There is a smart way to keep your garden beautiful in spite of climate change and water restrictions and Queenslanders are about to find out how.

The Australian Centre for Lifestyle Horticulture (ACLH) supported by the Department of Natural Resources and Water (NRW) has launched a waterwise gardening campaign called ‘Smart Gardening - Start Gardening.'

Donald Scotts, ACLH Chairman. said if gardeners use local or drought tolerant plants, prepare the soil properly, and use mulch and alternative water sources, the garden will flourish.

"Thanks to government incentives there's no better time to get in the garden," Mr Scotts said.

"There is a long list of gardening products that are attracting government rebates."

Some of these include soils and compost, potting mix, fertilisers, soil conditioners, mulch, composting and worm farming kits , water crystals and soil wetting agents, as well as a range of drought tolerant plants.

A website has been launched at www.lifestylehort.org to provide regular updates and information about the gardening campaign and events. The website will feature information about the launch of the campaign's flagship publication, Smart Gardening for the Future.

This publication looks at a selection of gardens throughout Queensland that have been transformed by their owners to be less reliant on potable water. It features key techniques used, and a design sketch so that novice gardeners can transform their own gardens.

Irrigation specialist Mr Mark Quayle will be running public seminars for home gardeners on efficient watering practices. Mark is putting together a brochure called Your Guide to Good Garden Watering, which will also be available for download from the website.