EMERGIVAC is there for you 24/7 with benefits that includes help in emergencies, armed response, access to trained nurses through a medical advice line, and roadside and household assistance. But our commitment to the health, well-being and safety of South Africans extends beyond medical emergencies and insurance. We recognise the importance of a healthy lifestyle and a healthy environment. 

Gardening is a wonderful way to connect with nature and improve your health and well-being. Did you know that gardening has been linked to increased longevity and overall well-being? 

Studies have shown that spending time gardening, connecting with nature, and eating home-grown produce all have a positive impact on your health. Gardening is also remarkably beneficial for mental health as it provides a therapeutic escape from the stresses of life. It’s also a great interest and activity for families to enjoy together!

Embracing Water-Wise Gardening in South Africa

In water-stressed South Africa, it’s important to do our gardening responsibly and sustainably. South Africa’s harsh climate and frequent droughts make water-wise gardening essential. 

By choosing drought-tolerant plants, implementing efficient irrigation techniques, and practising smart gardening habits, you can create a beautiful and sustainable garden that thrives even in dry conditions.

Tips for Water-Wise Gardening

Choose the Right Plants: 

Look for drought-resistant species that can handle South Africa’s climate, like many of our indigenous species and succulents. These include our spekboom, statice, salvias, osteospermum daisies, aloes with their nectar-rich blooms, agapanthus, wild olive, and the tough Cape honeysuckle, to mention but a few. All these are also magnets for birds, bees and butterflies!

Mulch, Mulch, Mulch: 

Mulching helps retain moisture in the ground, keeps down weeds, and regulates soil temperature. Materials you can use include leaves, straw, bark chippings and compost. Grass-cuttings are best avoided as they tend to compact too much; rather put them on your compost heap to break down. 

Be Water Wise: 

Use drip irrigation or micro-irrigation systems to deliver water directly to the roots of your plants, minimising water waste. Harvesting rainwater from your roof into tanks is a wonderful way to lessen your consumption of municipal water.

Group Plants by Their Water Needs: 

Create zones in your garden for plants with similar water requirements, making irrigation more efficient.

Maintain Your Garden: 

Regular weeding, pruning, and natural pest control will help your garden stay healthy and productive.

Consider Having a Smaller Lawn: 

Though we South Africans traditionally love our water-guzzling lawns, there are other options! Shaded areas, (where lawn battles to thrive in any case), can be paved, gravelled or mulched. There are also a multitude of lovely groundcovers you can plant instead of lawn. These include creeping foxglove, emerald fern, hen and chickens, and fairy crassula for shady areas. Lobster flower, pelargonium, Natal sour fig, arctotis, white mountain vygie, gazanias and silver carpet are ideal for sunny areas. Indigenous lawn grasses like Berea will also need less water.

Join EMERGIVAC to Enjoy Our Household Assist Benefit and So Much More

Just as water-wise gardening helps protect your environment, EMERGIVAC’s wide range of benefits helps to protect you and your loved ones. By investing in EMERGIVAC’s comprehensive medical insurance, you’re taking a vitally important proactive step to safeguard the health and safety of your family.

And just as you look after your water-wise garden, our household assist benefit will help you look after your family’s home! Imagine a burst pipe in the middle of the night, a sudden power outage, or a broken appliance throwing your whole routine into disarray. With EMERGIVAC, you don’t have to worry. 

Our 24/7 household assist benefit, free to all EMERGIVAC members, ensures you have expert help at your fingertips, covering the call-out fee and first-hour labour for plumbers, electricians, locksmiths, and even appliance repairs. It’s like having a handyman on call, giving you peace of mind and one less thing to stress about.

Choose EMERGIVAC today and experience the difference that comprehensive care and support can make for you and your family!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is water-wise gardening and why is it important in South Africa?

Water-wise gardening focuses on conserving water by using drought-resistant plants, efficient irrigation, and smart gardening techniques. It’s crucial in South Africa due to the country’s harsh climate and frequent droughts.

2. Which plants are best suited for water-wise gardening in South Africa?

Drought-tolerant indigenous plants like spekboom, aloes, agapanthus, and Cape honeysuckle are ideal for water-wise gardens in South Africa. These plants thrive in dry conditions and attract local wildlife.

3. How does mulching help with water-wise gardening?

Mulching helps retain soil moisture, reduces weed growth, and stabilizes soil temperature. It’s a key practice in water-wise gardening, using materials like leaves, straw, and bark chippings.

4. What are the best irrigation practices for a water-wise garden?

Use drip or micro-irrigation systems to deliver water directly to plant roots, reducing waste. Harvesting rainwater for irrigation is also a sustainable practice.

5. How can I design my garden to be more water-efficient?

Group plants with similar water needs into zones, reduce lawn areas, and use ground covers like creeping foxglove or Natal sour fig to minimize water use.

6. Can I still have a lawn in a water-wise garden?

Yes, but consider using indigenous grasses like Berea that require less water, or reduce the lawn size by incorporating paved, gravel, or mulched areas.