. . . water soil n plants

water usage

• High water-use: Lawns, vegetables, fruit trees, exotic shrubs like azaleas and camellias, flowering herbaceous annuals and many bulbs.

• Medium water-use: Hardy vegetables like pumpkins and potatoes, hardy fruit trees and vines like nut trees and grapes, many herbs, some exotic shrubs, most grey or hairy leafed (tomentous) plants, roses and daisies.

• Low water-use: Most Australian natives including banksias, grevilleas and eucalypts. Succulents and cacti, olive trees and some exotic ornamentals such as bougainvillea.

Plant trees to create natural shade and windbreaks to reduce evaporation. High water-use plants are best located where they can be sheltered from drying winds and strong sunlight. Direct rainwater run off from downpipes towards high water-use areas.


soil characteristics

There are three main soil types:

• sand;
• loam; and
• clay.

Soil types differ in their ability to retain water that can be used by plants. This is known as the water availability of a soil.

Water holding capacity is determined by the texture of the soil. Finer soils have a greater capacity to hold water due to their greater particle surface area.

Sandy soils drain rapidly, clay soils hold water but make it difficult for many plants to grow. A soil with plenty of organic matter and a mixture of fine and coarse particles that form "peds" is ideal.

plant adaptation

Hardy, deep rooted plants can help break up poor soils and adding composted organic matter will encourage microbial activity and worms to improve soil condition and moisture retention.