In some ways, it is possibly not nice to talk about water in the garden because so many people around Australia have been so negatively affected by it by way of flooding, damage to crops and livelihoods.
Paul and I send our heartfelt sympathy to those who have been so affected and hope 2023 is a better year.
The subject of water in the garden is so very important for many other reasons.
Water is life - and for many parts of our country, February can be the hottest and driest month.
It is always a struggle to keep the garden looking its best at this time.
Keeping an eye on when and if to water and which plants need more than others and how frequently we should water are challenges we all face.
We want our plants to look good and flourish, not just to struggle or die of neglect.
In the hotter months, the creatures who live in or visit our garden need water sources.
For birds it's not such a problem because if water isn't in your garden, it may be in a neighbour's or down the road. But for other creatures such as possums, lizards, frogs, worms and beetles, a damp soil or a water source is essential.
Our garden is accredited as a Garden for Wildlife so we are, perhaps, more aware than some of this essential element.
We have several garden ponds and water bowls spread throughout.
Make sure you keep these cleaned on a regular basis as well as filling them up constantly to keep up the supply of clean fresh water to help sustain these creatures and get them over this challenging part of the year.
I know some people have the opinion that wildlife should fend for itself.
Oh but the reality is that you have to give them a helping hand if you want to have wildlife havens and thoroughfares through suburbia.
I believe it is essential to consider them because, after all, we have displaced them in their natural environment.
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