Contact Us
Dame Pattie Menzies House
16 Challis St, Dickson ACT 2602
Contact Number
13 22 81
Facsimile Number
(02) 6207 2244
Email
Actsmart@act.gov.au
These resources complement the information in the WaterRight Gardens webtool. We recommend viewing them on screen. Paper production uses valuable natural resources and generates greenhouse gas emissions. Used printer cartridges also create landfill.
If you do need to print, please use recycled paper.
This resource provides information on general climate, soil and vegetation characteristics.
Canberra receives approximately 639mm of rain in an ‘average’ year. Over the past 20 years this has varied between 340mm and 1099mm each year.
Summer evaporation averages at 600mm-700mm in the Canberra district.
Summer mean maximum temperature: 28.2 degrees
Winter mean minimum temperature: 0.7 degrees
These guidelines outline simple and effective strategies to help you save water in your landscape areas. The guidelines support the recommendations presented in the WaterRight Gardens webtool, and when read in conjunction with the fact sheets, will give you all the information you need to create and maintain a low water use garden.
The following series of fact sheets explore all the key issues in garden water use, providing more detailed information on the impacts of microclimate, soil, plant and lawn water use, mulch, irrigation method and alternative water use. Click on the relevant fact sheet to learn more about each issue.
Whether you are starting a new garden, or re-establishing an old one, this fact sheet will help you 'start from scratch' by helping you to prepare your soil, choose appropriate plants and design a garden that will be suitable for Canberra's climate.
We all know about climate variation across a continent like Australia - but what about micro-climate variation across your backyard? One of the secrets of a low water use garden is planting the right plant in the right place. This is explored in this Fact Sheet.
The quality of your soil determines how healthy your garden is. Good texture, structure and depth create ideal growing conditions for most plants. Learn how to identify your soil type, which soil improvers work best, and how to manage water repellence.
Have you ever wondered why some plants use more water than others? Learn about plant adaptations to drought, and how to identify water stress in plants. Tips on creating a low water use lawn are also highlighted.
There are many types of mulch available in the market place. This Fact Sheet highlights which mulches are best for different garden types.
This provides an overview of the different methods available to irrigate your garden, ranging from fixed irrigation systems to manual bucketing and watering cans. Advantages and disadvantages for each irrigation method are discussed.
There are many alternative sources of water that can be used to irrigate landscapes, including rainwater, greywater and bore water. This Fact Sheet outlines handy tips on each source, and provides links to other relevant sites.
Australia's outdoor water saving labelling program for products and services that help to reduce water use around the home.
The Society is a non-profit, voluntary organisation dedicated to the growing, conservation, preservation, promotion and appreciation of Australian native plants.
This is a research, education and conservation program focusing on the birds that live where people live. Learn about how you can create bird-friendly spaces in your garden and local community
Grass Roots Live is a unique interactive application enabling you to view current and historical water consumption data from ACTEW's turf and irrigation research project.
Fact Sheets and case studies illustrating how Canberra residents can improve the sustainability of their gardens.
ACT Healthy Waterways is a joint initiative of the Australian and ACT government to protect and improve long-term water quality in the ACT and the Murrumbidgee River System.
Icon Water protects and supports the community and the environment by providing high quality drinking water and wastewater services to the ACT and surrounding regions.
The Basin Plan aims to ensure the water resources of the Basin are shared between all water users in a sustainable way.
Dame Pattie Menzies House
16 Challis St, Dickson ACT 2602
Contact Number
13 22 81
Facsimile Number
(02) 6207 2244
Email
Actsmart@act.gov.au
