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Australians Offer Water Saving Tips for Americans Experiencing Drought 06-04-15 | News

Australians Offer Water Saving Tips for Americans Experiencing Drought

California is experiencing its worst drought in decades. In response to this, Enchanted Landscapes and Design, a Sydney, Australia based landscaping company, offers some essential water saving tips. Photo: Enchanted Landscapes and Design

California has been experiencing historic water loss for the past four years. This period of drought has left the most populated state looking for ways to conserve what little water is left in its reservoirs. In response to this news, Enchanted Landscapes and Design, a Sydney, Australia landscaping company, offered some water saving tips.

"The situation has gotten so bad that in January, California's situation was declared to be a State of Emergency, with officials taking action to prepare for water shortages," said Brent McCann, director of Enchanted Landscapes and Design. "We're no strangers to drought here in Australia. One area where Californians can save a lot of water is through proper landscaping design and maintenance."

Brent McCann and Luke Knight are the experts behind Enchanted Landscapes. Combined, they have over 25 years of residential and commercial landscaping know-how in the Sydney area. As a result of their experience, on what's been called the driest continent on the planet, they're aware of the most effective water saving practices in the country.

"Australia is known for making the most out of every drop of water," said McCann. "In fact a drought from 2002 to 2010 resulted in 70 percent less water supply but their farm production only went down by 13 percent. We survived by implementing some easy, yet smart, strategies."

The company is now responding to the California crisis by sharing some of their tips on how homeowners can conserve water through efficient landscaping:
1. Select drought tolerant plants. Choose native plants because these are accustomed to the climate in the area so will require less watering.
2. Don't use big plants. Most of the time the bigger it is, the more water it needs.
3. Use ecological mulch to help keep water evaporation minimal.
4. Water in the early morning or later in the afternoon. Absence of direct sunlight means it will take longer for water to evaporate.
5. Use harvested rainwater or recycled water. The cooled down water used for boiling or rinsing vegetables or a bucket in the shower catching excess water, can also be used to water plants.
6. Choose the right plant container. Avoid metal pots, as they tend to heat up quicker, resulting in faster evaporation. 7. Remove weeds because they compete for water with the other plants.

To find out more about Enchanted Landscapes and Design and their services, visit https://www.enchantedlandscapes.com.au/