key elements of a water wise, easy care garden

• appropriate planning + garden design that understands user needs and site features and conditions
soil analysis + improvement
• appropriate site preparation
• reduced use of chemicals and fertilisers
• appropriate plant selection for suitability to your area
• choose water wise, drought, frost and fire tolerant plants
• best practice planting techniques using water crystals
• practical and minimal, drought tolerant grassed areas
• increased use of lawn substitutes including native grasslands, permeable paving, mulched areas, paths and native gardens
• reduction in use of hard surfaces
• use of paving where you walk, stand or sit (permeable options that allow water penetration)
• increased use of surface materials that don’t reflect and absorb heat 
• increased use of shade
• creation of cool zones and mini oasis
• increased use of decorative pots and potted gardens
• integration of productive plants for food supply
• efficient watering + irrigation so plants receive water when and where they need it
• on site rain water harvesting, storm water and grey water re-use
• use of water saving practices, design principles and technologies
• mulching to retain moisture and suppress weeds
• appropriate maintenance
• an appreciation that climatic conditions will get tougher in future