Home/Community/Environment/In Your Garden

In Your Garden

Energy Efficiency

Garden design is important to the energy efficiency of your home. While plants and landscaping can contribute to heating or cooling of the house, there are also other ways you can reduce the energy used in the garden itself.

Shade – Shade from pergolas, to control indoor temperatures. Remember that the sun is higher in summer and it is possible to achieve a solution that shades the high summer sun, but allows sunlight into the home in the winter.
Deciduous Trees – Deciduous trees provide shade in summer but lose their leaves in winter, allowing sunlight through. Placing them near north and west facing windows can help to prevent rooms from overheating in the summer. There are a limited number of deciduous trees that are suited to Western Sydney conditions. You should consult with the Ropes Crossing Design Co-ordinator for approved species and your local nursery for advice.
Hard Landscaping – Hard surfaces such as paving near your house will absorb heat from the sun and radiate it inside. A shade structure or tree will ensure that the area is shaded in summer. Alternatively, in winter heat radiating onto hard surfaces will increase the external temperature of your garden.
Garden Equipment – Lawnmowers, whipper snippers and hedge trimmers use substantial quantities of energy. Some petrol powered lawnmowers can create as much smog in one hour as 40cars. Using a push mover, hand shears and secateurs will reduce pollution and keep you fit. Groundcover plants make an excellent low maintenance alternative to grass.
Outdoor Electrics – Low voltage lighting is always a great way to reduce energy consumption. Remember to turn outdoor lights off, fit a timer switch or use a sensor. Water features should be switched off at night.
Swimming Pools – Over 3% of energy consumed in Australia is used in swimming pools. They use as much energy as dishwashers, clothes washers and clothes dryers put together. Make sure your filter is on a timer and limit its use to six hours per day. Keep your pool covered to keep it clean and to limit heat loss and evaporation. If heated, avoid overheating the water – each degree rise in temperature can cost you up to 10% more.

For further information, visit www.greehouse.gov.au/yourhome/

Saving Water

Historically 35-50% of all household water is used in gardens. Recent water restrictions in Sydney have influenced the way in which we design, build and care for our gardens.

Rainwater Tanks – A rainwater tank is an excellent and inexpensive way to provide water for your garden with a simple connection to a drip irrigation system. You can also plumb the rainwater tank to provide water for toilets and laundries. Contact your local plumbing supplies for further information.
Watering (water restrictions apply) – A drip irrigation system is the most efficient permanent irrigation system in that it directs water directly to the plants’ roots and minimises evaporation. A timer will ensure that the water is utilised even more effectively. Water your garden with a watering can or a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle first thing in the morning or last thing at night to minimise evaporation. Water plants’ roots and the surrounding soil rather than leaves or flowers so the plants have a chance to absorb the water. Try to water the garden less often, but for a long time to encourage deep roots and drought resistance.
Native Plants – Native plants require less water and ongoing maintenance than exotic species. By planting native plants in your garden you will be able to attract native birds, butterflies and other fauna. Plant species such as banksias, grevilleas and lily pilys provide and abundance of flowers and fruits, which not only look great, but will provide food and shelter for native birds and animals. For further information check out the Ropes Crossing “Designing Your Garden” manual or visit www.sydneywater.com.au
Lawns – Try to avoid planting extensive areas of lawns where possible as they are highest user of use in most gardens. The ‘Designing Your Garden’ manual has some ideas on how to create a garden with minimal grass areas. In grassed areas a slow growing, low water grass such as Palmetto (a form of soft-leaved buffalo will minimise the amount of water required and will not have to be mown so often. Apply a light top dressing to your new lawn to assist in it establishment and minimise its requirement for water (a nursery, can recommend a weed-free, organic, san-based dressing). When you mow your lawn, cut only the top third of the leaf and use the clippings as mulch. Native groundcovers are an excellent low-maintenance alternative to lawn.
Hard Areas – Use a broom to clean driveways, paths and patios. Wash your car on the lawn to preserve water, reduce storm water runoff and feed the lawn.
Mulch and Compost – Use deep mulch and add compost to your soil. Grass cuttings and leaves make an excellent mulch and compost can be produced from food scraps using a compost heap or wormfarm.
Swimming Pools – Up to 30,000 litres of water is lost through evaporation of swimming pools. This could add an additional $60 per year to your water bill. If you have a pool keep it covered when not in use. Over half of the water can evaporate from an uncovered pool in a year.
Recycled Water – Water can be recycled from your washing machine (grey water) onto gardens simply by using a domestic grey water treatment system or buckets, watering cans or hose connections. Contact your local plumber of Sydney Water (www.sydneywater.com.au) for further information.
Grey Water System – Grey water systems range in complexity from simple diverter switches available at hardware stores to systems such as Greywater gardener 230 developed by waterwise systems in Victoria. The system sends grey water from the washing machine through a surge capsule and into a gravity fed sub soil irrigation system. For further information visit www.waterwisesystems.com.au