CATCH THE RAIN: SHAPE THE SOIL

Unless you are in one of the rare places with too much water and poor drainage, plant establishment and growth will almost always benefit from directing rainwater to the root zone. This is especially important on slopes. Shape soil to create a small dam or bowl around the plant, with the hollow being about the size the plant canopy will be in year two or three. If you get heavy rain, it’s a good idea to plant into a small mound within the soil dam. Rocks can be used to stabilise loose sand and soil that won’t stay in place by itself.

If your site has large rocks or slopes, look out for microsites that may be dryer or wetter as a result of water movement, and select plants accordingly.