In
general the irrigation of a garden or landscape is achieved by the use of
two main product groups: Pop up sprinklers for lawns and drip/low volume products
for planted areas such as borders, flower beds, pots and baskets.
To cater for every size of project there is a comprehensive range of choices
in each product group, all providing accurate, efficient performance.
Automatic Control
Regardless of the size of your irrigation system, automated
control will ensure that you are able to apply the optimum amount of water
to a specific area, at a specific time. This will ensure that your system
is water efficient and gives excellent results.
The controllers used to automate your irrigation system can vary from a basic
tap mounted, battery powered unit for small low volume systems, to mains powered
multi-zone controllers in conjunction with underground solenoid valves for
medium to large systems.
LOW VOLUME & DRIP IRRIGATION
With a correctly designed system, low volume and drip irrigation
products deliver the right amount of water direct to the root zone of plants
which eliminates run off, over watering and evaporation, thereby offering
the most effective and economical use of water.
Water applied in this way also inhibits plant disease and weed growth as surplus
water is kept to an absolute minimum.
DRIPLINE
This 16mm tubing is laid on the surface of planted areas
(approx. 50cm - 75cm apart depending on soil type). The tubing has emitters
factory fitted on the inside of the pipe, these emitters are pressure compensating
and self flushing. These features result in the dripline being able to maintain
a constant flow rate from each dripper over its entire length and it has a
long service life. When installed the dripline is very discreet, although
many customers cover it with mulch, which makes it virtually invisible. Dripline
is ideally suited for low maintenance gardens.
EMITTERS/DRIPPERS
For pots and baskets pressure compensating drippers are
used. These are positioned at the base of the planting and ensure that water
is applied evenly. They are available in differing flow rates so that they
can be selected according to requirements. They are generally attached to
a hidden main supply line by a length of 6mm tubing to ensure that there is
little or no visual impact.
LOW
VOLUME SPRAYS
There is a wide selection of different mini sprays and
they all have a low flow rate. They have a very fine spray and are positioned
on 6” or 12” risers. The minisprays are positioned within a planted
area and are capable of applying water either over or under the planting canopy.
The number required in a particular area will depend on the density of the
planting. Each minispray is connected to a supply line positioned at the back
of the border by a length of 6mm tubing. This enables the sprays to be moved
for better coverage or for border maintenance.
The capillary action of the soil allows water to spread
horizontally beneath the surface helping to maintain the optimum balance of
water and air. This gives stunning results in the take up, appearance and
general health of planted areas, pots and baskets.
POP-UP
SYSTEMS
Pop up sprinklers are the only professional and effective
way of watering grass areas. The sprinklers are installed below ground and
pop up out of the ground when the water supply is switched on. When the cycle
is complete they return to ground level out of sight and harm’s way.
Pop up sprinklers do generally require a greater flow and
pressure of water and it is normally necessary to install a storage tank and
booster pump to ensure the effective operation on medium to large systems.
A professionally designed system with a booster pump offers
many added benefits as you are not restricted by the varying pressure and
low flow of the domestic supply.
Pop up sprinklers can also be used for border and planted
areas if required.
These systems should be drained down in the autumn. It is advisable for clients
to take out a service contract on systems where a pump assembly is installed.