Waterwise Garden at AREC site, Mudgee

The Waterwise Garden was planted some years ago by the Mudgee Urban Landcare group and is maintained by some of the members. The aim is to demonstrate how to have a waterwise garden. Gardens don't have to be a blaze of shortlived colour to be attractive. Drought tolerant plants come in a variety of leaf form and colour, so with careful placement of plants the garden can look interesting all year round. As many of these plants are natives, an added bonus is attracting more birds to your garden. As well as choice of plants, mulching is a key technique to reduce water use.

In addition plants can be "trained" or conditioned to be slightly more drought tolerant by slowly decreasing the amount of water. Australian grasses should also be considered as they make good lawns and can look attractive in rockeries. Not only are they waterwise but also they are "clumpers" rather than "runners" so there isn't the constant struggle of keeping them out of the garden beds. As regular gardens can account for 25% of domestic water, a waterwise garden an greatly reduce water bills. In addition the reduction in the amount of water going into the ground will help with Mudgee's salinity problem.

Revegetation for Biodiversity, Railway Reserve, Mudgee

In October 2001 a group of urban landcarers began planting at the Railway Reserve in Mudgee. Locals were using the vacant block of land as an illegal tip and it was an unsightly mess. A peppercorn lease was organised, the sight cleaned up and planting began. Local native species were used and already the birds are coming back. On going maintenance in terms of watering, mowing and weeding is being done by a dedicated group of volunteers.

To date more than 1,000 trees, shrubs and grasses have been planted. Species include: Acacia buxifolia, A. decora, A. genistifolia, A vestita, A. dealbata, A. paradoxa, A. verniciflua, Angophora floribunda, Brachychiton populneus, Callistemon sp., Casuarina cunninghamiana, Dianella revolute, Eucalyptus albens, E. Blakleyi, E Melliodora, Lomandra Longafolia and Melaleuca decussata.

At this stage no more plantings are planned as the railways do not wish the site to be fully revegetated in case a freight terminal should be erected some time in the (distant?) future. However maintenance days still occur so if you would like to become involved in this project contact Wendy Arnott on 6372 6906.

Other ongoing projects

• AREC Waterwise garden
• Railway Reserve
• Community Garden at AREC with the Scouts (Joeys, Cubs, Scouts)
• Various Field Days