 30 mm thick. This is because the fine
mulching. Then give the soil a light forking material holds moisture and reduces the
over to break up any crust that might have amount of rain and irrigation that can
formed. get through it. Chunkier and more open
materials, such as pebbles, wood chips and
Organic mulch, particularly long-term ones
barks, should be used at around 70 mm
such as bark and wood-chips, can develop
thick. Do not use it any thicker as it will be
nitrogen deficiency in plants, causing them
too hard for water to get through.
to turn yellow. This is caused by bacteria
taking nitrogen out of the soil to break down Apply mulch in early summer
the organic matter. If using these types of As the principal role of mulch is to reduce
mulches it is important to add nitrogen to evaporation, the best time to mulch is early
the soil. Blood and bone or any type of summer. The idea is to allow as much winter
animal manure is a great way to counter this and spring rain to enter the soil as possible
problem. Add this after you have broken up before placing the mulch on, to reduce
the crust and then give it a water in. Then the loss of that moisture. If you are using
put your mulch on top. Mulch should be kept a quick-rotting mulch then this will be an
clear from the stem or trunk of a plant to annual task. Long-term mulches should still
prevent collar rot disease, and ring-barking be checked every November, then topped up
from frost. if necessary.

10


The difference between
water restrictions and the
permanent water saving
rules.
Watering your garden Water Restrictions are a specific
drought response measure to limit
Water is a precious resource that should the use of water during times of
always be used as efficiently as possible. By shortage. The Permanent Water
following the guidelines set out in this booklet Saving Rules are a set of long-term,
you could halve the amount of water used on permanent water conservation
your garden. measures which apply when water
restrictions are not in place.
Water restrictions and
permanent water saving
rules
In recent years residents of North-Central Public education and water restrictions in
Victoria have had to manage their gardens recent dry years have raised our awareness
within the constraints of high levels of water of the value of water, and the importance
restrictions. These have been necessary of saving water wherever we can. Our
because of an extended succession of dry challenge when water restrictions are lifted
years, with rainfall patterns resulting in little is to continue to be conscious of how we
runoff into our catchments, and additional use water, and to change our usage habits
demand from increased development and forever.
population growth.
Success is a matter of making a few simple
Coliban Water, together with other regional actions part of our everyday routine, just like
stakeholders, is working towards improved wearing a seat belt in our car or putting on
water security for our region. Refer to a bike helmet before we go for a ride. These
WaterPlan 2055 on the Coliban Water are actions we no longer consciously think
website for further details.. about doing – they have become second
For website details, please refer to page 24. nature. So will the Permanent Water Saving
Rules.
However, further projected population
growth, and the likelihood of less rainfall Future constraints on the way in which we
in the future as a result of climate change, use water in the garden are governed by
mean that we all need to permanently change a new Water Restrictions By-law (from 1
the way we use water. July 2006) and the Permanent Water Saving
Rules, which are not part of the water
As we move out of water restrictions in restrictions by-law, but apply at all times
some towns in our region, we move onto when water restrictions are not in place.
Permanent Water Saving Rules. These
common-sense rules are both responsible
and practical water saving actions.

11


Watering your garden
Odds and Evens Watering Calendar
The Permanent Water Saving This ‘Odds and Evens’ watering system
Rules applies to customers on Permanent Water
Savings Rules, as well as Stages 1 and 2
Gardens and lawns and 4A of the Water Restrictions By-law.
Applies to private gardens,
public gardens, sports grounds/ For information about the current level of
recreational areas: water restrictions in your area, and more
• use a hand-held hose with a information on the permanent water saving
trigger nozzle, watering can or rules, refer to Coliban Water’s website at
bucket to water gardens or lawns www.coliban.com.au, or call our Contact
at any time; Centre on 1300 363 200 (cost of a local call).
• a sprinkler, micro-spray, drip
system or any other watering
system can only be used on
alternate days before 10am and Odds & Evens Calendar
after 5pm – use the Odds and
Evens system listed at right. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Vehicles
Hoses used to clean a vehicle by
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
hand must be fitted with a flow
shut-off device.
Paved areas 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Paved areas can only be cleaned
using water from a hose in the 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
event:
• of an accident, fire, health
or safety hazard, or other 29 30 31
emergency; or
Watering days for all odd numbered
• the paved area is under
properties are marked brown.
construction or renovation.
Watering days for all even numbered
Construction industry
and un-numbered properties are
Hoses must be fitted with flow marked dark green.
shut-off devices.
On the 31st day of the month anyone
Fountains may water
Fountains not recirculating water
must not operate. Note: Applicable to street numbers

12


Some tips to help your garden through
Stage 4 Water Restrictions
During Stage 4 Water Restrictions you cannot use potable water on the garden;
however, you can use rainwater or greywater.
• Use the greywater from rinsing the vegetables and from the bath, shower and laundry.
• Greywater can vary considerably in quality. If you intend to use greywater on your
garden, refer to EPA Greywater reuse guidelines. See EPA website page 24.
• Be very selective about which plants you water. Use the greywater on plants you
particularly want to keep. Some plants may die, but you often find that many will get
through the summer with little or no water.
• Scrape aside mulch before watering, break up any soil crust and apply the water
gently so it soaks in.
• Make a ‘dam’ around plants so that any water you deliver gets a chance to soak in.
• Make sure the garden is mulched. If it is a coarse mulch it should be 70 mm thick. If it
is a fine one then about 30 mm thick is good.
• Cull the number of potted plants you have down to just the important ones.
• Plant out potted plants into the ground if the plants are suitable for garden beds.
• Ask family and friends living in areas with low water restrictions, or alternative water
sources, to ‘adopt’ some of your precious pot plants (like orchids and bonsais) for the
summer.
• ut remaining pot-plants together in the shade where they will be easier to monitor.
P
• Use manageable containers to catch the cold water that first comes out of the hot
tap, then use that water on the garden.
• Install a rainwater tank or an EPA-approved greywater system as an alternative water
source. Permanent greywater systems require permission from the City of Greater
Bendigo.
• Remember to save water in the house too.

