Online Reporter
Andrew Mangwarara
WITH an El Niño-induced drought likely to occur, there is no better time to plan for the future.
Choosing water-saving ornamentals for your greening project is essential. Succulents are a good option, but many landscapers prefer more colourful plants.
Begin by improving soil conditions.
Add plenty of organic material to help retain moisture during prolonged dry periods.
Options include pine bark, leaves, hay or even shredded newspaper. Healthy soil is the foundation of a resilient garden.
The best approach is to select naturally occurring plants from your region. Native species are adapted to local conditions and require less water, making them ideal for sustainable landscaping.
Ornamental grasses are more resilient than most plants. They offer colour, texture, movement and visual appeal.
Examples include pennisetum clandestinum, miscanthus and cortaderia selloana (pampas grass).
Shrubs develop extensive root systems, enabling them to survive stressful conditions.
Some can slow down metabolic activity until conditions improve. Consider tecomaria capensis, salvia leucantha and leonotis leonurus.
Perennials are hardy, easy to propagate and require low maintenance. Excellent choices include agapanthus orientalis, tulbaghia violacea and echinacea.
Ground covers can be drought-resistant while attracting pollinators like bees. Their flowers are showy and vibrant.
Gazania, thyme, stachys byzantina (lamb’s ear) and cerastium tomentosum (snow-in-summer) are some of the options at your disposal.
Water-wise gardening is the way forward in modern lifestyles, where many people lack time for intensive plant care.
By choosing plants wisely, improving soil health and focusing on native species, you can create a beautiful, resilient garden that thrives even in drought conditions.
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