Working to conserve and restore water quality and wildlife habitat in Perth inner city catchments
Catchment Friendly Gardening
Many gardeners are unaware that their garden can have significant negative impacts on the environment due to the use of fertilisers, chemicals and excessive water in an effort to "beat" the conditions which in Perth include low-nutrient sandy soils and long dry summers. Excessive use of nutrients on gardens can leach into groundwater or wash into stormwater drains, causing eutrophication in receiving waters such as local lakes and the Swan River.
Some gardeners however are aware of these impacts and rather than fight against the conditions, work with them by choosing plants which are suited to Perth's soil and climate while avoiding chemicals and practices which might harm wildlife.
To recognise such gardens the Claise Brook Catchment Group sought funding for a separate category in the City of Vincent Garden Competition to recognise "Catchment Friendly Gardens".
What is a Catchment Friendly Garden?
A Catchment Friendly Garden is one that fits in with its environment, it takes notice of the soil and the climate and uses plants that are well adapted to the environment, preferably local native species which provide habitat for all manner of native animals from invertebrates to reptiles and birds.
It is a garden that is managed in such a way as not to harm the environment. It follows sustainable fertiliser and watering practices, avoids the use of harmful chemicals and avoids plants which may escape to become weeds.
As for any garden it is well designed to suit the site and the needs of the land user.
A Catchment Friendly Garden has the following features
- The garden is well designed and suits the site and the needs of the landowner. It has aesthetic appeal.
- Fertiliser use is minimal, appropriate for the soil type. Fertilisers, if used, are not applied in winter or followed by heavy watering. Fertilisers are not used until the garden shows signs of yellowing and never used in excess of recommended application rates. There is a preference for slow release and phosphate free fertilisers and an awareness that mulch and other “organic” additives contain nutrients and therefore replace need for fertilising.
- Garden is Waterwise. It uses minimal watering, with trickle system or hand watering. There is minimal or no lawn. Plants are chosen appropriate for the site, and are grouped by water needs. There is an awareness of household water consumption.
- Plants chosen are suitable for the soil type and climate. Inclusion of WA native plants- preferably local species- and provision of wildlife habitat is preferred. There is an absence of environmental weeds, such as freesias and pampas grass, which can escape to infest adjacent land.
- Garden waste is well managed, with plant cuttings and grass cuttings retained on site for composting or used as mulch. Catcher is left off mower to retain phosphorus in the system and reduce the need for external fertiliser sources.
- Nil or low pesticide and herbicide use. Safe methods of pest control are used such as wiping off pests, spraying with water jet or tolerating pests.
Click here for our Catchment Friendly Gardening brochure (pdf).
Click here to read about the Grow Local Plants initiative and download a Local Plants brochure.
Click here for a list of nurseries where you can buy local plants and a list of useful books and websites to visit to learn more about growing local plants and encouraging wildlife into your garden.
Some of the previous winners