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GREETINGS all garden lovers. I hope by now you have all recovered from hibernation. Wow! What a winter we've had. A truly soggy, but well-needed Cape Town "soak". The dams are full, but a heartfelt request: Do not waste water. I believe we really have to rethink our gardening habits. 'Oh, but indigenous plants are so boring and hard looking,' some will say. Not necessarily. Mixed plantings of waterwise plants from 'other' continents are still possible.

Just remember to group waterwise plants together. To simplify your life, also group those plants requiring TLC together.

An efficient, timed irrigation system, set for the cooler part of the day, is a good step in the right direction, preventing too much wastage due to evaporation.

Another way of conserving our most precious commodity is by good mulching.

One can use a variety of methods such as a layer of bark nuggets or compost or chipstone, or just ground covers will help to keep the roots moist. Remember, a healthy plant is a happy plant.

Feeding should be at regular intervals, either with an organic feed or a slow release fertiliser. This prevents the plants from burning as the nitrogen is released slowly eg 3:1:5 (SR) for flowering and fruiting or 3:2:1 (SR) for lawns and foliage plants.

Keep a watchful eye out for "undesirables". As soon as the "yummy" new shoots appear all manner of insects (eg aphid) will emerge, bent on depriving you of your bounty.

If you are fortunate enough to have a ladybird population, spraying insecticides will not be necessary.

If, however, you do not have these delightful little helpers, try and go "eco-friendly". There are many new safe products on the market.

Just remember, gardening is not all work and no play.

Enjoy your garden. There's nothing better than coming home after a hard day's work, making a cuppa, putting your feet up and just relaxing while soaking up the ambience. If you listen carefully, you may even hear your plants growing. Happy gardening.

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