13


‘always check under
your mulch to see if
the soil is dry before
watering’
When to water Change your watering to suit the
seasons
Over-watering and other incorrect methods Remember too, that water requirements
of watering are responsible for a large change with the seasons. You will need to
number of plant losses, as well as the waste water much less in autumn and spring, when
of our water. cooler weather means less evaporation
Check the soil first and less plant growth, as well as periods of
Always check under your mulch to see if the natural rainfall. In winter the only watering
soil is dry before watering. Often the mulch you will probably need to do might be plants
looks dry on top, but underneath it can still in pots, and some gardens in areas missed
be quite moist. Also, by putting off watering by natural rain, like under the eaves of the
as long as possible you train the plants to house.
put their roots down deep in search of water. Don’t water in the middle of the day
A simple test is to take a handful of soil from Never water in the middle of the day as it
where you think you need to water and roll it can burn plants, and most of the water will
into a ball in the hand. If it adheres together be lost in evaporation. In fact, under the new
then there is usually adequate moisture for Permanent Water Saving Rules watering with
plant growth. If the soil falls apart when sprinkler, micro-spray, drip or other system
rolling it into a ball then there is usually is only allowed on alternate days before
insufficient moisture. 10am and after 5pm. With hand-watering
these times also make waterwise sense. A
Check the weather report before
watering copy of the Permanent Water Saving Rules is
You may well be able to put off watering if included on page 12.
rain is predicted in the forthcoming days, so The best time to water is either late at night
always check the weather forecast before or early in the morning. There will be little
watering. In the height of summer it is better evaporation at this time, so the water gets a
to water prior to a forecast hot day, rather chance to really soak in.
than water during hot weather. This is much
more efficient and reduces the stress on
plants.

Photo courtesy Macdonalds Plants Plus Nursery.

14


Urban salinity
An urban salinity problem has developed
due to excessive garden watering, over
fertilising, and the replacement of native

Watering your garden vegetation with shallow-rooted garden
plants and lawns. Urban salinity occurs
How to water when the groundwater level rises and
the capillary action draws the water to
It is important that any water you apply to the surface. As the water evaporates it
your garden actually gets to the part of the leaves the salt behind in the soil. Signs
plant that needs it: the roots. of urban salinity include waterlogged
Slow and deep watering is best soil, growth of salt-tolerant plant species,
Water should be delivered at a rate that and unhealthy or dead trees. For further
the soil can absorb. That is, never water information contact the Department of
to the point where water is running off the Primary Industries, the City of Greater
surface. If the water runs off the soil almost Bendigo or Coliban Water for a copy of
immediately you start watering then you will the Urban Salinity in Bendigo brochure.
need to work on the soil’s ability to take in
and retain moisture. See the section on soils
for tips on improving your soil. Make your plants less water
dependant
It is important to make sure that the water
Try gradually increasing the length of time
is getting deep into the soil. After watering
between watering. You may be surprised
you might even want to dig a small hole to
to find that most plants will survive quite
check how far the water has penetrated. The
happily on much less water than you have
idea of deep watering is to make sure that
been applying. This technique will also
the plants’ roots grow down into the soil. In
show you the water requirements of various
this way they become used to searching for
plants, allowing you to shift them into the
moisture deeper in the ground.
appropriate watering zone.
Plants that are used to shallow watering
An effective way to keep garden watering
will keep their roots close to the surface.
to a minimum is to allow established
This means they are more likely to die when
ornamental gardens to become moderately
watering is reduced.
water stressed. Moderate stress to many
ornamental plants will not cause problems,
and may actually help reduce diseases that
can be found in over-wet gardens.
‘water should be
Put the water where the plants need it
delivered at a rate
Remember to water the root area of the
that the soil can plant and not the leaves. Watering this way
absorb’ will also help reduce the incidence of fungal
diseases among your plants.

15


‘plants with similar
watering needs are
grouped together to
enable efficient watering’
Watering and soil types Watering systems
Water will readily penetrate a good soil and A well-designed automatic or semi-automatic
fill-up the pore spaces between the soil watering system can help create an efficient,
particles. The depth of water penetration waterwise and attractive garden. An ideal
depends upon the soil type and structure. watering system is one that will deliver water
For example, when 2 cm of water is applied directly to the plants’ roots in the required
to soil (excluding run-off) the following results quantity needed by those specific plants.
will occur: Gardens need to be set-up in such a way
• sandy soil will be penetrated by that plants with similar watering needs are
approximately 20 cm; grouped together to enable efficient watering.
• loam soils will be penetrated by
It is important that different watering systems
approximately 10 to 15 cm; and
should be on different lines. That is, don’t
• clay soils will be penetrated by
mix drippers with sprayers on the same line
approximately 5 to 10 cm.
as they deliver water at different rates.
The wetting pattern also changes, with the
Dripper systems
water in clay soils tending to spread out
Drip-watering systems are by far the most
horizontally, while minimum horizontal spread
efficient way to water a garden, and are
occurs in sandy soils.
preferred over other watering systems. The
If the average root depth of most plantings multiple benefits of drip-watering include
is 30 to 40 cm, then approximately 6 cm of the fact that no water is lost to wind-drift.
water must be applied to reach this depth in Water is also delivered at a slow rate, which
an average loam soil. means little or no run-off. As the foliage
of plants does not get water on it there is
much reduced incidence of fungus diseases
on the leaves. Drippers require much less
water pressure than other systems, so larger
areas can be watered at the one time. Drip
watering is also the way that greywater must
be delivered when used on a garden.

