* Grow day lilies in large drifts, as a ground cover or in a mixed border. Their arching foliage looks good near a water feature or among ornamental grasses. Use single colours in large sweeps for impact, or in smaller groups to add colour where needed.
* Very few soils are perfect, so it makes sense to spend a generous amount on compost and fertiliser.
* Not every garden has room for a swimming pool, but you can still enjoy the sounds of water as it falls from a fountain or cascades from a series of small fibreglass pools. A grinding stone or a birdbath will also provide entertainment for the homeowner.
* For a colourful autumn garden, scatter seeds or plant seedlings of pink, white and maroon cosmos. The gold and orange single and semi-double cosmos are more compact and mix well with other flowers of similar colouring.
* Waterwise perennial Gaura lindheimeri requires full sun and composted soil. Its butterfly-like pink and white blooms on tall, thin stems add lightness in a border. Roots are easily damaged, so divide only when necessary. - Saturday Star