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Australia's current severe drought

By Todd Layt

It's Australia and it's about the worst drought in history. In times like this even our toughest plants like Callistemon, Lomandra and Dianella may need a helping hand. On dry roadsides and median strips there are some things that can be done to ensure survival through this toughest of times.

1) When preparing the soils for these tough spots, put extra money into making sure they are good quality and do not become hydrophobic. Use a good chunky mulch at least 50mm deep.

2) Use a wetting agent each spring with a water truck.

3) This drought has been the worst yet, and it is the driest our roadsides have ever been. In times like this a water each 6 weeks from a water truck will ensure the plants survive.

4) Do not panic. The drought will shrivel and brown plants like Lomandra and Dianella and send them dormant, but when the rain comes back most will re-shoot, minus the weeds which have died. Other types of plants may find it a bit harder, as they do go dormant.

5) This happens all too often. When a section of plants die on a roadside, do not assume it is the plants. Too often we see the site replanted with another type of plant 2 to 3 times, only for them to die. Usually it is the soil, or other horticultural reasons. Check those out first.