Over the years interior decorating has picked up several “rules” that are treated like unyielding laws of design. Most have to do with maintaining singular style throughout every room or even the same room. Read more “Decorating ‘rules’ you should ignore”
A waterwise garden, also known as hydro zoning, is a smart approach to landscaping. Plants are grouped together based on their water needs. Instead of watering every plant in your garden equally, you make sure that thirsty plants get the extra water they require, while drought-tolerant species receive just enough to thrive. This method not only saves water but also makes gardening more efficient, sustainable, costs less and is more enjoyable.
At its core, hydro zoning is about organizing your garden into different plant zones. Plants with similar water requirements are grouped together, and irrigation systems are tailored to match those needs. For example:
High-water plants such as vegetables and tropical flowers can be grouped together with an irrigation station that delivers ample water at regular intervals.
Moderate-water plants like many shrubs and ornamentals can be set in a separate zone with controlled irrigation.
Low-water plants such as succulents, cacti, and Australian natives can thrive with minimal watering. Often these plants only need attention only during very hot months.
It’s a very effective system enabling you to only water plants as needed. It also means that those plants that only require a little water don’t get overwatered or damage subsequently because of it.
There are several important benefits to this garden layout worth mentioning.
Saves water – Very important in drier climates such as Western Australia.
Saves cost – Nobody likes spending more money on utility bills then needed. Why overwater plants if they need less water?
Plants will thank you – By avoiding overwatering or underwatering, plants grow stronger as they are intended and reach their full potential. Underwatering vegetables is such as waste as the plant does not produce the vegetables intended. Overwatering more drought resistant plants can end up damaging them, even killing them.
Saves time and effort – With the right irrigation system, watering becomes automated and efficient. No more needing to manually water plants. Your plants will thank you, and you’ll be happier.
Supports local ecosystems – Choosing native and drought-tolerant plants helps create habitats for birds, bees, and other wildlife.
Waterwise garden design typically involves three main zones:
Primary zone: This area is closest to your home and includes plants that require regular watering, such as vegetable gardens and fruit trees. Place this zone closest to your home for ease of reach.
Secondary zone: This zone contains plants that need less frequent watering. Some flowering perennials, shrubs, or lawn areas are good for this zone. These plants can tolerate some dry periods but still need regular water, yet less than primary zones. Even some climber plants can be included within this area.
Minimal zone: The outer areas of your garden should be reserved for hardy, drought-tolerant plants such as native plants or succulents. These plants often survive on rainfall alone and need little maintenance unless hit with an extreme heat wave.
Hydro zoning is a great way to create a waterwise landscape, yet there are some additional tips you can implement to further optimize your garden.
Use mulch to keep soil cool and reduce evaporation. Mulch can you in the form of garden leaves, wood chips, bark, even apricot pits.
Improve your soil composition with compost and organic. This helps plants get all the nutrients needed and reach their optimal maturity.
Consider shade for areas where wind and soil erosion are an issue. This will help project plant from harsh conditions.
Use native species where possible such as kangaroo paw, bottlebrush, and grevillea that thrive on minimal water. See more waterwise plants here.
A waterwise garden is not just about saving water but also creating a beautiful, functional, and sustainable outdoor space that suits your climate. By hydro zoning, improving soil health, and choosing the right plants, you can create an amazing garden space that costs less, looks good and grows nearly 100% on its own.
Whether you’re building a new home or renovating your outdoor space, waterwise garden design is a smart choice for the future.
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Phone: (08) 9399 6715
The construction industry is always changing Over the last decade, there has been a strong push toward sustainably sourced, energy-efficient, and cost-effective materials. In this article we’ll take a closer look at recently developed materials that have gained much popularity in the industry and show some example projects where they were implemented.
Home automation is the process of automating everyday tasks such as turning on lights, alarm systems, sensors and any other smart electronic devices. Many smart devices can operate on their own but often is brought together by a control hub which can either be a separate automation device or something like a smart tv. Read more “What is Home Automation?”
Construction and demolition waste, known as CDW, is a big issue world wide. In the United States alone the construction industry generates over 600 million tons of CDW every year. More than a third of all material found in landfills consists of construction and demolition waste associated with building projects
Did you know that over 35 billion tons of materials are extracted from our planet in order to build all the different buildings each year?
Epoxy flooring has long been used for commercial buildings and industrial sites. More recently home owners have started using it on garage flooring. The choice of colors as well as combination of design and additions are nearly endless – leaving lots of room for creative design. In this article we’ll take a closer look at epoxy flooring and help you find out if it’s the right choice for your home.
The 1970s was an era of bold self-expression, natural textures, and playful design. Colors of this area were focused on brown, orange, avocado green and wood-paneled walling’s. Some would like to forget the 70s, vowing to never return their home back to this design.
Read more “The ‘70s bathroom trend that’s making a big comeback”
More Australians are looking to bring families together with multi-generational homes. There are many benefits to this approach such as offering support to family members, saving on living expenses and spending more time together. In this article we’ll take a closer look at why multi-generational home are on the rise.
There are many different scenarios where multi-generational homes make sense. It could be grandparents moving back in with their children. Many can’t bare the thought of sending their parents to an old age home, and it costs a lot of money. The care is often not as personal as they could receive from a family member. Having their elderly parents around not only means they can support them in their old age, but also, they can be part of their family life. Grandparents can help look after their grandchildren again helping save on childcare costs.
It can be that young adults choose not to move out of the house. Rent prices have dramatically increased in Western Australia, as well as housing costs, making it unaffordable for many to live on their own, let alone own a house. Some young adults would rather live at their parents’ house and save money to buy a home at a later stage, but it’s not without challenges.
Research suggests having a home built for multi-generational living could increase its value by up to 20% and could increase rental income. For investors or those looking for a long-term return on their housing investment, this is great news. For those living together, it might not be so easy. Most deem privacy a big issue. They look for a home either with multiple levels such as a ground floor with a separate living space and bathroom or a big enough home separated into multiple living areas.
If teenagers or young adults are involved, chances are they would like their own space. All this can add to the complication of such a living arrangement. Alternatively, a granny flat or extension could be added to the home to cater for additional family members.
Multi-generational living isn’t going away soon. Many options exit to make this type of living arrangement work. However, when considering this move, it’s best to have a living arrangement that provides enough privacy and accommodates everyone’s needs.
At IQ Construction we can create a tailored home design that meets all your family needs. Whether it’s an extension, renovation, or a completely new build, let our team of building specialists design and build the perfect home for you!
Contact IQ Construction for more information today!
During a 30 year period between the 1930’s and 1960’s, about 90% of the new apartments constructed in Perth were designed by an architect named Harold Krantz. His designs focused on a minimalist approach, using small spaces efficiently and being affordable.
After World War II in Australia there was a period of experimentation in religious architecture in the form of houses of worship that have largely been forgotten by modern discourse. Read more “Constructing faith: Postwar religious buildings in Australia”