Landscape & Urban Design Issue 39 2019 | Page 49

GARDEN DESIGN The general categories of micro irrigation devices available Generally, all types of micro irrigation, when correctly to the landscape gardener meet the 2 LPH to 120 LPH applied are efficient in watering. It should be noted that requirements: during hose pipe bans, micro irrigation sprays are exempt Type Fixed Flow Drip (Pinch™, CETA®, Asta®, Midi Drip™) General Operation Provides a consistent point source flow rate e.g. 2, 4, or 8 lph are common. Uses Native plants with lower water usage requirements. Type Adjustable Flow Drip (Shrubbler®) General Operation Provides flow and coverage adjustment by turning the top from 0 to 50 lph. Covers an area with the streams of up to 0.8m diameter. Uses General garden use where plants water requirements may vary over time. Type Adjustable Bubbler (Mini Bubbler) General Operation Provides flow and coverage adjustment by turning the top from 0 to 120 lph. Covers an area of up to 0.5m Dia. Uses Good where deep watering is required. Often used for citrus, stone fruits and larger trees. Type Micro Sprays Adjustable (Vari-Jets™) from restriction as well as drip, so long as a timer is used. This is something that should be considered for local water restrictions when they are next applied. Authorities generally restrict the watering windows to a reduced number of days per week. An adjustable micro irrigation system means the application rate can be tuned to enable efficient watering within the available time window. As an irrigation professional when providing advice to gardeners it is important to offer product that is fit for purpose for their gardens as well as recommending the appropriate ancillary equipment such as pressure regulators and filters at the start of the systems. There are benefits in providing adjustable micro irrigation watering devices to landscape gardens: • Water application can be “tuned” to individual plant or micro climate zone requirements. • Varying application rates to suit soil conditions. • The watering coverage of sprays improves the look and feel of the garden. • The system can be varied over time to suit the changing needs of the garden. An added advantage of adjustable micro irrigation devices is that the majority of them can be viewed, dismantled and cleaned if blockages occur. The Micro Irrigation Specialists General Operation Provides a range of flows that vary from 0-100 lph. User friendly knob fitted to the base allows for adjustment. Uses Used for ground covers and flowering beds where watering down improves the aesthetics of the garden. Type Adjustable Spray 360 (Spectrum™) General Operation Provides flow and coverage adjustment by turning top from 0 to 80 lph. Covers an area of up to 4m diameter. Uses Used for ground covers and flowering beds where watering down improves the aesthetics of the garden. Putting water where it counts! ® PUT WATER WHERE IT COUNTS! www.antelco.com For further information go to www.antelco.com Issue 39 2019 Landscape & Urban Design 49