16


How to hand water
Whenever you are hand-watering
– and particularly during periods of
water restrictions – it is important to

Watering your garden make sure your watering is as effective
as possible. Do not try to water the
Sprayers and sprinklers , whole garden in the one session as
Sprinklers and sprayers that deliver water in this will only lead to shallow watering.
large droplets are best if you water with these Instead, pick a garden area or two and
devices. Fine spray that comes from many concentrate on giving these a thorough
sprinklers, and micro-sprays in particular, is soaking. Use a gentle spray until the
easily carried by the wind away from where water starts to run off the surface, then
the water is meant to go. They also tend to move to another area. After a while
wet the foliage, and can thus increase the return to the previous areas and again
incidence of fungal disease. Keep the sprays water to the point of run-off. Do this
low to avoid this, and also to deliver the several times until you are sure the
water to the root zone where it will be used. areas you are concentrating on have
been thoroughly soaked. You could
Hand-watering
even dig a small hole to see how far the
When hand-watering with a hose always use
water has penetrated.
a nozzle with a flow shut-off device, such
as a trigger. Remember to turn the hose off In the next watering session you can
at the tap as well as at the nozzle. This will switch to a different area of garden.
prevent water-waste if the nozzle should leak Remember to match your watering to
or even blow off the end of the hose. Use a the water requirements of the plant
nozzle that will deliver the water gently and grouping. That is, some garden areas
in larger droplets to avoid wind-drift. Long may get a soaking once a week, while
watering ‘wands’ are useful for getting the others may go two to four weeks
water close to the ground. between waterings.
Similarly, watering cans should have a rose
that allows the water to be applied gently.
Buckets are probably best avoided as the
rapid delivery of the water usually means it
just runs off the surface rather than soaking
in.

Photo courtesy Macdonalds Plants Plus Nursery.

17


Understanding water stress
in plants
Stress management of plants is an
important part of waterwise gardening.
Watering your garden The following symptoms are common
signs of what is referred to as water or
Controlling watering drought stress in plants:
Various types of garden water controllers • wilting or drooping of foliage and
help take the guesswork out of watering and stems;
can save water and money. Water controllers • lack of leaf gloss on plants;
can be manual, fixed program or variable • colour tinting of leaves (a bit like
program timers. These devices are usually autumn foliage);
available at hardware and irrigation outlets. • partial fruit, flower or leaf drop from
Of course every hose should be fitted with plants;
a flow shut-off device such as a trigger • curling of leaf edges;
nozzle. A simple tap-timer will make sure the • small stunted growth; and
hose switches off after a set period of time. • footprints left behind on a lawn.
Automatic controllers can be programmed In some plants the signs of drought
to maximise the efficiency of your system. stress are only temporary and may
Remember to change the settings as the just be the plants’ response to hotter
seasons change, as less water is needed in weather. For example, some plants droop
autumn and spring. their leaves on hotter days to conserve
Remember too, that all automatic watering moisture. By night-time the leaves have
systems installed from 1 July 2006 must often returned to normal. So keep an
have a rain sensor or soil moisture sensor eye on your plants and give them water
as part of their control system. Even if your if the symptoms of stress continue for
automatic system was installed before 1 more than a day or so. The exception
July 2006 it is easy to have one of these are plants that need water to produce a
devices fitted, and they will save you water. crop, such as your fruits and vegetables.
They work by preventing a system coming These should not be allowed to stress
on when there has been rain, or the soil is too much, or production will drop and
still moist. For example, if you have your fruit will split or be distorted. Remember
system set to come on every seven days and though, that on many plants a little bit
the device detects plenty of soil moisture of drought stress is OK. However, if you
or recent rain on day seven it will tell the are finding certain plants are easily and
controller not to come on for another seven constantly stressed, then these probably
days. should be removed from the garden.
Over-watering of plants, or poor soil
drainage that results in roots dying
of ‘wet feet’, will result in the same
symptoms as listed above, so always
check the soil to verify the cause of the
stress before watering.

