It’s a dilemma many keen gardeners and plant lovers are currently facing: how do we indulge our passion and enjoy a thriving greenscape when water is such a precious commodity? The answer isn’t as depressing as you might think.
Firstly, if you have an already established garden, your plants should be able to withstand long periods without water quite sufficiently. And if you’re just starting out, there are waterwise plants of all types to help create the garden you desire.
FROM LEFT: Allia concrete planter in Black, $225 for medium, Coco Republic. Ferm Living ‘Bau’ plant pot in Dark Green, $120 for large, Amara. Ranger ‘Sky’ ribbed pot in Denim, $99 for 2 sizes, Canvas + Sasson. Newport planter, as before. Tropicana wall mural, Kingdom Home.
Along with the hardy succulents and natives we all know and love, you can also find trees, shrubs, flowers, herbs, hedges and creepers that are quite partial to dry conditions. Just remember that no plant is truly drought tolerant until it’s well established.
FROM LEFT: Terrafirma barrel, $195 for large, Garden Life. Embers bowl planter in Ash, $104 for large, Zakkia. Ferm Living ‘Bau’ plant pot in Dusty Rose, $120 for large, Amara. Moderno/ARD ‘Furore’ planter in Grey, $100 for small, Garden Life. Goblet vessel in Orchid, $210, Lightly. Feathr ‘Lost in Goa Jungle’ wall mural, $300 per 3m roll, Wallpaper Trader.
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New plantings will need to be watered regularly (while observing water restrictions) until they’re growing strongly, before gradually easing off. Mulch and liquid fertliser will also do wonders for protecting plants from all that nature throws at them.
FROM LEFT: Palm Springs extra-large planter in White, $405, Lightly. Ferm Living round plant box in Cashmere, $342, Amara. Terracotta drum pot, $155, Garden Life. Palm Springs large planter in Forest, $310, Lightly. Newport planter, $295 for small, Coco Republic. Rebel Walls ‘Jungleland’ wallpaper in R14612, $85 per sq m, Scandinavian Wallpaper & Décor.
Care tip: Self-watering containers are a godsend for balcony gardens. On days of extreme heat, keep your potted plants out of direct sunlight.
FROM LEFT: Terracotta Fez pot, $95, and Triton deep bowl, $195 for large, Garden Life. Ranger ‘Earth’ ribbed pot in Blush, $99 for 2 sizes, Canvas + Sasson. Vera large vessel in Nutmeg, $160, Lightly. Goodrum coil pot, $750 for small, Garden Life. Tres Tintas ‘Congo’ wallpaper in M3022-2, $121 per sq m, Scandinavian Wallpaper & Décor. All plants supplied by Garden Life.
DROUGHT-TOLERANT PLANTS
Dwarf jade plant
Sweetheart vine
Dragon Tree
Chinese Money Plant
Cast Iron plant
Pothos Totem
Zanzibar Gem
String of Pearls
Jungle Cactus
Mother-in-law’s Tongue
French Lavender
Cardboard Cycad
Creeping Fig
Blue Ice plant
Burro’s Tail
Rosemary
Panda Plant
Pencil Cactus
Variegated Agave
