Make your garden greener with less water

Meet Craig from Pro North Plumbing.

Craig from Pro North Plumbing is not only a plumber, but he is also an expert in all things irrigation! He mostly installs new irrigation for residential properties but likes to get stuck in with doing irrigation repairs too. He recommends keeping a good eye on your irrigation nozzles to ensure they are flowing well and the way you want them to. 

Having lived in Darwin since 2014, when Craig isn't found in a garden, he will probably be fishing!

“Gardens are just wonderful places to be, always changing with the seasons.”

What is your favourite part about what you do?

I enjoy helping people make their gardens greener for less water.

What is your favourite plant and why?

Sisal. Growing up in Africa, we planted it to keep the elephants out of the garden.

What is your best tip for a water efficient garden in the dry season?

Water with the appropriate pattern in terms of days and time for each of your zones. Keep an eye on your irrigation nozzles to ensure they are flowing well and the way you want them to.

What is your best tip for a water efficient garden in the build up?

Be proactive with your irrigation. Some areas will get a big storm and some will miss the rain. If there is a good rain, then turn off your irrigation as you'll tend to waste it. Getting through this time is easier when you remember there is lots of rain on the way and it turns green all on its own when that happens.

What is your best tip for the garden in the wet season?

Cut back what you need to before the growing season comes along, so you can really enjoy the benefits of 1600mm or so of rain in five months.

How long have you been in the industry?

I've been in the industry for 10 years.

What is your area of expertise?

I install new irrigation to residential particularly, but also repair irrigation. As a licensed plumber I enjoy the challenges of irrigation as well.

What are your qualifications?

I'm a licensed plumber, and a licensed residential building practitioner. I've continued to learn and pick up certificates along the way.

How long have you lived in Darwin?

Since 2014.

What do you like most about living in Darwin?

The wide variety of fishing opportunities, right on your doorstep.

Why did you choose landscaping/gardening/irrigation as a career?

Gardens are just wonderful places to be, always changing with the seasons.

If you weren’t being an expert irrigator what would you be doing?

I'd be fishing.

Fun fact (about yourself or the team)?

I'm a footy tragic. Watch, coach, play, committee at the club.

Name one item on your bucket list?

Fishing for Black Bass in PNG.

Anything extra you would like to add about gardens that you think could benefit the community?

Have a look at the City of Darwin's recommended plantings list, it is great. There is a lot to benefit from the knowledge base that they put down. Beyond that, don't be afraid to approach your local nursery about plants. They know so much about tropical gardening, and will save you time, money and effort.