18


Checking how much water is delivered Greywater
You should check to see how much water Greywater is the waste water from the
your lawn or garden beds are receiving laundry, kitchen and bathrooms, and while it
during an irrigation period. You can simply can be a great help in helping your garden
do this by putting a few containers within the survive in dry times, it must be used with
sprinkler area or under drippers to catch the caution. Below are some greywater dos
water. Time how long it takes to deliver 10 and don’ts. For more information check
to 15 cm of water into the container as this the Environment Protection Authority (EPA)
should be adequate for a good watering for guidelines on its website www.epa.vic.gov.au
most loamy soils. This will help you set a limit
for your watering times.
Greywater Dos & Don’ts
For further information on watering and soil
types, please refer to notes on page 16 to Dos
work out more accurate watering times for Only use low phosphorus, environmentally
different soil types. In addition, it is a good friendly detergents and soaps.
idea to dig a hole in your soil to see how
Use the greywater immediately.
far the water has penetrated after you have
watered. Deliver the greywater by sub-surface drip
irrigation only.
Alternative water sources Ensure greywater goes into the sewer
whenever you are not using it, such as in
In our dry climate it is definitely worth
wet times.
considering using alternative sources for your
garden water. Always wash your hands after gardening
near greywater areas.
Rainwater tanks
Consider installing a rainwater tank to collect Only use the greywater in dry times.
water for use on the garden. Nowadays Don’ts
tanks come in a wide range of sizes and Never allow the greywater to leave your
colours to suit every situation. There are even property, and only use it in dry times.
‘bladder’ style tanks that can be positioned
underneath a house that is on stumps. If you Never store greywater for more than 24
are considering using a hose or irrigation hours.
system from your tank you will need to Don’t use greywater on vegetables or
have a power-point nearby to run a pump. other edible plants.
Information on rainwater tank guidelines and Do not use the kitchen water from
the State Government’s rebate is available washing dishes as it will contain fats and
from Coliban Water. vermin attracting food particles.

19


Plant selection for waterwise gardens
One of the keys to a successful waterwise
garden is to choose and use plants that
Native plants
have low watering requirements. The most Many Australian native plants are adapted
waterwise and environmentally friendly are to dry conditions. These include Eucalypts,
indigenous plants, but there are also many Bottlebrushes (Callistemon spp), Banksias
other colourful plants from other parts of and Wattles, but also a range of smaller
Australia and overseas that survive and thrive plants that are showy as well as great for
on small amounts of water. Waterwise plants attracting birds, such as Grevilleas, Native
come in an amazing array of colours, shapes Fuchsias (Correa spp), Hakeas, Mint Bushes
and sizes. There is a waterwise plant for (Prostanthera spp), Emu Bushes (Eremophila
every spot in the garden and for every style spp), Swan River Daisy (Brachyscome spp)
of garden you want to create. and Waxflowers (Philotheca spp).

Indigenous plants Succulents and foliage
The publishers of this booklet strongly plants
encourage the use of indigenous plants, The last few years have seen a real rise in the
particularly in areas adjoining or close to popularity of succulents, ornamental grasses
bushland. Indigenous plants are those that and other foliage plants, especially for use in
grow in the local area, and are uniquely containers and contemporary style gardens.
adapted to grow in the soil, climate and other Some of the best include Black-anther Flax
conditions of the area. A garden planted with Lily (Dianella admixta), Cane Spear-grass
indigenous plants is considered ecologically (Austrodanthonia breviglumis), Agaves,
sustainable. The Bendigo district has a Common Tussock Grass (Poa labillardieri),
fantastic range of interesting and colourful Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae), Cabbage
indigenous plants that can be grown in our Palms (Cordyline spp), New Zealand Flax
gardens, and the plant list indicates which (Phormium spp) and Yuccas.
plants are indigenous. Growing local native
plants will attract wildlife to your garden.
Some, such as the Whirrakee Wattle, are
rare. The planting of rare species helps
ensure their survival. Growing indigenous
plants helps maintain the unique visual
character of the local area.

Xerochrysum viscosum - Sticky Everlasting.

20


‘waterwise plants come in
an amazing array of colours,
shapes and sizes’

Plant selection for waterwise gardens cont
Grey leaf plants Environmental weeds
Plants with grey or silvery leaves cope well Some garden plants are escaping and
with heat and drought. Examples include becoming environmental weeds.
the Clustered Everlasting (Chrysocephalum
An environmental weed is a plant that
semipapposum) Lavenders, Wormwoods
invades natural areas, like a piece of local
(Artemisia spp), Lambs Ears (Stachys
bushland, choking out the local native
byzantina), Bearded Iris, Yellow Daisy
plants, changing the natural environment and
(Euryops pectinatus), many Wattles, Ruby
destroying the homes and food of our native
Saltbush (Enchylaena tomentosa), Daisies,
animals.
Silverbush (Convolvulus cneorum), Cushion
Bush (Leucophyta brownii) and Snow in Across Australia governments and
Summer (Cerastium tomentosum). These are communities are spending millions of dollars
great plants for waterwise gardens as the and countless volunteer hours controlling
foliage colour also adds interest. environmental weeds. Care should be taken
when selecting plants for the garden as
Tried and true favourites many exotic and some native plants are
Early Australian gardens survived with very environmental weeds and should be avoided.
little water and it is still possible to find Gazanias and Cootamundra Wattle are two of
many old favourite plants growing with little our most common environmental weeds that
or no extra water in such places as old began as ornamental garden plants.
cemeteries. Old fashioned roses, bulbs such
as Belladonna Lilies, Daffodils and Jonquils,
English Box, Native Fuchsia (Correa reflexa),
Wattles (Acacia sp.) Japonica (Chaenomeles
japonica), Rosemary, Sacred Bamboo
(Nandina domestica) and Red Hot Pokers are
amongst the great survivors.

21


Some Environmental Weeds
The following list of environmental weeds is intended as a general guide only and is
constantly being updated. Some plants listed are Declared Noxious Weeds, proclaimed
under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994, but many are not. Dispose of all
garden waste properly. Dispose of any environmental weeds by putting them into sealed
bags and disposing at a council approved landfill.

