With Perth heading into another hot, dry summer and many of us packing up for a well-earned Christmas break, it’s easy to forget that our gardens don’t get holidays. While we’re enjoying beaches, barbecues and family time, our plants are left to face soaring temperatures, strong winds and long days without care. A little preparation before you go can make all the difference, helping your garden stay healthy, hydrated, and ready to welcome you home.
1. Deep-water before you go
Give everything a slow, deep soak a day or two before you leave. This encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, where moisture lasts longer.
2. Mulch is your best mate
Add a 5 to7 cm layer of large grade, composted mulch around garden beds and pots, ensuring not to place directly up against the base of the trees or plants. Mulch reduces evaporation, keeps the soil cooler, and helps plants hold onto moisture longer.
3. Move pots into the shade
Cluster pot plants together in a cool, shady spot. This creates a little microclimate, reduces heat stress, and slows down how quickly the soil dries out.
4. Use water-saving tools
If you don’t have irrigation, pick up simple, inexpensive helpers like:
- Drip trays with water reservoirs
- Watering spikes (attach to an old bottle)
- Self-watering pots
- Wetting agents for hydrophobic sandy soils
These buy your plants extra days of moisture.
5. Set up a basic irrigation timer
If you have reticulation, a $20–$40 tap timer will keep your garden watered without waste. Make sure it’s tested and working before you go.
6. Choose plants that can cope
If you’re regularly away, prioritise hardy, drought-tolerant species plants that understand WA’s summer mood swings. Native shrubs, succulents, and hardy Mediterranean species are great options.
7. Ask a friendly neighbour
Nothing beats human help. A quick mid-trip check-in or a light water from someone next door might be the difference between thriving and crispy.
8. Bonus tip: Don’t fertilise right before leaving
Fertilising encourages fresh growth, which needs more water. Hold off until you’re home.
Find out more
You can find out more about our work here or contact us at ua.moc.ertnecrobra@seiriuqne with any questions or a quote for a future project.
Get in touch with us today!
📧 ua.moc.ertnecrobra@seiriuqne
📞 (08) 9359 9300
visit www.arborcentre.com.au