The key to planning and improving resilience lies in taking a closer look at the specific challenges your own garden is facing.

Here are some key things to consider that will help strengthen your garden and its durability:

Excess Water: Is your garden turning into a mini pond after those heavy downpours, causing potential waterlogging issues?

Water Run-off: Does water quickly run off your garden, stripping the soil of nutrients and eroding the valuable topsoil?

Drought Conditions: After a dry spell, does your soil, grass, or garden beds transform into rock-hard surfaces?

Garden Structures: Are there any simple changes you can make to your garden or its structures to improve resilience?

Whether you're ready for a full transformation or prefer gradual change, here are some practical solutions and achievable actions you can do to enhance your garden’s resilience:

Raise Your Garden

Elevate your gardening game with raised beds and bordered edges. A barrier as little as 100-150mm high can prevent water from rapidly running off your garden and helps retain soil and nutrients in place.

Well-draining soil

The key to resilience lies in well-draining soil. Strike the perfect balance of organic material and soil to keep your garden growing well, rain or shine!

Invest in Spongy Surfaces

Reduce hard-scaped areas in your garden and incorporate loose materials like river stones and pebbles to help with drainage. Plant water-absorbing plants in areas prone to pooling water.

Soil Conditioning

Whether your soil is sandy or clay-like, soil conditioning can work wonders! For sandy soil, add organic material and a quality garden mix to improve drainage and nutrient retention. For heavy clay-like soil, work it to become more pliable and free-draining.

Plan for Canopy and Dappled Shade

Veggies and summer flowers love 6 hours of sunlight, while other plants enjoy dappled light or a gentle tree canopy. Planting a tree canopy serves a dual purpose - established roots hold the ground steady, handling water run-off, while taller plants absorb excess water, offering cool shade on hot days.

Making the Right Plant Choices

Consider water-absorbing plants such as Oi oi, Banana, Tree Ferns, and certain Flaxes. For drought-resistant options, go for Olive and Bay trees or Grevillea, as well as various Grasses.