Artist Hailun Zhou works on her plein air painting at the Vallecitos Sustainable Demonstration Garden. Photo: Vallecitos Water DistrictArtists Share Vallecitos Water District Sustainable Garden Through Artwork
Since its opening in 2010, the Vallecitos Water District Sustainable Demonstration Garden has become a well-rounded resource for the community. Originally designed by Palomar College Environmental Architecture and Design students and developed largely through donations from area businesses and community organizations, the demonstration garden offers multiple features to educate and inspire people to adopt their own sustainable practices.
Recently, a talented group of North County-based plein air painters visited the Sustainable Demonstration Garden to create artwork depicting the garden’s beauty and showcasing its sustainable practices.
Plein air artist Kathy Fortenberry paints palm trees at the Vallecitos Sustainable Demonstration Garden. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Group leader Lorraine Marie Cote says plein air painters are artists who create their work outdoors in the natural environment. “It gives us an opportunity to introduce our viewers of the artwork to the world around us in an authentic way,” explained Cote.
Cote says the group wasn’t aware of the garden. “As an artist, I didn’t know, and even as a community member, this garden existed until one of our members connected with the district. It was really kind of Vallecitos to invite us out,” said Cote.See an interview with Cote.
Learn more about the artists’ work at the garden.
Sustainable Demonstration Garden Becomes Community Gathering Place
In 2013, the garden was recognized as a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation and a Certified Earth-Friendly Garden by the Master Gardeners Association of San Diego County. The garden was named an Ocean Friendly Garden by the Surfrider Foundation in 2017.
In 2023, Vallecitos installed a Little Free Library stocked with various garden books to inspire residents to adopt a water-wise garden lifestyle. In 2024, Vallecitos partnered with the San Diego Audubon Society to create a California Native Plant Seed Library to ensure the region’s botanical heritage remains intact for future generations and supports bird species, pollinators, and other wildlife.
“As artists, we do have an opportunity to showcase our environment, to show everyone the beauty of it, and hopefully inspire everybody to want to contribute to keeping it beautiful and keeping it sustainable, and if we can help with education in any way, then that’s what we want to do,” explained Cote.
“As homeowners, we also care about our gardens, and seeing this demonstration garden gives me some ideas for my own home about what I can do and how it can still be beautiful while being very water conscious,” added Cote.
Sustainable Garden Grows As Resource
A closer look at Kathy Fortenberry’s plein air artwork. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
“It’s rewarding to see the garden become a gathering place for the community. Whether someone visits to learn about native plants, borrow a book, collect seeds, or paint outdoors, the garden offers opportunities to connect with both nature and one another,” said Chris Robbins, Public Information/Conservation Supervisor with the Vallecitos Water District.
“The artists captured something we see every day in the garden — the beauty that emerges when native plants, wildlife, and sustainable water practices come together. Their work helps tell that story in a unique and meaningful way.”
Cote invites local artists to join the Tuesday plein-air painting group via her social media or website.
The Sustainable Garden is located in San Marcos and is open for visits and guided tours. Click here for more information, email, or contact the Vallecitos Water District Conservation Department at (760) 744-0460.
