The Water Wise message came from the National Energy Efficiency Agency yesterday, which quoted University of the Western Cape Botanical Department figures that gardens consume between 30 and 50 per cent of all domestic water during the summer – and much of it could be saved.

"It's a simple save, save, save situation. Water from the garden tap is drinkable and has gone through a series of very energy intensive processes to get it there," said Barry Bredenkamp, the National Energy Efficiency Agency's Operations Manager.

"Conserving water saves the water itself, the electricity produced by burning environmentally damaging fossil fuels, and the money in the person's back pocket.

"Gardeners are wonderfully responsive to environmental issues, and we would urge them to carefully consider their garden's water requirements and see where they can save this precious resource."

He added that rainwater and grey water harvesting systems – which capture safe but pre-used water – could be a solution for homeowners with very big gardens.

Liesl van der Walt who runs the Water Wise programme on behalf of the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) said gardens could retain their beauty and lower their water requirements with just a little consideration.

"Water Wise gardening does not equal a cactus patch.

"South Africa has some of the richest wild floral diversity on the planet, and it manages to be so without being watered every morning.

"With a few simple pointers like the ones outlined on the www.randwater.co.za website and some creativity, South African gardens can remain urban paradises," said van der Walt.

Top water wise tips include:

 Grouping plants with similar requirements in the same bed and then watering them appropriately

 Improving the soil's water retention by digging in compost and covering with a layer of mulch

 Consider replanting thin strips of lawn as flowerbeds, and putting down a grass type that does not require as much water

 Efficient irrigation – consider a drip system over sprinklers; override timers after thunderstorms and ensure nozzles don't water concrete paths.

"Water wise gardening cuts out the waste, but none of the enjoyment. South Africa's average annual rainfall is about 500mm – well below the world average of 860mm – meaning saving water must become a way of life," said van der Walt.