Wetlands are a critical part of our natural environment. They protect our shores from wave action, reduce the impacts of floods, absorb pollutants and improve water quality. They provide habitat for animals and plants and many contain a wide diversity of life, supporting plants and animals that are found nowhere else.
What are wetlands?
Wetlands are areas of land where water covers the soil – all year or just at certain times of the year. They include:
- swamps, marshes
- billabongs, lakes, lagoons
- saltmarshes, mudflats
- mangroves, coral reefs
- bogs, fens, and peatlands.
Wetlands may be natural or artificial and the water within a wetland may be static or flowing, fresh, brackish or saline. There are even underground wetlands.
Why are wetlands important?
Wetlands are a critical part of our natural environment. They protect our shores from wave action, reduce the impacts of floods, absorb pollutants and improve water quality. They provide habitat for animals and plants and many contain a wide diversity of life, supporting plants and animals that are found nowhere else.Wetlands provide an important range of environmental, social and economic services. Many wetlands are areas of great natural beauty and many are important to Aboriginal people.Wetlands also provide important benefits for industry. For example, they form nurseries for fish and other freshwater and marine life and are critical to Australia’s commercial and recreational fishing industries.Wetlands are the vital link between land and water.
A Water feature offers something for everyone:
- An oasis of tranquility to which you can retreat from the stress of everyday life.
- The sound of moving water to wash away worries and calm the nerves. The visual excitement of spilling, cascading, and rippling water.
- The intriguing dance of nature among the plants, insects, birds, and other wildlife attracted to the water through the seasons.
- The pleasure of watching darting ornamental fish and hearing the peaceful songs of frogs.
- The magical presence of water running through the garden that draws you to sit outdoors to watch or putter.
- A centre of activity for viewing, sharing and learning for people of all ages.
Rock Garden:
If your property has a slope dotted with interesting or weathered rock formations, you have an ideal spot for a rock garden. If nature hasn’t provided you with the ideal location, all you need is a few loads of topsoil and some rocks. Rock gardens are designed to use a small space to recreate images of rugged mountain landscapes. Think of your rock garden as a collection of potted plants, and tend them accordingly. Loosen the soil in each area occasionally with a small garden fork. Most rock plants do well in poor soil, but the occasional addition of manure or compost will give them a boost. Routine care will include cutting back any leggy plants after flowering, clipping off dead portions, and dividing any plants that become root-bound or too large for its space. Check for insects and diseases regularly. Slugs may be especially pesky because they enjoy the shelter found among the rocks. Never let weeds grow in the nooks and crannies, they will easily crowd out plants in small areas.