Features Archives

The McCarters' backyard landscaping after its low-water-use makeover. Photo: Vista Irrigation District landscape design

Vista Irrigation District Selects 2024 Landscape Contest Winner

July 29, 2024/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

The Vista Irrigation District Board of Directors recognized Thomas McCarter as the district’s 2024 WaterSmart Landscape Contest winner at its July meeting.

McCarter and his wife, Alice, moved into their current residence three years ago. Upon moving in, their yard was mostly a blank slate, with a majority of the yard unplanted.

The McCarters’ backyard landscaping prior to its makeover. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Working together as a team, they began to transform their yard. Alice took charge of creating a new layout for their garden.

The McCarters’ landscape project was a labor of love. They began filling in their yard with planted areas, artfully combining succulent varieties including aloes, aeoniums, euphorbias, agaves, and various groundcovers.

Unique planter bed highlights landscape design

Rocks, decorative wood, artwork, and even a raised planter “bed” with its own headboard are included in the landscaping among the plants.

Decomposed granite pathways wind through their garden, allowing the couple to move about freely and enjoy their creation.

Rain barrels help supplement the irrigation system. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Irrigation comes from a drip system, supplemented by water collected in four rain barrels installed during the landscape project. The couple is dedicated to caring for the environment, and their ongoing landscape project reflects their commitment to sustainable living.

“It reminds us that we are walking our talk regarding healing the planet,” Thomas McCarter said of his garden. “It’s also a celebration of our marriage and working together.” Friends and neighbors also admire the McCarters’ yard when they visit.

The annual WaterSmart Landscape Contest recognizes outstanding water-wise residential landscapes based on the criteria of overall attractiveness, appropriate plant selection, design, appropriate maintenance, and efficient methods of irrigation.

“Free regional WaterSmart landscape workshops are available online and in person to assist homeowners to upgrade their home’s landscape to reduce water bills,” said Sandra Sanchez, Vista Irrigation District water conservation specialist. “Additionally, landscape equipment rebates, including those for rain barrels, are available to help with the cost.”

The Vista Irrigation District joined eleven other local agencies that held landscape contests this year, providing an opportunity to highlight residential water-wise landscapes throughout the region. Participating agencies include Vista, Helix Water District, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, Otay Water District, Padre Dam Municipal Water District, San Dieguito Water District, Sweetwater Authority, Vallecitos Water District, California American Water, Rincon Del Diablo Water District, and the cities of Escondido and Oceanside.

For more information about the contest and to see more examples of WaterSmart landscaping, visit www.landscapecontest.com . Visit the district’s website or call (760) 597-3160 to find out more about free landscape workshops and incentive programs.

Helix Water District Recognizes Top Photographers in Annual Photo Contest

July 23, 2024/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

Beautiful scenery, wildlife, and native plants are featured in this year’s winning photos in the annual Lake Jennings 2024 Photo Contest.

The contest is held annually by the Helix Water District. The District Board of Directors recognized the top photographers at its July meeting.

Adult Category winners Scott Lagace and Loraine Moreno with the Helix Water District Board. (R to L):
Director Kathleen Coates Hedberg, Board President Dan McMillan, Scott Lagace, Loraine Moreno, Director Mark Gracyk, Director Andrea Beth Damsky, and Vice President Joel Scalzitti. Photo: Helix Water District

The District runs the contest each year as a fun way to connect with its customers and recognize their achievements.

Now in its 13th year, the contest drew entries from throughout San Diego County. This year’s entries depict the beauty of Lake Jennings, considered among the region’s most scenic parks. The contest was open for photos taken between April 1 and April 30, 2024.

Youth Category Winners

“Tranquil Family of Ducks,” Aaron D’ Souza

First Place: Aaron D’ Souza, San Diego – “Tranquil Family of Ducks”

“Overcast,” Lillian Heilpern

Second Place: Lillian Heilpern, El Cajon – “Overcast”

Adult Category Winners

“A Spring Day at Lake Jennings,” Scott Lagace

First Place: Scott Lagace, Santee– “A Spring Day at Lake Jennings”

“Entre La Lluvia,” Loraine Moreno

Second Place: Loraine Moreno, La Mesa – “Entre La Lluvia”

“Mountain Reflections at Sunset,” Cindy Luna

Third Place: Cindy Luna, Maricopa, Arizona – “Mountain Reflections at Sunset”

In the Youth Category, Aaron D’Souza won $50 for his first-place photo and Lillian Heilpern won a $25 Amazon Gift Card for her photo.

