What Is Water Wise, and Why Does It Matter?
Awareness of the term water wise has grown hugely in recent years, but what does it really mean, and how should it affect the way we choose to care for our gardens and outdoor spaces?
It’s likely that you will have experienced or heard of hosepipe bans at one time or another. These restrictions can be inconvenient but are really an indication of a larger problem lying (quite literally) below the surface. This problem is the way we manage our water efficiency.
Water shortages and water restrictions are becoming a more regular issue for local authorities. With the changes to our climate indicating a likely increase in average temperatures, they aren’t going away any time soon.
Water wise is the term that describes the response that we as individuals can make to assist in reduced water use and collectively contribute to minimising this issue.
Who Are Waterwise, and What Do They Do?
Waterwise is also the name of an independent non-government organisation (NGO) that focuses on reducing water consumption in the UK. You can learn more about them on their website here.
How Can We All Help With This Challenge?
At Blue Star Commercial Gardens, we believe in doing our bit to help, but also in sharing our expertise to help others do so too.
This short blog is here to offer hints and tips to help you become more water wise in your home environment and for summer gardening, whilst we take care of doing the same in the commercial setting.
Summer Gardening Tips for Reducing Your Water Consumption – The Water Wise Rules
Managing your summer garden used to be a case of using near permanent sprinkler systems and a hosepipe with only a constant flow option.
Today, however, with a little consideration it’s possible for your plants to enjoy a suitable water supply using more efficient systems. This, together with some broader water use care can make a surprisingly substantial difference to water consumption.
Here Are Blue Star’s Top Five Water Saving Tips:
- Reduce the frequency of hosepipe use and try alternate options – using a watering can or a rainwater fed irrigation system can save literally buckets of water. If you must, use handheld hoses fitted with a trigger nozzle as they will allow you to control the water flow. This is much more efficient than having the water running constantly.
- Let the lawn dry out a little; it won’t die – most lawns are remarkably tolerant to a dry spell and will bounce back when the rains return. You don’t have to water your lawn daily for it to survive and mow it less often to leave the grass a bit longer, this will make it more resilient to drought.
- Adding mulch to soil can really help – Compost or wood chips added to soil will limit the drying out of the surface. This reduces the requirement for such regular watering.
- When you water your plants, aim for the roots. By aiming at the roots rather than the leaves, you will reduce the amount of evaporation from the surface of leaves. This approach also allows your plants to absorb the moisture more easily.
- Pick the right plants. Many plants are less thirsty, and more tolerant of the warmer weather. By applying some strategic planting, you can reduce the need for regular watering.
For more information on the important topic of becoming water wise, you can watch a short video produced by the Royal Horticultural Association (RHS).
Other Things To Consider To Become More Water Efficient
If you are currently looking after your own commercial garden and tend towards the most time efficient rather than the most water efficient methods, do consider getting in touch with us.
Our maintenance support is reliable and expert, and we have all the right tools to manage and maintain your garden in a water considerate way. If you need some help, please do ask.