Great question, especially with much of Australia’s east coast already sweltering through heatwave conditions in late October and with little rainfall on the horizon outside of northern regions.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), most areas have roughly equal chances of receiving above- or below-average rainfall in the coming months[i]. However, both days and nights are expected to be warmer than usual across much of the country.

Recent warm, dry conditions have left soils parched across much of Victoria, New South Wales, and southern Queensland, meaning green thumbs will need to rely on sprinklers to keep gardens in top shape, especially for those offering their properties for sale between now and the end of summer.

A waterwise garden is surprisingly easy to create, and by selecting plants suited to our warmer climate, you’ll notice a drop in watering needs once they’re established.

Consider hardy natives such as Coastal Rosemary (Westringia fruticosa), grevilleas, banksias, and bottlebrushes, as well as hardy options like our favourite agapanthus, which features blue, purple, or white bell-shaped flowers in summer — all of which thrive in dry conditions. Other resilient favourites include lavender and salvias, while succulents like agaves are another excellent option, storing water in their fleshy leaves and requiring minimal upkeep.

It also helps to group plants with similar water needs together, ensuring they each receive just the right amount of moisture.

Mulching reduces water evaporation by up to 70%

Whatever your plant choices happen to be, be sure to consider mulching around them. Mulching can help reduce evaporation by up to 70%[ii] and protect your soil from drying out. There are also different types of mulch to consider.

Pine bark, pebbles, and even recycled concrete or brick make durable mulch options that help suppress weeds and keep the soil cool. For best results, apply them to a depth of 5–7 cm. Wood chips are another great waterwise option that also help control weeds and should be laid about 2.5–5 cm deep.

Water during early morning or late afternoon

This might sound obvious, but watering with a hose or sprinkler are the most water-intensive gardening activities. To make watering more efficient, aim to use your hose or sprinkler before the sun gets too hot in the early morning, or later in the afternoon when temperatures start to cool and evaporation is lower. Watering less frequently but more deeply also encourages plants to send roots further into the soil, helping them better withstand the hot, dry conditions of an Aussie summer.

Finally, if you have enough space in the backyard and your budget permits, consider installing a rainwater tank. This measure will allow you to maintain a healthy garden that uses less mains water, and if you’re selling, it could be the extra touch that helps win over potential cost-conscious buyers.

If you’re preparing to sell, ask your local Raine & Horne agent for more water-smart tips for keeping your garden green this summer.

[i] https://www.bom.gov.au/video/long-range-forecast-first-look-november-2025-to-january-2026

[ii] https://smartwateradvice.org/how-to-save-water/garden/mulch/