BOTANICAL NAME COMMON NAME STATUS
Acacia baileyana Cootamundra Wattle Undeclared
Acacia iteaphylla Flinders Ranges Wattle Undeclared
Acacia longifolia Sallow or Coast Wattle Undeclared
Rosa rubiginosa Briar Rose Undeclared
Chrysanthemoides monilifera Bitou Bush / Boneseed Declared
Asparagus asparagoides Bridal Creeper or Smilax Undeclared
Zantedeschia aethiopica Arum Lily Undeclared
Vinca major Blue Periwinkle Undeclared
Gazania linearis Gazania Undeclared
Genista monspessulana Cape Broom Undeclared
Watsonia meriana Bulbil Watsonia Undeclared
Cytisus scoparius English Broom Undeclared
Cortaderia selloana Pampas Grass Undeclared
Salix spp. Willow species Undeclared
Foeniculum vulgare Fennel Undeclared
Ulex europaeus Gorse or Furze Declared
Crataegus monogyna English Hawthorn Undeclared
Erica lusitanica Portuguese Heath Undeclared
Oxalis pes-caprae Oxalis or Sour Sob Undeclared
Moraea flaccida One-leaf Cape Tulip Declared
Moraea miniata Two-leaf Cape Tulip Declared
Allium triquetrum Angled Onion Undeclared

22


Some Environmental Weeds

BOTANICAL NAME COMMON NAME STATUS
Nassella neesiana Chilean Needle Grass Undeclared
Phalaris aquatica Phalaris Undeclared
Juncus acutus Spiny Rush Declared
Hedera helix English Ivy Undeclared
Tradescantia fluminensis Wandering Jew Undeclared
Pinus radiata Radiata Pine Undeclared
Disa bracteata South African Weed-orchid Undeclared
Fraxinus angustifolia ssp. angustifolia Desert Ash Undeclared
Cotoneaster glaucophyllus Large-leaf Cotoneaster Undeclared
Cotoneaster pannosus Silver-leaf Cotoneaster Undeclared
Freesia leichtlinii Freesia Undeclared
Briza maxima Shell Grass Undeclared
Echium plantagineum Paterson’s Curse Declared
Prunus cerasifera Cherry Plum Undeclared
Schinus molle Peppercorn Tree Undeclared
Lonicera japonica Japanese Honeysuckle Undeclared
Ligustrum lucidum Broad-leaf Privet Undeclared
Lycium ferocissimum African Boxthorn Declared
Acacia saligna Golden Wreath Wattle Undeclared
Hypericum perforatum St John’s Wort Declared
Marrubium vulgare Horehound Declared
Rubus spp. Blackberry Declared

23


References & further reading
Waterwise Gardening Useful websites
Walsh, Kevin
Reed New Holland www.savewater.com.au
3rd Edition (2004) www.weeds.crc.org.au
Indigenous Plants of Bendigo – A Gardener’s www.weeds.org.au
Guide to Growing and Protecting Local Plants
Available from early 2007 from the City of
Greater Bendigo and the Bendigo Native For more information
Plant Group Inc. Coliban Water
Plants and Animals of the Box-Ironbark Area 1300 363 200
of Central Victoria (CD Rom) www.coliban.com.au
Viridians, Bentleigh East, Vic, 2005 City of Greater Bendigo
Available for purchase from the Bendigo Field (03) 5434 6000
Naturalists’ Club Inc., PO Box 396, Bendigo, www.bendigo.vic.gov.au
Victoria, 3552
Department of Primary Industries
Eucalypts of the Bendigo District. (03) 5430 4444
Franklin, D., Lindner, J., Robinson, J. www.dpi.vic.gov.au
Bendigo Field Naturalists’ Club Inc. (1991)
North Central Catchment Management
Gardening Down-Under Authority (03) 5448 7124
Handreck, Kevin www.nccma.vic.gov.au
CSIRO Publication Australia (1993)
Environment Protection Authority (EPA)
Native Trees and Shrubs of South Eastern (03) 5442 4393
Australia www.epa.vic.gov.au
Costermans, L.F.
Greening Australia Victoria
Weldon, Sydney (1992)
(03) 9450 5300
Encyclopaedia of Australian Plants, Vol 1 – 8
Bendigo Native Plant Group Inc.
Elliot, R.W., Jones, D.L.
PO Box 669
Lothian, Melbourne (1980 – 2002)
Bendigo, Victoria, 3552
Bush Invaders of South-East Australia.
Bendigo Field Naturalists’ Club
Muyt, Adam.
PO Box 396
R.G and F.J. Richardson, Victoria. (2001).
Bendigo, Victoria, 3552
Environmental Weeds – A Field Guide For SE
Australia.
Blood, Kate.
CH Jerram Science Publications (2001).

24


Key to Plant List
Botanical name Watering Needs Without Rain (watr)
Gives the current botanical name. Old names 0 = watering not required once established.
are included in the comments column. 1 = water once a month.
2 = water twice a month.
Common name
Gives the most accepted common name. Shade/Sunny (Shd/Sun)
Sh = shady position.
Sun = sunny position.
Width (Wdth)
Indicates the spread a plant will reach. Frost Tolerant (Frst)
No width has been indicated for climbers or Y = yes
for lawn grasses. N = no
Y/N = Tolerates light frosts only, or will tolerate
Deciduous/Evergreen (D/E) frosts once established.
D = deciduous. This has also been applied to
bulbs or perennials that die down. Comment
E = evergreen. This gives a brief comment on the plant.

Exotic/Native (E/N)
Ex = non-Australian plant.
N = a plant native to Australia.

Indigenous (Indg)
Y = plant that is indigenous to the City of
Greater Bendigo.

Flower Colour (Flr Colour)
Indicates the colour of the flower.

