RAND WATER WATERWISE GARDEN... continued

Plant selection

The plant choice in the garden serves many different educational lessons. First and foremost, the plants in the garden demonstrate that water-wise gardens can be attractive. For this reason, lots of bright colours have been used. Contrasting colours are placed alongside each other to make them work even harder at creating exciting visual colour. Colour is emphasized with contrasting pink (Roses "pink sensation", Bougainvillea sp. and Pelargoniums), blue (Salvia, Limoniun peresii and Agapanthus sp.) and yellow (Tecomaria sp. and Rudbeckia), juxtaposed to make these combinations bright and colourful.

Secondly, the garden highlights plant adaptations when coping with dry climates. Along the path grey plants are planted demonstrating leaf closing, hair, wax cuticles, smaller leaves, aromatic oils and hardy internal structures. Grey is the base colour to the whole garden (hardy plants) which links and harmonizes the many other colours together. The sense of smell and touch is encouraged in the herb section. Plants especially adapted to the cold dry Highveld are also on view. Some of these plants are modified to smaller species and most of their structures are in the form of storage roots occurring under the soil (Ziziphus zeyeri, Rhus discolour, Rhus ridgida and Erythrynina zeyeri are examples of some of these).

Probably the most interesting plant in the garden is the edible Moringa oleifera used to clean water. It is native to India and can withstand long periods of drought. Dry seed kernels crushed to a fine powder and mixed with water, result in coagulation and the final result is clear water. This Moringa is planted at the beginning of the mulch path for capturing extra interest before any of the other activities are undertaken.

Companion planting is emphasized with Clover and Agapanthus. The Clover enriches the soil with the nitrogen needed by the Agapanthus species.

The most important lesson is choosing the hardiest variety within a certain species. This is demonstrated with a range of Asparagus sp., Buddleja sp., Gazania sp., and Diospirus sp. and even a hardy variety of roses. The best is to find out as much information about the varieties as possible and then to choose the hardiest.

Shade roof

A shaded roof made from recycled plastic encourages lengthy viewing of the garden. Viewing in comfort is also encouraged with a bench donated by Di Beeton. The shaded roof has three functions - it is used to slow one down and compartmentalize experiences; it makes it easier to communicate with groups out of the harsh sun (about the benefits of water-wise gardening), and thirdly it provides a structure for signage.

The slats on this structure run North to South. This was done to demonstrate the effect of the moving of the sun over a structure and the resulting shadows. If the slats were laid in an East to West direction, some spots under the structure may have ended up in permanent shade and could result in elongated plants. Food garden groups also use this site for meetings. This type of detail is needed to assist their learning. To make the most of the sun in any orchard or crop, the rows should ideally run north to south when no contrary slope exists. Climbing roses have been planted on the sides and will cover the structure in pink shade!

Microclimate

The microclimate of the garden is demonstrated and divided up by various physical aspects such as the water collection area, warm shaded roof as well as the mulched areas. Emphasis on microclimate is further demonstrated with sun movements behind the tall obelisk with temperature differences between sun and shade.

Information boards

Information boards have been erected providing broader information about water-wise principles. Hand drawn illustrations of the garden are included to demonstrate the text. All signage structures are made of recycled plastic.

Mulching

Mulched Path (Click to enlarge)

Mulching is used to slow down evaporation and reduce weed growth, improve soil composition, reduce temperature extremes and reduce erosion. All surfaces are mulched.

The mulch path that runs through the garden demonstrates a variety of mulches. The mulch pathway is often used for educational purposes and students are blindfolded while being led through the garden, giving them insight into a blind world. The exercise demonstrates how dependent we are on each other and that teamwork can help us conquer awkward situations. It also allows students to explore their senses of touch, smell and sound.

Sequencing and compartments

Compartmentalising each section of the garden helps to emphasise each learning experience. People have a tendency to rush through an activity if the next one is already in view.

Drip Irrigation (Click to enlarge)

Slowing people down and creating the potential for viewer surprise is achieved using the soil mounds, taller plants and the shaded roof structure.

The drip irrigation system is ideal for this established garden, where the tall trees and bushes would block the spray from a spray/sprinkler system, resulting in uneven watering and dry patches. The drip irrigation system has a network of pipes lying on top of the ground, and therefore reaches every area in the garden ensuring no dry zones.

The drip irrigation system is extremely Water Wise, as the water enters the soil immediately and goes straight to the plant roots. There is no water lost due to the wind blowing drops away, and the minimum of water is lost to evaporation. The system also has a rain sensor, which will stop the irrigation system from running if it has rained recently.

Green Gardening - Pest Control The Natural Way

Anyone who owns a garden will be aware of the immense effort it takes to keep it healthy and make it a place of peace and beauty. Unfortunately this has been done to the detriment of our environment. "Our gardens mirror the plight of the environment as a whole: for too long they have been poisoned by chemical fertilisers and pesticides. A natural garden is a garden with a living soil, healthy plants and teeming with wild life - and in which we are at peace with nature." (Natural Gardening by Irmela Reichardt - Delta Books 1993)

In order to create such a garden we need to understand the functions and interrelationships which exist between the living and non-living organisms and how they maintain a natural balance. The awareness of the plight of our environment has prompted many people to seek alternative measures to maintain a healthy garden and to avoid if possible toxic substances to control pests.

The first step to this ideal is to realise that most insects and plants, even those considered as pests, have a place in the web of life in the garden. For example some plants we think of as weeds can repel unwanted insects: Nasturtiums planted between roses protect them from aphids and scale; parsley and wild garlic planted in the beds deter snails and rosebeetles; thyme and lavender repel ants. If however the problems become too great there are many natural sprays that can be easily made and used effectively. These sprays do not obtain instant results and must be used regularly until the problem has disappeared.