Water is one of our most precious natural resources, and it’s in short supply in many areas of our country. It’s important for us all to do what we can to save water, especially now that water restrictions have been imposed by the City of Cape Town.

One of the most effective ways to save water and still have a beautiful garden is to group plants with similar water requirements together. This is a principle known as 3D gardening, whereby all the plants in your garden are divided into three groups: 1-drop plants have low water requirements, 2-drop plants have medium water requirements and 3-drop plants have high water requirements.

1-Drop Plants should make up at least half of your garden. Try to group them at the back of the garden and in areas which dry out easily due to wind exposure, or because they are north or west-facing. The 1-drop zone of your garden should be filled with waterwise plants that require very little watering once they are established. Examples of suitable plants include lampranthus, acacia, agapanthus, gazanias, lavender, felicias, abelias and buddleja.

2-Drop Plants should take up about one third of your garden. This area of your garden should typically be filled with shrubs like red pot poker, cupheas, durantas and nandinas. They will cope well with being watered once a week in summer, and less frequently in winter.

3-Drop Plants should be placed where they are most prominent, such as entrance ways and along pathways. They should make up no more than 20% of your garden, but should be placed in such a way that they have the maximum effect. These plants will need to be watered 2-3 times per week in summer and about once a week in winter. Examples include azaleas, camellias, fuchsias and roses. Try planting these plants in containers – then it is easy to move them around and group them together for watering purposes.