A triage approach similar to that which a hospital emergency department or paramedic would use might be appropriate in the garden to help determine which plants are in greatest need, and deciding which plants you are prepared to lose.

This would usually be ones that are easy to replace, such as annuals, herbs and some perennials, while well established and/or high cost plants are generally worth saving. Keeping a welcoming display at the front door is good to come home to when there is not much green around otherwise.

A simple method of saving some water for the garden is to put a bucket in the shower and a basin or bottle in the sink to collect cold water while the hot water is coming through the pipes. You can collect a bit more by keeping the bucket alongside you while you are showering.

Keep a bucket at the sink to empty pots that have water from cooking the vegies or pasta.

If you don't have a grey water system, you may be able to use an extension hose to divert the washing machine water, or a hose to siphon the bath water, onto the garden. Best to use biodegradable non-phosphate detergent.

Be diligent with weeds. Most weed seeds remain viable in the ground for many years, so collect any seed heads and bag them to prevent them escaping and creating future infestations. Weeds also use precious moisture that would be better being available to your plants!

Soils with higher organic content will hold water best. Mulch and compost are great garden friends in these times.

Order bare-rooted roses, shrubs and fruit trees if you haven't done so already

Continue preparing holes for roses and bare rooted trees you have ordered.

Harvest pumpkins when the vines are frost-killed and the skin is hard. Leave 5-10cm of the stem on and store in a cool dry place to prolong storage life.

Armidale Garden Club next meets on June 27th at 7pm in the Uniting Church Youth Club Hall and everyone is welcome.