Water makes up four fifths of all plants, therefore, this infinitely precious liquid is absolutely essential, even more so than healthy soil. While poor soil can be improved, for the creation — and maintenance — of gardens wherever they may be, with weather conditions increasingly swinging between drought and flood, factoring water conservation methods and correct water usage into basic garden design is a ‘must’ which cannot be stressed enough.

It is for this reason that before moving on to investigate soil conditions and how to make the most of whatever earth you happen to have, and discussing ways and means of making productive gardens in cities, towns and rural locations, water availability should be the main priority with everything else following on from this. Trying to create a productive garden without adequate water is, unless you opt for a ‘dry garden’ of cacti, succulents and extremely hardy, indigenous plants, a complete and utter waste of time.

City locations are increasingly water stressed, particularly at certain times of year and it can be almost impossible to guarantee uninterrupted water supplies for garden use. This is one of the reasons — just one — that I repeatedly ‘suggest’ that those highly offensive, incredibly thirsty, obscenities commonly referred to as ‘lush green lawns’ be completely eradicated from the gardening scene. Humans can, if they must, adapt to reduced water consumption, plants cannot.

In the battle of the elements, water comes before earth

It is, therefore, a wise gardener — be they in a city, town or even in many rural locations — who designs their garden and what it can feasibly grow, around the amount of water that is available. They also, with forethought, install rainwater harvesting systems and grey water recycling systems, to both reduce dependence on the use of household water for garden use and always to have a water reserve on hand irrespective of the time of year.

Storing water is frowned on by some people as they fear that they are providing a breeding ground for mosquitoes and thus increasing the risk of dengue fever but, done properly, this is not the case.

Rainwater harvesting systems are, if sloping roofs are available, simple to install and relatively easy to maintain as all they consist of is firmly fixed, roof edge, guttering leading to downpipes which, in turn, drain the rainwater into either above ground or underground water storage tanks with the appropriate pumps / hoses for garden use. Above ground tanks should be closely covered, never left open for mosquitoes to enter and breed, and be cleaned out thoroughly during times of the year when they are either empty or immediately before expected rains so that any water flushed out during the cleaning process, is rapidly replaced. Guttering should also be kept clean and clear of any kind of debris, a task which can be rather onerous if overhead trees are shedding their leaves but a task which must, nevertheless, not be neglected. Underground rainwater storage tanks, covered as they are, should also be flushed out and cleaned at least twice a year.

Grey water — recycled household water from showers, hand washing, from laundry or kitchen chores providing that it contains negligible amounts of soap / detergent / cleaning chemicals which may very well be toxic, cooking oil / grease/fat and other un-natural products — is perfectly suitable, preferably filtered first, for garden use and plants actively thrive on it, including fruit trees. However, this should never be stored for a period longer than 24 hours and, if stored at all, should be closely covered.

Household grey water systems — these have been installed by some enterprising conservationists — recycle grey water from the above mentioned sources, to toilet flushing for one and for routine garden use, via a specially designed, underground pipe and tank system, as well.

Garden ponds, doubling as rainwater storage ponds, are, in some locations and in large gardens, a feasible option. But, if you select this, be sure to surround the pond with a good selection of mosquito, fly and generally insect repellent plants some of which, incidentally, can also be cultivated in pots both indoors and out.

Here are a few suggestions:

Mints of all kinds — the stronger the aroma the better.

Basil — particularly the indigenous, perennial ‘Niaz boo’.

Rosemary.

Lemon grass.

Lemon balm.

Nicandra — otherwise known as the ‘Shoo-fly plant’.

Dwarf forms of eucalyptus.

Neem trees if you have the space.

Water, as stressed at the beginning, is essential for plant life yet it is surprising how many gardeners actually kill their plants by either overwatering them, by watering sporadically rather than regularly or by watering at the wrong time of day. Evening watering is the best as this allows plants to take up their fill all night long before the sun comes up to evaporate it away. Morning watering is a waste of time and water. Watering plants in strong sunlight often means instant death!

Please continue sending your gardening queries to zahrahnasir@hotmail.com. Remember to include your location. The writer will not respond directly by email. Emails with attachments will not be opened.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, January 18th, 2015

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