Water is a limited resource and all Victorians know that it’s in short supply, but at the same time we all love our gardens. You don’t have to choose one over the other, here are some tips on how to water your garden efficiently.

• Water your garden in the cool of the early morning or evening. This will reduce the amount of water lost to evaporation.
• Lawns can survive long periods of dry weather if the grass is not cut too short, so try to maintain it at least 4cm during the summer months. Even if the grass turns a brown hue it will recover after a few days of rain.
• Use water from washing-up and baths in the garden.
• Weed regularly, to ensure that watering helps plants and not unwanted weeds.
• Don’t overwater – if you water plants too much their roots will remain shallow, weakening the plant. Leave them alone until they show signs of wilting.
• Collect rainwater and use a watering can rather than a hose.
• If you have to use a hosepipe then fit it with a trigger nozzle to control the flow.
• Mulches such as wood-chips, bark and gravel help to prevent water evaporation and also suppress weed growth, saving both water and time spent weeding.
• Plant flower and shrubs that thrive in hot and dry conditions such as thyme, evening primrose, rock rose, Californian poppy pinks, lavender and buddleia.