Flowering Time (Flr time)
A = autumn
W = winter
Sp = spring
Su = summer

25

Botanical name Common name Wdth D/E E/N Indg Flr Colour Flr time Watr Shd/Sun Frst Comment

Trees, Over 10m
Acacia dealbata Silver Wattle 4 E N Y Yellow W/Sp 1 Sh/Sun Y Very quick growing
Acacia mearnsii Late Black Wattle 4 E N Y Yellow Sp 0 Sp Y Good shade tree but needs room
Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood 6 E N Y Yellow W/Sp 0 Sh/Sun Y Keep away from pipes
Angophora costata Smooth-barked Apple Gum 10 E N White Sp 0 Sun Y Large tree with smooth pink bark
Callitris glaucophylla White Cypress Pine 3 E N Y - - 1 Sun Y Bluish foliage upright conifer.
Great in containers. Best grown in
sandy soils
Casuarina cunninghamiana River Sheoak 6 E N Cream Sp 1 Sun Y Slightly weeping foliage
Corymbia citriodora Lemon scented Gum 6 E N Cream W 0 Sun Y Beautiful smooth, pink bark and
weeping lemon-scented foliage.
Syn. Eucalyptus citriodora
Cupressus sempervirens ‘Stricta’ Pencil Cypress 1 E Ex - - 0 Sun Y Narrow upright conifer often used
in formal gardens
Eucalyptus astringens Brown Mallet 3 E N Yellow Sp/Su 0 Sun Y Upright stiff, hardy, all soils
Eucalyptus burdettiana Burdett’s Gum 2 E N Yellow W 0 Sun Y Nectar attracts birds
Eucalyptus goniocalyx Long Leaved Box 8 E N Y Cream A 0 Sun Y Bird attracting
Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp pruinosa Yellow Gum 10 E N Y Cream W-Su 0 Sun Y Local form is a large tree for most
soils
Eucalyptus melliodora Yellow Box 10 E N Y White Sp/Su 0 Sun Y Bird attracting, dense canopy
koala food tree
Euc. polyanthemos ssp. vestita Red Box 12 E N Y Cream Sp/Su 0 Sun Y Good shade tree
Eucalyptus tricarpa Red Ironbark 8 E N Y Cream/Pink A/W 0 Sun Y Interesting black bark, bird
attracting winter flowers
Eucalyptus maculata Spotted Gum 10 E N White W/Sp 0 Sun Y/N Smooth trunk with beautiful bark.
Too large for most properties

Eucalyptus woodwardii Lemon-flowered Gum 5 E N Yellow W/Sp 1 Sun Y/N Grey foliage, large yellow flowers
Gleditsia ‘Sunburst’ Golden Honey Locust 8 D Ex - - 0 Sun Y Light green leaves turn yellow in
autumn. Keep away from paving.
Can sucker
Koelreuteria paniculata Golden Rain Tree 5 D Ex Yellow Sp 0 Sh/sun Y Shade tree with interesting seed
pods and good autumn colour
Lagunaria patersonia Norfolk Island Hibiscus 4 E Ex Pink Su/A 0 Sun Y/N Dense grey foliage is good for
windbreak. Hairy seedpods can
cause irritation
Quercus canariensis Algerian Oak 10 D Ex - - 0 Sun Y Large, semi-deciduous tree for
avenues and shade
Ulmus parvifolia Chinese Elm 10 D Ex - - 0 Sun Y Broad shade tree that develops
interesting bark as it ages
Trees, Under 10m
Acacia howittii Sticky Wattle 5 E N Yellow Sp 0 Sh/Sun Y Good plant for screening
Acacia implexa Lightwood 3 E N Y Yellow Su/A 0 Sh/Sun Y Drought hardy and long lived
Acacia podalyriifolia Mt. Morgan Wattle 4 E N Yellow W 0 Sun Y Showy in winter. Use instead of
Cootamundra Wattle
Acacia pravissima Ovens Wattle 3 E N Yellow Sp 1 Sun Y Prune to keep compact
Acacia pycnantha Golden Wattle 3 E N Y Yellow W/Sp 0 Sun Y Floral emblem of Australia
Acacia retinoides Wirilda 3 E N Y Yellow Sp 0 Sun Y Long flowering, quick screener
Acacia verniciflua Varnish Wattle 3 E N Y Yellow Sp 0 Sh/Sun Y Bushy. Will grow on
embankments
Agonis flexuosa Weeping Myrtle 5 E N White Sp/S 0 Sun Y/N Graceful, new tips are bronze
Allocasuarina luehmannii Buloke 4 E N Y - - 0 Sun Y Tolerates mild salinity, weeping
habit, grey foliage, rare
Allocasuarina verticillata Drooping Sheoak 6 E N Y - - 0 Sun Y Rounded, drooping canopy
suitable for avenues.
Syn. Casuarina stricta


