Back in 2005, we were hit with water restrictions for the first time and these made gardeners feel like they were some sort of water criminal. Even today, it still feels like gardeners get the blame for wasting water and not conserving our environment.
Gardeners are not water criminals. Gardeners and Gardens are necessary as we need trees and gardens to help sustain a healthy urban environment.
Three positives generating a healthy urban environment are:
Spending time in nature can make us mentally, emotionally and physically healthier.
The 2013 World Happiness Report stated that one in ten people suffer from mental disorders such as depression or anxiety. It is believed the practice of shinrin-yoku, a Japanese term that means forest bathing, has the power to counter depression, anxiety and stress, as well as illnesses including cancer, strokes and gastric ulcers. It is also believed that over time it boosts the immune system, lowers blood pressure and aids sleep.
Energy is conserved, saving YOU money.
Strategically placed trees planted around a home could cut your summer air conditioning costs by up to 50 percent (according to a council in California). By reducing the energy demand for cooling our houses, we reduce carbon dioxide and other pollution emissions from power plants.
Barren neighbourhoods have shown to have a greater incidence of violence than their greener counterparts. Trees and healthy urban landscaping encourage people to spend more times outside socialising and also have a therapeutic effect, which overall reduces the level of fear people have for their neighbours.
If these three reasons aren’t good enough (I have plenty more) for someone who accuses you of being a water criminal because you garden, just explain that you save water in the following ways:
Soil Wetters. Sometimes soils become hydrophobic (can't soak up water so it just runs off the surface). These products contain surfactants that allow the water to penetrate the soil and enhances the soil’s ability to absorb moisture, enabling the soil to actually become wet and stay wet for longer. This leads to a happier, healthier plant. These products are a must for all gardens and lawns and need to be applied at least yearly, but preferably every six months.
We stock Searles Penetraide Re-Wetting Granules or Searles Recharge. Both these are granular soil wetters that contain fertiliser as well. All in one product.
Plant of Health's Eco Friendly Range of Soil Wetters are also fantastic. We use the Soil Wetter Granular, which is 100% biodegradable. This surfactant is infused into natural diatomaceous earth granules giving you the benefit of both a surfactant and a silica rich input, that helps retain water, hydrate the plant and helps reduce plant heat stress. We also use Soil Wetter Liquid. This also has 100% biodegradable surfactants that enable water to penetrate the soil while the natural organic humates condition the soil, feed microbes, help retain water and hydrate the plant.
You try to use the lawn sprinkler as an outdoor shower, with friends of course!
You use organic Mulch; like sugar cane, tea tree, or my personal favourite, one inch hoop bark. Mulching your garden can reduce the water lost through evaporation by up to 73%.
You become a nude gardener … No need for clothes washing.
If you do wash you use the EUCA range of laundry detergents as it’s grey water and septic safe.
You use Envy. Envy is a liquid that you spray over your plant’s foliage. It helps protect against frost and reduces water loss through the leaves (transpiration) by 50%.
You don’t drink water whilst gardening, you drink vodka.
You use Silica and Potash Foliage Spray. This is a liquid that is sprayed over the plants foliage. It improves growth, flowering, fruit count, leaf presentation, colour and shelf life. It is also excellent for transplanting plants and can reduce wilting, frost damage, wind burn, heat and winter stress. Plants become physically stronger, especially in poor or salty soils, and more tolerant to pest attack.
Fertilise. A healthy plant is a strong plant. Use a complete organic slow release fertilisers, like Organic Link. These fertilisers promote deep healthy roots that allow the plant to withstand growth phases, as well as heat and dry phases.
Enjoy your garden and never feel guilty about being outside, using water and playing in the dirt.