Waterwise gardens

Find out how to create a waterwise garden that suits Wanneroo’s climate, including advice on plant selection, soil improvement and types of mulch.

Creating a waterwise garden

Waterwise gardens use hardy plants, improved soils, mulch and thoughtful design to reduce water use while still looking beautiful. They are well suited to Perth’s climate and help support local biodiversity.

Water Corporation’s Waterwise initiative provides detailed information on creating gardens that thrive in local conditions. This includes checklists, planting guides, design ideas, soil improvement advice and verge landscaping tips.

To find out more, visit the following pages on Water Corporation’s website:


Designing your garden

Please find more information below to assist in designing your garden to combat drought and fire.

Firewise information 

Waterwise species list

Planning a waterwise verge?

Verge gardens must comply with the City's verge requirements, including maximum plant height restrictions to maintain visibility and safety. Before planting, please refer to the Nature strip (verge) treatment

Mulch and mulch alternatives

Mulch and mulch alternatives create permeable coverings that help retain soil moisture. A mulch layer of 5–10cm is recommended, keeping about 5cm of space around plant stems.

Important: Rubble-style mulch alternatives can be a sustainable option, but they are not permitted as a verge treatment in the City of Wanneroo.

White crushed brick:

  • Provides a clean, modern aesthetic.

  • Is durable and long lasting.

  • Suppresses weeds due to its density.

  • Reduces maintenance.

  • Is suitable for Firewise gardens.


white crushed brick

Red crushed brick:

  • Is made from recycled bricks and building materials.

  • Offers a rustic, natural look.

  • Is durable and withstands foot traffic.

  • Breaks down slowly.

  • Works well in courtyards and firewise gardens.


Red crushed brick

A gabion is a rectangular wire mesh container filled with stones or recycled building materials.

Gabions:

  • Are strong, durable and visually striking.

  • Allow water to flow through while stabilising slopes.

  • Can create habitat for small reptiles.

  • Flexible design for us in landscaping.

The gabions at Rocca Way are filled with uncrushed building materials also used in the red crushed brick mulch alternative.

Gabions

Environmental risks of artificial grass

Artificial grass is often perceived as a low-maintenance landscaping option; however, it can have environmental drawbacks. Artificial turf may release microplastics and other chemicals into the environment, provides little to no cooling benefit and can reach extremely high surface temperatures during hot weather. 

These elevated temperatures can increase the risk of burns from direct contact and contribute to the urban heat island effect. It may also require regular cleaning to remove debris, pet waste and other contaminants. Consider using mulch, native groundcovers or drought-tolerant planting as sustainable alternatives for a waterwise garden.

Rocca Way demonstration garden

When you come into Rocca Way in the Wanneroo Town Centre, you can view a selection of waterwise plants and mulch on display in a demonstration garden and learn about some great waterwise choices for your own garden.

The featured plants have been chosen because they are perfectly suited to the local environment and are great options for residents.

Waterwise trees

A demonstration garden has been set up in Rocca Way to showcase a selection of waterwise trees suited to Wanneroo's conditions.

Spring wattle plant
Pink blossom flowers of the Silver Princess
Spring wattle plant

Silver Princess

Silver Princess are waterwise, beautifully ornamental and provide a great food source for native birds.

  • Common name: Silver Princess.
  • Botanical name: Eucalyptus caesia.
  • Mature height: 6–8m.
  • Mature width: 3–4m.
  • Likes: Sunny, hot conditions and well-drained soil.

A small tree with silver hanging branches, grey/bluish-green leaves and brown bark coated in a layer of silver dust. It produces large pink-red flowers in winter and spring which transition to silver gum nuts.

Red flowers of the Kings Park Special
Spring wattle plant

Kings Park Special

KPS are waterwise, can be pruned to shape after flowering and provide a great food source for nectar-loving native birds, bees and butterflies.

  • Common name: Kings Park Special.
  • Botanical name: Callistemon citrinus.
  • Mature height: 3–5m.
  • Mature width: 3–4m.
  • Likes: Sunny, hot conditions and well-drained soil.

A compact bottlebrush with bright red flowers in spring and autumn, attracting nectar-loving birds, bees and butterflies.

Unopened flowers buds of a Coral Gum
Spring wattle plant

Coral Gum

Once established, Coral Gums are waterwise, beautifully ornamental and provide a great food source and habitat for native birds.

  • Common name: Coral Gum.
  • Botanical name: Eucalyptus torquata.
  • Mature height: 6–8m.
  • Mature width: 5m.
  • Likes: Sunny, hot conditions and well-drained soil

An attractive small tree with grey/bluish-green leaves and unusually shaped red buds developing into reddish-pink flowers that hang from reddish stems from August to December.

Yellow flowers of a Coast Banksia
Spring wattle plant

Coast Banksia

Coast Banksia are waterwise, beautifully ornamental and provide a great food source for native birds.

  • Common name: Coast Banksia.
  • Botanical name: Banksia integrifolia.
  • Mature height: 4–15m.
  • Mature width: 1–6m.
  • Likes: Sunny, hot conditions and well-drained soil.

A slow-growing tree with leathery dark green leaves that are silver underneath and large yellow flowers in autumn through spring. These flowers are nectar rich and wildlife attracting.

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