In the Adult Category, Scott Lagace received $100 for his first-place finish, Loraine Moreno received a $50 Amazon Gift Card and Cindy Luna received a Lake Jennings sweatshirt and hat. All top finishers also received a Lake Jennings day-use pass good for one year.

Lake Jennings is a welcoming recreation destination located in Lakeside, California, offering fishing, camping, hiking, and picnicking activities. The lake is a drinking water reservoir owned and operated by Helix Water District. The scenic views of the lake and the wooded surroundings make it feel as if you are in the middle of the wilderness, right outside of town.

See the 2023 Photo Contest winners here.

The Palmer family's winning entry in the 2024 City of Escondido Landscape Makeover Contest. Photo: City of Escondido

Hard Work Pays Off for 2024 Escondido Landscape Contest Winner

July 22, 2024/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

When longtime Escondido residents Anita and Larry Palmer moved into their new home in 2016, they decided the lawns and water-guzzling plants in their front and back yards “would have to go.”

The result of their landscape makeover is the 2024 City of Escondido Landscape Makeover contest winner.

The Palmer home landscaping before its award-winning makeover. Photo: City of Escondido

The homeowners hoped to save the cost of watering and maintaining the grass and be part of the solution to San Diego County’s water challenges. The Palmers worked on designing a California-friendly landscape. After the existing lawn and plants were removed, they installed new hardscape and a water-efficient drip irrigation system. They planted their new landscape with succulents and cacti propagated from cuttings and from dividing plants.

Drought-tolerant plants used in whimsical underwater theme

Seashells were added to compliment the plants in an underwater life theme. Photo: City of Escondido

Leaning into the whimsy of the underwater-esque scene created by their collection of drought-tolerant plants, the Palmers added a few seashells throughout the garden.

During their landscape transformation process, Anita and Larry enjoyed getting acquainted with their neighbors, sharing the plants they propagated, and watching the neighborhood kids peek into the garden in search of hidden fish and mermaids.

The new landscaping requires very little irrigation, and none during rainy months. Photo: City of Escondido

Today, the Palmers enjoy a landscape that requires little maintenance and is vibrant with color year-round for them and their neighbors. It serves as a source of inspiration to their fellow water-savvy community members. During rainy months, the Palmers can turn their outside water irrigation off completely.

The Palmers have seen a gradual transformation as neighbors follow their example by adopting low-water-use landscaping at their homes. “No two yards that have dry landscaping are the same,” said Anita Palmer. “It’s whatever works for each family.”

The Palmers used succulents and other plants, many of which they propagated themselves from cuttings. Photo: City of Escondido

The Palmers used varieties of Aeoniums, Aloes, Bryophyllum, and Crassula varieties (Jade Plants), Echeveria, Euphorbia, Gasterias, and Graptoveria, which are hybrids of Echeveria and Graptophyllum succulents, Haworthia (Zebra cactus), Sansevieria, Senicio, and sedums, including Donkey’s Tail.

They planted purple statice, ornamental Blue Fescue grass, Mediterranean fan palms, and Desert Museum Palo Verde trees.

City of Escondido Awards Honorable Mention

Patricia Jablonski (left) with friend Kay Campbell. The women worked together on Patricia’s Honorable Mention landscape project. Photo: City of Escondido

The City of Escondido selected Patricia Jablonski’s contest entry as its 2024 Honorable Mention. Jablonski has continuously evolved her landscape since the family moved into the home in 1971.

Once the site of a small but thirsty avocado grove and numerous roses, the yard now features a dry riverbed, a serene rock garden for contemplation, and a variety of succulents and drought-tolerant natives that thrive on a timed drip irrigation system. The garden is a welcoming space where Jablonski often spends time with friends, family, and neighbors.

Vista resident Mason Harvey is supported by the Vallecitos Water District's blood drives. The next scheduled event is on August 15. Photo: Harvey Family blood drive

Vallecitos Water District Blood Drive Inspired By Vista Teen

July 18, 2024/in Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

San Diego County regional water and wastewater industries connect with their communities through service projects year-round.

