What's the right mulch to use?

In Perth for some reason there are people who promote the use of black mulch for their amenity gardens. This is not the recommended waterwise practice. It is better to use a chunky mulch, such as pine bark, which allows water to quickly soak through to the soil below. Many of the dark, fine mulches actually absorb the water. Not only this but I believe the dark colour is not going to keep the mulch as cool as a lighter coloured low-density mulch like chunky woodchips. Even pebbles would work well, having the added benefit of condensing water from the air in the wee hours of the morning, providing a little water in dry environments. However, many of these pebbles are sourced in a very unsustainable manner.
Vegetable gardens are treated differently as they use mulch more quickly, receiving more regular water. For vegetables use a layer of weed-free straw or hay (best being lucerne or pea-hay) if there are large gaps between plants or sprinkle manure or mulching compost on there occasionally during the growth season. It will get broken down by the higher level of biological activity. Ideally the whole of the soil surface is covered with some small herbs or low growing veges to protect the soil surface. It depends on whether you grow veges in tidy rows or untidy clumps. Both have their merits.

Put plants with similar water needs together.

Placing plants with similar water needs together means that you can look after the tender ones a bit more closely while letting the tough ones cope in their drier areas.
This is a simple measure to take for reducing water use in gardens but it is not often repeated to the public gardener. In my work I find that if people have reticulation in their gardens then everything gets the same amount whether it needs it or not. They just water because its easy. When I suggest they turn off a section I get a look of surprise, "Oh, but thats too hard!"
With a little planning and consideration of plant water needs you can pretty much ignore sections of the garden. Tough, drought tolerant plants actually prefer not to be watered too often. They will go soft and can rot if given too much.
For instance, keep all the succulents and cactus in the sunniest areas, so they can be watered once a week or fortnight, or even less. In another area place all your vegetable and herbs; these need much more water so they should also be near the tap if possible so you see them and remember to look after them better.
Many plants once established over one summer will survive on little or no summer watering, especially if the plants are shading the ground beneath them. Allowing leaf litter to build up is great as leaves will break down and feed the soil.
Grouping pots is another time where similar watern needs is important. Some things need a lot, so keep the pots sheltered from strong sunlight to keep the soil and roots cool. Sturdy desert plants, such as agaves and yuccas, seem to make good lone pot plants that can be neglected.

Reuse sink water.
Plants that are nearest the kitchen can be given water from rinsing or from cold water collected while waiting for the hot washing water.

Ugh, cockroaches.

Why do the gross things hang out on my kitchen? I'm not a slob, there's not a lot of food lying around. They just completely gross me out. They lurk in the cutlery drawer, pooing and leaving egg cases in there with the knives and forks, which are clean, so why are they in there? There's nothing to eat. Yuck. I'm good with most little critters and I'm certainly not scared of them but they are disgusting. One of the few insects I can't abide. I'd take leeches, warthogs or tarantulas over cockroaches any day. I even like their cousins, the preying mantis family.. Lovely crowd, but not cockies.
The sticky traps I spent good money on are useless; they can escape from them, and I don't want to use toxic chemicals in my kitchen, or anywhere for that matter. Tea tree oil kept them out of the drawer for, awww, one day, say, so that's no use. Orange citrus cleaner slows them down , not sure if it kills them though - that's the most nasty product in my house. The frogs try to keep up, but they can only eat a certain number and there's hundreds more outside.

Edit: 26th Dec. I noticed they drown quickly after a rapid swim about in the manky dishwashing water that we have in the sink or compost bucket. As long as the water has a bit of oil or detergent in it, that seems to kill the little beggars pretty quickly.

Organic Growers Association Fremantle.

This is a group of gardeners who like to use organic and sustainable practices in their gardens to grow their own produce. They have guest speakers and do garden visits. Drop them a line at ogafreo@yahoo.com.au or call Maggie on 0412 836 777.
The group gathers on the second Thursday of each month.

Mulch where you prune.

When you do a small amount of pruning, it's a good idea to leave the bits where you chop them. Make them a bit smaller so they'll break down sooner, but leave them where they are as mulch and a bit of habitat for little critters like beetles that help your garden stay healthy.