A new booklet encourages ACT residents to do up their gardens with water features, shrubs and accent plants in order to get the best out of extreme weather caused by climate change.
A climate wise garden "should respond to the challenge of climate change by providing a cool, comfortable environment in summer and sheltered, sunny spaces for winter," the manual designed by landscape architect Edwina Robinson, and published by the Suburban Land Agency reads.
Ms Robinson said climate conscious gardens were designed to incorporate "water features, lots of irrigation to get water into the ground at a plant's roots, lots of layers of plants, and choosing species for a hotter, drier future."
Reducing hard surfaces in the garden is also beneficial, "so we have more permeable surfaces, so water can go into the ground."
COVID-19 NEWS:
-
Canberra hospitality venues back mandatory vaccines for staff, patrons
- Vaccine hesitancy in eyes of ACT government
- Barr hopes ACT vaccination levels get 'into the 90s' this year
The booklet also advises on garden landscaping for those with little time to tend to their greens, as well as residents who want to grow their own fruit, vegetables and herbs.
ACT Minister for Housing and Suburban Development Yvette Berry said the booklet would help individuals and the broader community.
"Particularly over the last couple of summers and winters that we've experienced where there's extreme temperature, lots of wet, cold winters, and hot, really hot summers, planning the plants that can cope with that," she said.
"It keeps our city cooler, but also encourages people to get out more into the garden, which is also great for mental health as well."
