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  Green Fingers

Frequently Asked Questions
 
If you have a question or need some advice please contact us and one of our experienced staff will get back to you.
 
Q. We already have an area of turf in our backyard and we would like to replace it. Is it feasible to lay new turf while our yard is being landscaped? And if so, what are our best options?
A. Yes, you can lay new turf but due to current water restrictions, watering options are limited.  A small area can be adequately watered using grey water or tank-water. The amount of water needed will reduce as the turf becomes established. Warm season running grasses, such as Buffalo, Kikuyu and Couch require less water to stay green in summer than cool season clumping grasses such as Fescue and Rye.
 


Q. How do we make sure that our garden gets the water it needs?
A. There are a number of ways to water your garden. The simplest is hand watering, however we recommend more water efficient methods such as an automated drip irrigation system. There are three ways of supplying water to your irrigation system; mains tank or grey water. Using mains water you can only water two days a week on council specified days. Using tank or grey water you can water whenever necessary, depending on your supply, but usually only two or three days a week is necessary.
 

 
Q. With drier weather, what are some suitable plant options?
A. There are many plant options available that still offer attractive features but require less water.  There is a wide range of native plants available in most nurseries. If you are after something with more colour many cottage plants require little water once they are established. Although, you can train many other plants to become drought tolerant by watering for longer periods less often. 
 
Q. We would like to build a retaining wall in our garden. What are the different types of materials available?
A. The two main materials for retaining walls are timber sleepers and bricks or concrete blocks. The most common timber sleepers are treated pine and red gum. Treated pine sleepers can be stained or painted to give a more finished look whereas red gum sleepers give a more rustic look. There is a wide range of colours and textures available for brick or concrete block retaining walls. The advantage of these is that you are able to coordinate it more easily with your existing structures. 
 
 
Thanks for sending in your questions and please keep them coming!

- DTE Team