Around The Garden
There are many things you can do in and around your garden to help the environment including:
- Being water wise;
- Reducing your use of fertilisers and pesticides;
- Removing weed species, especially before they set seed;
- Planting local native plants;
- Mulching your garden; and
- Planting to reduce heat in summer and increase warmth in winter.
Winter Sprinkler Ban
Permanent winter sprinkler bans apply to all scheme and bore water users in
Perth, Mandurah and some parts of the
South West, from 1 June to 31 August each year.
- During last year's sprinkler ban over 45 million litres of water were saved each day.
- Hand-held watering and maintenance testing of bores is still permitted, but anyone using their sprinklers between June and August risks a $100 fine.
Remember to check the batteries in your automatic irrigation system. In a power black-out, if the battery is not charged, the settings revert to the factory settings and your sprinklers may turn on. A malfunctioning irrigation controller is not an excuse for not complying with your allocated watering days or times!
For more information, visit the Department of Water
Local Government and the Winter Sprinkler Ban
During winter, Local Governments operate sprinkler systems to maintain active sporting areas and keep irrigation systems in working order. This ensures these areas are kept to a high standard and are safe to be enjoyed by the public.
Gardening to Reduce Energy Consumption
You can create a garden that makes your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
To find out how, attend a Great Gardens Workshop in your area and learn about great ways to decrease your energy bills.
What Bird Is That?
Do you often see birds making themselves at home in your backyard garden, or flying around when you visit your local bushland area?
Having trouble identifying them?
Then you will find the new City of Joondalup publication 'Birds of the City of Joondalup' a great resource to help you identify the variety of birds living in your local area.
The attached Guide lists a number of species found in the City of Joondalup area (coastal, bushland and wetland areas) along with detailed descriptions and colour illustrations to help you recognise each bird. A map of the City's larger natural areas is also included so you can get out and explore today!
Printed brochure versions of the Guide are available upon request or from City libraries and Customer Service Centres.
