A good looking landscape

Water usage and management should be extended to landscaping in your garden and management of outdoor water users such as the pool – as indicated water used outdoors in Darwin averages 69% of total water usage in typical homes.

When planning your garden, you should consider using low water demand species with non-invasive root systems. This approach will minimise water use and inclusion of endemic native species will support biodiversity in the area. Ideally the majority of your garden will be quite happy living off the local average rainfall. If you do want to include plants that demand higher water requirements consider an alternative water source to drinking water (rainwater tank and/or grey water recycling) and ensure your watering method is efficient – generally this means under surface irrigation to minimise water loss through evaporation.

Also, to ensure your garden contributes to energy efficiency, consider strategic planting of some shade trees to add to the cooling effect of your garden.

If you are considering a swimming pool it is worth considering pool design that minimises water loss during use, using rainwater tanks for pool top ups and minimising evaporation by covering the pool when not in use.

For more information, please go to www.yourhome.gov.au/renovatorsguide/garden.html.