Trees, Under 10m
Arbutus unedo Strawberry Tree 4 E Ex White Sp 1 Sun Y Fruits resemble strawberry.
Glossy foliage
Banksia ericifolia Heath Banksia 4 E N Orange A 0 Sh/Sun Y Bushy, small tree with bird
attracting flowers
Brachychiton populneus Kurrajong 6 E N White Sp 0 Sun Y Excellent shade, very slow
growing
Callistemon citrinus Crimson Bottlebrush 2 E N Red Sp 0 Sun Y Small tree or large shrub with bird
attracting flowers.
Many forms available
Callistemon viminalis Weeping Bottlebrush 4 E N Red Su 1 Sun Y Showy with weeping habit,
attracts birds
Chamaerops humilis Fan Palm 4 E Ex - - 0 Sh/Sun Y Palm foliage
Cordyline australis Cabbage Palm 3 E N White Sp/S 0 Sh/Sun Y Narrow upright palm with
strappy leaves
Corymbia ficifolia Flowering Gum 4 E N Red Su 0 Sun Y/N Short gum tree with very showy
flowers. Syn. Eucalyptus ficifolia
Cydonia oblonga Quince 4 D Ex White Sp 1 Sun Y Spring blossom, scented fruit
used in jams
Elaeagnus angustifolia Russian Olive 5 D Ex Yellow Sp 0 Sun Y Looks very similar to olive but is
deciduous
Eriobotrya japonica Loquat 4 E Ex Cream W 1 Sh/Sun Y Dark green leaves, edible fruit
Eucalyptus behriana Bull Mallee 3 E N Y Cream Su 0 Sun Y Rare small trees of the Whipstick
Forest
Eucalyptus caesia Silver Princess 3 E N Pink A/W/Sp 1 Sun Y Weeping tree with large bird
attracting flowers.
Prefers good drainage

Eucalyptus forrestiana Fuchsia Gum 3 E N Cream A 0 Sun Y Very showy red buds and fruits
Eucalyptus froggattii Kamarooka Mallee 4 E N Y White Su 0 Sun Y Rare, suits small gardens
Eucalyptus lansdowneana Crimson Mallee 4 E N Pink Sp 0 Sun Y Mallee type eucalypt with showy
flowers
Eucalyptus lehmannii Bushy Yate 4 E N Yellow W/Sp 0 Sun Y/N Smaller eucalypt with showy
flowers
Eucalyptus leucoxylon ‘Rosea’ Yellow Gum 6 E N Pink W/Sp 0 Sun Y Nectar attracts birds, make sure
to ask for the dwarf form
Eucalyptus polybractea Blue Mallee 3 E N Y Cream A/W 0 Sun Y Bird attracting and can be used as
informal screen
Eucalyptus spathulata Swamp Mallet 4 E N White Sp 0 Sun Y Shiny silvery bark and fine foliage
Eucalyptus viridis ssp. viridis Green Mallee 3 E N Y White Su 0 Sun Y Adaptable to a range of conditions
Feijoa sellowiana Pineapple Guava 3 E Ex Red Su 1 Sun Y Edible fruit, dense foliage makes
an informal hedge
Ficus carica Fig 5 D Ex Purple A 2 Sh/Sun Y Edible fruit
Garrya elliptica Silk Tassel Bush 3 E Ex Green W 2 Sh/Sun Y Delightful pendulous catkins in
winter
Hakea laurina Pincushion Hakea 3 E N Red W/Sp 1 Sh/Sun Y/N Neat dense growth habit.
Interesting round flowers
are good bird attractors
Lagerstroemia indica Crepe Myrtle 3 D Ex Pinks Su 2 Sun Y/N Attractive bark, flowers can be
affected by late frosts
Melaleuca lanceolata Moonah 3 E N Y Cream Sp 1 Sun Y Windbreak
Melaleuca linariifolia Snow-in-summer 4 E N White Su 0 Sun Y Covered in white flowers in
summer
Melaleuca styphelioides Prickly Paperbark 5 E N White Su 0 Sun Y Small dense tree, prickly leaves
Pittosporum angustifolium Weeping Pittosporum 3 E N Y Yellow Sp 0 Sun Y Very attractive weeping habit.
Needs good drainage
Prunus amygdalis Almond 4 D Ex White Sp 0 Sun Y Good fruiting varieties available
Punica granatum Pomegranate 3 D Ex Orange Su 1 Sh/Sun Y Decorative edible fruit in autumn


Trees, Under 10m
Pyrus calleryana Callery Pear 5 D Ex White Sp 2 Sun Y Many forms with good autumn
colour are available
Pyrus ussuriensis Manchurian Pear 6 D Ex White Sp 0 Sun Y Large, spreading shade tree with
good autumn colour
Robinia ‘Frisia’ Golden Robinia 5 D Ex Cream Su 0 Sun Y Light green, almost yellow foliage.
Can sucker
Robinia ‘Umbraculifera’ Mop Top Robinia 2 D Ex - - 0 Sun Y Prune annually in to maintain ball
shape. Can sucker
Sophora japonica Japanese Pagoda Tree 4 E Ex Yellow Sp 2 Sun Y Attractive flowers
Trachycarpus fortunei Windmill Palm 4 E Ex - - 0 Sh/Sun Y Tough palm tree with hairy trunk
Tall Shrubs, Under 3m
Abelia x grandiflora Glossy Abelia 3 E Ex Pink Su 1 Sh/Sun Y Bushy arching shrub.
Good screener
Acacia acinacea Gold-dust Wattle 2 E N Y Yellow Sp 0 Sun Y Quick screening plant
Acacia aspera Rough Wattle 2 E N Y Yellow Sp 0 Sh/Sun Y Will grow under tall trees
Acacia ausfeldii Ausfeld’s Wattle 2 E N Y Yellow Su 0 Sun Y Rare. Prefers good drainage
out of winds
Acacia boormanii Snowy River Wattle 3 E N Yellow Sp 2 Sun Y May sucker, needs a little water
Acacia brachybotrya Grey Mulga 2 E N Y Yellow W/Sp 0 Sun Y Prefers sandy soil
Acacia euthycarpa Wallowa 2 E N Yellow Sp 0 Sun Y Tall rounded shrub needing
good drainage
Acacia flexifolia Bent-Leaf Wattle 2 E N Y Yellow W 0 Sh/Sun Y Good low hedge, adaptable to
various soils
Acacia floribunda White Sallow Wattle 4 E N Yellow Sp 1 Sh/Sun Y Gold screen, fine foliage
Acacia genistifolia Spreading Wattle 2 E N Y Yellow W/Sp 0 ShSun Y Prickly, good hedge, bird haven