Vallecitos Water District employees eagerly embrace community involvement in addition to their important roles in maintaining safe and reliable water through an annual blood drive.

The District will host its 28^th Community Blood Drive in cooperation with the San Diego Blood Bank on Thursday, August 15, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its headquarters, 201 Vallecitos de Oro San Marcos. Donors may schedule an appointment time at this link.

History of Community Service Through Blood Drives

The first blood drive took place in 2007. Public Information/Conservation Supervisor Chris Robbins is an enthusiastic supporter of blood donation. He has donated 17.75 gallons of blood and has coordinated many previous events. Robbins said the District faced a challenge keeping the blood drives going during the pandemic due to the many necessary safety restrictions.

Mason Harvey has been receiving livesaving blood transfusions since he was 11 years old. He is now 15 years old. Photo: Harvey Family

Then Robbins learned about a local resident, a Vista teen named Mason Harvey, with significant medical challenges who needed blood transfusions on a regular basis. He began receiving transfusions when he was 11 years old.

“I had reached the point where I needed something to invigorate my efforts to donate myself, and also schedule blood drives here at the District,” said Robbins. “One of my coworkers had heard about Mason’s health issues. I found his story so compelling, especially during the pandemic when blood donations became more complicated. It made me renew my efforts.”

Robbins and his family visited Mason during one of his regular hospital stays during the pandemic. They could only see him through a window from outside, but he knew they were there for moral support. “We couldn’t go in, but it was still good to see him up and out of bed.”

Vallecitos now hosts several blood drives annually for Mason and his family. “I made sure our staff were aware of Mason’s plight, and that we could add “MH21” to our donation so that he would get specific credit. This helps defray the cost of the family’s medical bills along with ensuring access to blood supplies when Mason needs them,” said Robbins.

Donors Can Schedule Now For August 15 Blood Drive

San Diego Blood Bank CEO Doug Morton, Mason Harvey, and Mason’s parents Michelle and Jason Harvey. Photo: Harvey Family

Mason Harvey now attends Classical Academy High School (CAHS). He is a tireless ambassador for the San Diego Blood Bank, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, and the Ronald McDonald House. Earlier this year on February 21, 2024, the City of Vista declared February 21, 2024, “Mason Harvey Day” and recognized Mason for his book “Not Your Average Slice of Pizza,” and for his help in passing the Restroom Access Act into law.

Mason also serves as captain for his Take Steps team, IBDetermined, and aims to raise $10,000 for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.

“My family and I are so thankful for the donors who had given their blood to save lives like mine,” said Mason. “When I needed blood, it was there for me immediately because good people had already donated. Just one donation of blood can save up to three lives. Your donation makes a difference, and I want to say thank you to the heroes who save lives with their kind and generous donations.”

Robbins will add another pint to his blood donation totals and encourages members of the community to take advantage of the convenient location at the Vallecitos Water District to schedule a donation.

“It only takes 15 minutes to donate blood, and you could save a life on August 15. All of us at the Vallecitos Water District who donate hope our efforts will help make sure Mason grows up tall and strong like his Mom and Dad,” said Robbins.

The Bonita Organic Garden Club received multiple awards for its 'Singing Cowgirls' garden, which features a beautifully rustic sustainable garden. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority Landscape Exhibits

Award-Winning County Fair Landscape Exhibits Educate and Entertain

July 10, 2024/in WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

San Diego County Fair attendees found inspiration for low-water-use sustainable landscaping projects from award-winning examples of creative climate-appropriate and native plant gardens at the Fair’s popular Paul Ecke Jr. Garden Show exhibit area.

Californians Learning About Sustainable Landscape Design

The Nifty 50 plants are attractive, non-invasive, easy to maintain, long-term performers and are water-wise once established. You can find them at local nurseries.

Debby Dunn, Senior Water Resources Specialist with the Water Authority, explains how Californians are changing their vision of the ideal home landscape design.

“More than ever, people are looking to create colorful landscapes that use water wisely and invite birds, bees and butterflies,” said Debby Dunn, Senior Water Resources Specialist with the Water Authority. “Interest in California native plants, as well as waterwise plants from Australia and South Africa, is skyrocketing.”

