Government House Garden
Presenter: Kim Syrus
Every year over 27,000 visitors are hosted in the grounds of Government House, so keeping the five and half hectares looking as good as they do is a major job.
It may come as a surprise to know the expansive grounds are being maintained under the current level 3 water restrictions. Rather than seek an exemption, Government House has simply made some practical changes to the way they garden.
Hand watering is finished by 8am and the lawns only receive a weekly irrigation. Overhead sprinklers have been replaced with super efficient drip irrigation making sure any water is used by the plants and not wasted. Even the fountain has been turned off and planted up with a whole range of low maintenance succulents
The surrounding garden beds are gradually changing; high water use plants are being replaced with better suited varieties. New borders are being planted with low growing pittosporum and silvery wormwood. While other areas are filled with mixes of natives and exotics including echiums, sedums, cannas, abelia and grevillea.
Lawn is often hard to grow under established trees and the Government House grounds are no exception. Instead of battling to keep the turf alive and wasting water, they have simply widened the beds around the trees, leaving room for mulch and the odd bench to sit on and enjoy the scenery
Next time you are lucky enough dust off the suit and visit Government House, spend a few moments to admire the wonderful and expansive grounds, they are a proud part of the states heritage that is growing brilliantly.
Every year over 27,000 visitors are hosted in the grounds of Government House, so keeping the five and half hectares looking as good as they do is a major job.
It may come as a surprise to know the expansive grounds are being maintained under the current level 3 water restrictions. Rather than seek an exemption, Government House has simply made some practical changes to the way they garden.
Hand watering is finished by 8am and the lawns only receive a weekly irrigation. Overhead sprinklers have been replaced with super efficient drip irrigation making sure any water is used by the plants and not wasted. Even the fountain has been turned off and planted up with a whole range of low maintenance succulents
The surrounding garden beds are gradually changing; high water use plants are being replaced with better suited varieties. New borders are being planted with low growing pittosporum and silvery wormwood. While other areas are filled with mixes of natives and exotics including echiums, sedums, cannas, abelia and grevillea.
Lawn is often hard to grow under established trees and the Government House grounds are no exception. Instead of battling to keep the turf alive and wasting water, they have simply widened the beds around the trees, leaving room for mulch and the odd bench to sit on and enjoy the scenery
Next time you are lucky enough dust off the suit and visit Government House, spend a few moments to admire the wonderful and expansive grounds, they are a proud part of the states heritage that is growing brilliantly.
AS SEEN ON 