Acacia montana Mallee Wattle 2 E N Y Yellow Su 0 Sun Y Good dense fence screener
Acacia verniciflua Varnish Wattle 2 E N Y Yellow Sp 0 Sun Shiny foliage and upright growth
Acacia williamsonii Whirrakee Wattle 3 E N Y Yellow Sp 0 Sun Y Rare. Makes a good informal
hedge
Agonis flexuosa ‘Nana’ Dwarf Willow Myrtle 2 E N White Sp 2 Sh/Sun N Graceful, weeping smaller form
Allocasuarina muelleriana Slaty Sheoak 3 E N Y Red - 0 Sun Y Attractive, very dry
Argyranthemum frutescens Marguerite Daisy 1.5 E Ex Many A 2 Sun Y/N Many forms and colours. Long
flowering quick filler
Babingtonia behrii Broom Baeckea 1 E N Y White Sp/Su 0 Sun Y Good drainage is essential
Baeckea linifolia Baeckea 2 E N White Su 1 Sh/Sun Y Compact, weeping habit. Does
best in full sun.
Withstands poor drainage.
Banksia marginata Silver Banksia 3 E N Y Yellow Sp/Su/A 1 Sun Y Rare in our area, but long
flowering period
Banksia spinulosa Hairpin Banksia 2 E N Yellow A/W 1 Sh/Sun Y Nectar attracts birds
Berberis thunbergii Purple Japanese Barberry 3 D Ex Yellow Sp 2 Sh/Sun Y Dense, thorny, good hedge with
‘Atropurpurea’ great autumn colour
Boronia anemonifolia Sticky Boronia 1 E N Y Pink Sp/Su 0 Sh Y Showy in flower and good
container plant
Boronia heterophylla Red Boronia 1 E N Pink Sp 2 Sh Y Perfumed flowers. Needs good
drainage
Boronia megastigma Brown Boronia 1 E N Brown Sp 2 Sh Y Highly scented, needs drainage.
Buddleja davidii Butterfly Bush 2 D Ex Purple Sp/Su 2 Sun Y Attracts butterflies, many varieties
Bursaria spinosa Sweet Bursaria 2 E N Y White Su 0 Sun Y Small fragrant flowers, attract
butterflies
Callistemon ‘Captain Cook’ Captain Cook Bottlebrush 2 E N Red Sp 1 Sh/Sun Y/N Very floriferous but frost tender
when young
Callistemon phoeniceus Fiery Bottlebrush 1.5 E N Red Sp/Su 1 Sun Y Showy, bird attracting flowers
Callistemon sieberi River Bottlebrush 3 E N Y Cream Su/A 2 Sh/Sun Y Local bottlebrush useful for
screening


Tall Shrubs, Under 3m
Callistemon subulatus Dwarf Bottlebrush 1 E N Red Sp 2 Sh/Sun Y Compact, smaller shrub.
Calothamnus quadrifidus Crimson Net Bush 2 E N Red Sp/Su 1 Sun Y Soft pine-like leaves and red
flowers. Needs good drainage
Calothamnus villosus Woolly Net Bush 2 E N Red Sp/Su 1 Sun Y Red flowers attract nectar feeding
birds
Calytrix tetragona Common Fringe Myrtle 1 E N Y Pink Sp/Su 0 Sh/Sun Y Good informal hedge and cut
flowers
Camellia japonica Japonica Camellia 1.5 E Ex Pink Sp 2 Sh Y Many forms. Best in shade with
plenty of soil organic matter
Camellia sasanqua Sasanqua Camellia 1.5 E Ex Pink W 2 Sh/Sun Y Tougher than Japonica Camellia.
Many forms
Ceanothus ‘Blue Pacific’ Blue Pacific 3 E Ex Blue Sp 0 Sun Y Masses of blue flowers
Chaenomeles japonica Japonica 1.5 D Ex Pink W 0 Sun Y Attractive flowers on bare stems
in winter
Chamaelaucium uncinatum Geraldton Wax 3 E N Pink/White W/Sp 1 Sun Y/N Excellent for cut flowers. Needs
good drainage
Choisya ternata Mexican Orange Blossom 3 E Ex White Sp 1 Sh/Sun Y Sweetly scented flowers. Good
screen plant
Cistus ladanifer Crimson-spot Rock Rose 2 E Ex White Su ! Sun Y Flowers like single roses.
Foliage is sticky
Cistus x purpureus Purple Rock Rose 2.5 E Ex Pink Su 0 Sun Y Large single flowers with a purple
splotch
Coleonema pulchrum Diosma 2 E Ex Pink Sp 1 Sh/Sun Y Masses of small pink starry
flowers and aromatic foliage
Correa alba Native Fuchsia 1.5 E N White W 1 Sh/Sun Y Winter flowers attract birds

Smart Gardens for A Dry Climate - Coliban, Australia

Smart Gardens for A Dry Climate - Coliban, Australia

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Smart Gardens for A Dry Climate - Coliban, Australia