The Water Authority’s new Nifty 50 plant list and the soon-to-be-released Happy 100 plant list can help homeowners with landscape plant selection ideal for the San Diego region. Learn more at https://www.sdcwa.org/your-water/conservation/

Bonita Organic Garden Club Wins Multiple Awards

The Bonita Organic Garden Club’s display encourages healthier organic, sustainable gardening practices. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

The Bonita Organic Garden Club received multiple awards for its ‘Singing Cowgirls’ garden, which features a beautifully rustic sustainable garden. The Club asked fairgoers to mimic nature and embrace organic gardening. Display signage described the negative impact of chemicals, which harm beneficial soil microbes, enter urban stormwater runoff, and reduce the nutritional value and flavor of fruits and vegetables.

Groovy Garden Fits Fair’s “Retro” Theme Perfectly

Humor is used to get attention for serious low-water-use landscaping tips in the “Groovy Garden” created by Water Authority Senior Resources Specialist Debby Dunn. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Dunn created her own individual “Groovy Garden” display with two themes: 1960s Groovy on one side, and 1970s Disco on the other. While the two sides were separated by a peace-shaped path and different color schemes, both had whimsical elements and colorful water-wise plants. Dunn’s exhibit won first place for depicting the Fair’s theme, “Let’s Go Retro,” plus three additional awards acknowledging her exhibits’ environmental messages.

“It’s all about creating a landscape that illustrates your personality and passion. For me, it’s Flower Power, fun, and plants that invite birds, bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds,” said Dunn.

Dunn demonstrated various ways to capture stormwater runoff with a dry streambed equipped with a variety of theme-based ducks, a rain chain, and a rain barrel. She also repurposed colorful thrift store and garage sale finds to educate through imagination and humor.

Using Humor To Convey Water-Saving Tips

“I created different rooms including a bedroom, kitchen, living room, and even a bathroom. Everything is upcycled including my pink and my avocado green toilets,” said Dunn. “They are there to remind people that toilet leaks are the number one cause of water loss. One running toilet can flow up to 200 gallons an hour, enough water to fill a pool in four days.”

“My garden promotes education with easy-to-implement tips. It’s definitely over the top because sometimes that’s how you catch somebody’s attention. People are going to stop and say, ‘Look at that pink toilet!’ Then they might read the sign and wonder if their toilet is running before they move on to the next garden.”

Dunn used theme-appropriate items, including a lava lamp and disco ball, to entice fairgoers to her display. “My goal is to bring them in with fun an

Low-Water Use Gardens Suit Many Design Styles

Dunn said low-water-use landscapes offer many different styles to suit individual tastes and needs, similar to interior design styles. “Everyone’s got their look and their style. It’s the same with plants. There are so many options and choices with these plants. There’s something for everybody.

“If you’ve got kids and dogs, you may need grass. But if the only person walking on the grass is the person mowing the grass, you likely don’t need the grass.

There are countless beautiful, native, and California-friendly plants you can place in your garden that will bring you entertainment and joy,” said Dunn.

Large scale landscape makeover projects like this one by the Jamacha Park HOA may be eligible for increased landscape rebates. Photo: Otay Water District

Increased Rebates in 2024 for Large-Scale Landscape Makeover Projects

July 3, 2024/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

San Diego County businesses and public agencies looking to replace ornamental grass with more sustainable landscaping are now eligible for increased rebates from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

Metropolitan has added one dollar to its Turf Replacement Program base incentive to $3 per square foot for commercial, industrial and institutional sectors and $4 for public agencies that swap out non-functional grass with California Friendly® and native landscaping.

Funding for the program is provided by a $30 million grant from the California Department of Water Resources.

Landscape makeovers can still be lush and colorful while conserving water.

“We’ve made huge gains in water-use efficiency in Southern California, and businesses and public agencies have the opportunity to help us further that progress,” said Metropolitan Interim General Manager Deven Upadhyay.

“By switching to landscaping that is both beautiful and sustainable, they can help our region better adapt to our changing climate while cutting costs and demonstrating leadership in sustainability in their communities.”

The rebate also helps businesses and municipalities comply with new state legislation taking effect in 2027. Assembly Bill 1572 phases out the use of potable water to irrigate non-functional grass that is not used for recreation or other purposes.

