Water-wise gardening for dry winters
Even in a summer rainfall area, gardens in KwaZulu-Natal face long dry spells, especially from late autumn to early spring. A water-wise garden makes every drop count. Start by grouping plants with similar water needs together, so thirsty plants are not wasting water meant for tough, drought-tolerant ones, and the reverse. Watering cans and hosepipes then go where they are actually needed.
Mulch beds with bark, leaves or straw to keep the soil cool and reduce evaporation. Water early in the morning, deeply and less often, which encourages deeper roots. Consider a rain tank to catch summer storms. Indigenous succulents, aloes, grasses and groundcovers such as dwarf carissa are hardy choices that look good with minimal watering.