Water-wise advice is close at hand

LOCAL gardeners are being encouraged to visit three local nurseries that specialise in water-saving techniques.
South East Water has signed up three Casey nurseries to the Water Saver Garden Centre program, a Victorian Government program which trains nursery and garden centre employees on water-wise gardening principles.
The three nurseries are Wombat Gully Plant Farm, Berwick, The Squatting Frog, Narre Warren North, and Cranbourne Country Garden Centre, Cranbourne South.
Staff at the centres can help green thumbs learn how to keep their gardens alive while staying within the stage 3a restrictions that will be in place until at least 1 August.
South East Water managing director Dennis Cavagna said many gardeners believe they can’t water their gardens under the current restrictions.
“This is simply not the case. With the top tips and how-to ideas available at Water Saver Garden Centres, it’s easier than ever to create a great garden while minimising the amount of drinking water used,” Mr Cavagna said.
He said alternative water sources such as rainwater tanks and greywater systems are also popular options that help keep gardens thriving throughout the year.
Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria CEO Stephen Potts said the value of residential gardens was priceless.
“They help maintain livable urban spaces that make for a more contented social environment. Their presence also has a positive effect on people’s wellbeing and they provide a cooling effect on hot days,” Mr Potts said.
“Gardeners are sharing some fantastic ideas with us that will help to keep gardens thriving throughout drought and water restrictions.
“If Melbourne gardeners are looking for expert advice on how to save water and create drought tolerant gardens, I recommend that they visit their local gardening centre where staff can provide expert advice on the local conditions,” Mr Potts said.
Top tips for gardening include:
MULCH keeps your garden moist and looking great.
REMOVE weeds from garden beds.
PROTECT plants with screens or shade cloth, or move them to a more suitable place.
MOVE pot plants under trees for shade.
FERTILISE – well-fed plants are tolerant of drought stress.