“It’s a great opportunity to reduce the cost to eliminate non-functional turf before the state’s watering ban (AB1572) takes effect,” said Debby Dunn, senior water resources specialist at the San Diego County Water Authority.

For assistance, contact or 858-522-6745.

Additional help for San Diego County projects

SLIDER The Panorama HOA in Lake San Marcos achieved beautiful results from its landscaping makeover project, which will conserve water and preserve the region's watershed. Photo: Vallecitos Water District landscape rebates

The Panorama HOA in Lake San Marcos achieved beautiful results from its landscaping makeover project, which will conserve water and preserve the region’s watershed. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Projects in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County can receive an addition $1 per square foot for their turf removal projects

In an effort to help expand our region’s tree canopy and promote sustainability, a newly launched rebate provides an additional $100 per tree incorporated into projects. Both commercial and residential participants can receive this rebate for up to five trees per project.

Long-term water savings from conservation programs

WaterSmart Irrigation-Rebates-Water Efficiency

Rebates are available to help property owners in unincorporated areas reduce expenses, providing significant savings on outdoor landscapes.

Metropolitan’s Turf Replacement Program has directly resulted in the removal of over 220 million square feet of grass. This saves enough water to serve about 68,000 households each year.

Conservation programs play an important role in the region’s water supply reliability. Today, about 2.5 million acre-feet of the record 3.4 million acre-feet Metropolitan holds in regional storage is water that has been conserved and stored instead of being consumed. That conserved water has been instrumental in staving off additional and more widespread calls for mandatory water cutbacks.

“We know the challenges ahead will require us to think differently and make the right investments in our infrastructure and water supplies,” said Metropolitan board chair Adán Ortega, Jr. “We appreciate the tremendous work the public has done to help us become more resilient to our extreme weather patterns and look forward to the continued progress that we can achieve as a region.”

For more information on Metropolitan’s conservation initiatives and rebate programs and to apply for a commercial, industrial, institutional or public agency rebate, visit bewaterwise.com/turf.

L to R: Keith Hobson Vice President, Water Environment Federation (WEF), FOX Strand; Ruby Dela Cruz; and Chuck Greely, CWEA past president, Dudek. Photo: CWEA awards

Water Professionals Honored at 95th CWEA Awards

July 1, 2024/in Achievements /by Gayle Falkenthal

Ruby Dela Cruz from the City of San Diego and Raul Villalpando from the City of Escondido were two of eight individuals honored at the 95th Annual California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Awards.

Both have served their city for the past 23 years, and their awards recognize their contributions to enhancing California’s water environment.

Ruby Dela Cruz Named Electrical Instrument Person of the Year

Dela Cruz received the “Electrical Instrumentation Person of the Year” award, celebrating her achievements as the city’s Instrumentation and Control Supervisor.

Dela Cruz is responsible for supervising, training, and participating in the maintenance of the control systems and instrumentation of the North City Pure Water Facility, Pure Water Pump Station, and Dechlorination Facility.

As a supervisor, she appreciates being challenged in her role while simultaneously passing on her expertise to others.

“I enjoy troubleshooting electrical and electronic circuits because it sharpens my analytical thinking,” said Dela Cruz. “[And] I like imparting my knowledge and sharing my technical experience to my subordinates to help them achieve their aspirations and goals in their career.”

Yet, after over two decades of working for the City of San Diego, she acknowledges the people are what make the job.

“Everyone is treated as family,” said Dela Cruz. “Just like a family, nobody is perfect, but everyone is there for you when you need them. My superiors never fail to acknowledge my accomplishments and contributions to the group.”

Raul Villalpando Named Operator of the Year

City of Escondido winner Raul Villalpondo (center) with (L to R) Keith Hobson, Vice President, Water Environment Federation (WEF), FOX Strand; Victor Corrales, City of Escondido; Wastewater Operations Manager; Villalpondo; Kyle Morgan, City of Escondido Assistant Director of Utilities Wastewater; and Chuck Greely, CWEA past president, Dudek. Photo: CWEA

Similar to Dela Cruz, Raul Villalpando values the opportunity to pass along his knowledge and expertise to his newer colleagues. This attribute led his supervisors to push for his “Operator of the Year” award.

“He’s really been the main guy that’s been kind of passing along his knowledge, not just of wastewater, but of the plant itself,” said Victor Corrales, wastewater operations manager for the City of Escondido. “He’s setting an example to those newer operators of the value of staying at a place, watching and helping it grow.”

As a senior wastewater operator, Villalpando is one of four lead operators in charge of overseeing the City of Escondido’s wastewater plant. Every day, he works alongside electricians, mechanics, and other plant operators to ensure business runs smoothly. While he wears many hats around the plant, he considers this award a group effort.

“This award that I was lucky enough to win as an individual is for everyone on this team,” said Villalpando. “I oversee all those people, but those people worked hand-in-hand with me to win that. To be able to find a good core group of people to work with is the hardest and best thing to find, and I’m lucky to say I’ve found that.”

CWEA Awards Recognize Exemplary Efforts

Founded in 1927, the CWEA is a not-for-profit association of 9,000-plus professionals in the wastewater industry. The association trains and certifies wastewater professionals, disseminates technical information and promotes sound policies to benefit society through protection and enhancement of the water environment.

For the past 95 years, the CWEA awards program has honored exemplary efforts of individuals and agencies throughout the state who are leaders in engineering, wastewater operations, collection systems, laboratory work, and pretreatment programs.

For more information about the California Water Environment Awards, visit awards.cwea.org

The Fairways HOA landscape makeover in Lake San Marcos retains some turf mixed with low-water use plants for substantial water savings. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Turf Rebate Program Offering More Money for Less Grass

July 1, 2024/in WaterSmart Living /by Jordan Beane

For residents across the region thinking about turning their front yards into sustainable, WaterSmart landscapes, now’s a great time to act. If you’re looking to get ahead of AB 1572, a law passed last year that bans the irrigation of ornamental turf with potable water starting in 2027, the opportunity to get rid of your grass is too good to pass up right now.

That’s thanks to a grant program through the California Department of Water Resources, which updated its rebate rates for commercial and residential turf removal. That includes an increase from $2 per square foot to $3 per square foot. Properties in the unincorporated area of San Diego are eligible to receive an additional $1 per square foot funded by the County’s Waterscape Rebate Program.

The HOA was able to remove 2,746 square feet of turf surrounding the clubhouse and tennis court areas. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Grass must be living until the application is approved. That means no dead lawns, dirt landscapes, or projects already in progress. Additionally synthetic turf grass is not allowed to be installed through this program.

Applicants must plant a minimum of three plants or one tree per 100 square feet and those trees must be 15 gallons or larger. For those individuals looking to plant more, a $100 tree rebate is also available for up to 5 trees per project when requested as part of a turf rebate application. For additional information about this exciting rebate program, please visit SoCalWaterSmart.com.

To help select the right climate appropriate plants for your new landscape, check out San Diego County Water Authority’s updated Nifty 50 plant list.

Catherine and Bryan Binotti replaced the outdated and drab landscape of their charming and recently-historically-designated 1950 house in the Brier Patch neighborhood of La Mesa. Photo: Helix Water District landscape contest

Grossmont Home Wins Helix Water District 2024 Landscape Contest

June 23, 2024/in WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

Catherine and Bryan Binotti’s transformation of the front yard of their historic La Mesa home to a lush, water-efficient landscape was selected as the winner of the Helix Water District 2024 Water-Smart Landscape Contest.

The annual competition recognizes residents for their outstanding water-efficient landscapes based on overall attractiveness, design, efficient irrigation, appropriate plant selection and maintenance.

After years of work, the Binottis have created a lush waterwise landscape and a vibrant ecosystem. Photo: Helix Water District

The Binottis replaced the outdated and drab landscape of their charming and recently historically designated 1950 house in the Brier Patch neighborhood of La Mesa. The new front yard is a colorful paradise boasting beauty and curb appeal. “What better way to meet the neighbors, than gardening in the front yard! What started as a conservation effort – of time, water, and financial resources – has turned into such a joy,” said Catherine.

Plant Mix Compliments Home Design

The plant mix compliments the home design and color scheme. Photo: Helix Water District

The garden is set back behind hedges and fruit trees with a lush mix of flowering plants and greens that complement the colors of their home and the taller surrounding plants. Catherine is employed as a hospital laboratory scientist. Gardening is her creative outlet to balance her analytical side.

The Binottis entered their previous home in the 2020 landscape contest. The same year, they moved nearby into their current home and wanted more from their landscape.

The design includes drifts and groupings of color. Photo: Helix Water District

Catherine designed the garden herself. It incorporates drifts, harmonious groupings of the same plants, to create cohesive sections of color. By layering these drifts, she adds depth and creates a relaxed feel. She strategically placed specimen plants to create focal points and used taller plants to screen out less appealing views.

Catherine drew inspiration from landscapes she saw on Pinterest, walking in her neighborhood, and exploring nurseries. “In spring when everything is flowering, I’ll walk through all the neighborhoods to figure out what plants grow well and try to mimic what I like about other yards and try to mix it into what I want in my yard.”

Bright Colors Inspire Plant Choices

Bursts of floral color highlight the landscaping. Photo: Helix Water District

Her preferred plant choices feature yellow, pink, purple, and orange flowers. “Initially, I’d walk around nurseries and take lots of photos,” explained Catherine. “I’d often get asked for help a lot because I’d just be wandering and taking lots of pictures. Then come back home and look at them all.”

Plants featured in the landscape include Rockrose, Foxtail Agave, Purple Leaf Plum Tree, Peruvian Lily, Mexican Feather Grass, Gold Coin Daisy, Santa Barbara Daisy, Gold Strike Protea, Pink Muhly Grass, Grevillea Coastal Gem, Pride of Madeira, and Yarrow.

Efficient Irrigation Updates

The Binottis say the waterwise landscape was a logical choice for them and ‘a wonderful source of joy.’ Photo: Helix Water District

The Binottis removed the outdated irrigation system. They retrofitted fruit trees with pressure-compensating drip irrigation and installed new drip lines for everything else. Additionally, downspouts direct rainwater into the front planter. The couple has plans for more rainwater collection.

After years of work, the couple has created a lush waterwise landscape and a vibrant ecosystem. “The yard is always alive with bees, butterflies, lizards, birds, and an occasional coyote,” said Catherine. “A waterwise landscape is the logical choice for us and a wonderful source of joy for us and others. We love the color and contrasts spring brings to the charm of our recently designated historic 1950s La Mesa home.”

The landscape contest runs from January through mid-May each year. Visit Helix’s website at hwd.com, Facebook.com/HelixWater or X at @HelixWater for more information.

Homeowner Rick Whitney's landscape makeover was named the 2024 Landscape Contest winner by the Olivenhain Municipal Water District. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Award-Winning Landscape Design Features Rainwater Capture

June 21, 2024/in WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors honored Rick Whitney as the 2024 WaterSmart Landscape design contest winner.

The winning design includes a seating area to let visitors sit and enjoy the space. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Water agencies throughout the county participate in an annual contest to encourage landscape transformations that reduce outdoor water use, are attractive, and often require less maintenance than turf-heavy landscapes. Each agency selects a winner within its service area that exhibits climate-appropriate plant selection, water-efficient irrigation, and appealing design.

Rainwater Capture Reduces Runoff

Dry riverbeds are attractive as well as functional, capturing rainwater runoff. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Using water efficiently outdoors will always be important in Southern California, and replacing a lawn with a water-wise landscape can significantly reduce water bills,” said OMWD Vice President Matthew Hahn. “Mr. Whitney’s California-friendly alternative to grass provides an attractive example of a sustainable, water-wise landscape.”

Mr. Whitney’s water-efficient landscape uses rainwater capture in its design. Rainwater from the roof collects in a rock riverbed, keeping it on the property and reducing runoff that can carry pollutants to waterways and beaches. An in-line drip system irrigates all other areas of the landscape.

Beautiful New Yard Yields Water Savings

A closer look at the dry riverbed and plant selection. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“We decided to install a water-conserving landscape because of the severe drought California has experienced over the last decade,” said Mr. Whitney. “We are glad we did, as our water usage is down now, and our front yard looks beautiful.”

The San Diego County Water Authority offers free WaterSmart landscaping classes with several choices designed to give you the skills and knowledge to create a landscape that saves water and will thrive in our region.

Local landscape design professionals teach workshops using a do-it-yourself approach. They cover landscape design and maintenance, soil identification and health, turf types and removal tips, plant selection, rainwater catchment, irrigation retrofits, and project installation.

For more information and to register, visit sdcwa.org/your-water/conservation/classes

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