WaterSmart Living Archives

San Diego homeowners can take advantage of discounted rain barrels and workshops through April. Photo: Courtesy: Solana Center for Environmental Innovation

Discounted Rain Barrels and Workshops Available For San Diego Residents

February 12, 2026/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

With San Diego’s rainy months just ahead, Solana Center for Environmental Innovation (Solana Center) and Think Blue San Diego (the City of San Diego Stormwater Department) are providing discounted rain barrels to encourage City of San Diego residents to collect and conserve rainwater and reduce stormwater pollution.

Rain barrels are $30 each for City of San Diego residents after the $75 discount (original price $105), while supplies last. By using a rain barrel, San Diegans can collect water for later use and reduce runoff to the ocean.

Free Rainwater Harvesting Workshops

Participants in two upcoming workshops can pick up their new discounted rain barrels at the same time. Photo: Courtesy: Solana Center for Environmental Innovation

City of San Diego residents may attend a free rainwater harvesting webinar on Wednesday, February 26, 2026, to learn more about whether rainwater harvesting is the right fit for their household before ordering their rain barrel. They may also attend a rain barrel and rain harvesting workshop on Sunday, March 29, 2026, or Sunday, April 19, 2026, and pick up their discounted barrels afterward at the same location.

“Rain barrels provide free, untreated water for gardening and landscaping,” says Solana Center educator and rain barrel specialist, Sarah Van Horn. “Collecting rainwater is also an easy step households can take to keep our local waterways clean and free from contaminants.”

Benefits of Rain Barrels

When it rains, stormwater flows from roofs, sidewalks, and other hard urban surfaces onto city streets, picking up pollution and trash along the way. Water that enters the stormwater system flows untreated directly into our creeks, rivers, bays, beaches, and, ultimately, the ocean. Instead of letting fresh rainwater flow off of your property, you can collect some of it in rain barrels where it can be saved and used to irrigate yards and plants that need it most.

Just one inch of rain yields 600 gallons per 1,000 square feet of roof space, depending on your roof configuration. That’s a lot of free, fresh water for San Diegans to divert and help their plants thrive. The rain barrels provided can store up to 50
gallons of rainwater for later use each time it rains, and include screens to prevent mosquito entry and breeding.

Collecting rainwater from your roof can contribute to water conservation by reducing the need to use potable municipal water for irrigation, helping to reduce pollutant flows to local waterways, and reducing flooding around your property and neighborhood.

Rain Barrel Program Details

City of San Diego residents eligible for discounted rain barrels can attend a virtual or an in-person workshop to learn more about maximizing their benefits. Photo: Courtesy: Solana Center for Environmental Innovation

Here’s how the program works:

1. Check your address to ensure you qualify as a City of San Diego resident.

2. Register for the rain barrel distribution event of your choice:

Sunday, Mar. 29, 2026: Mountain View Community Center – 641 S Boundary St., San Diego, CA 92113
Sunday, April 19, 2026: North Clairemont Recreation Center – 4421 Bannock Ave, San Diego, CA 92117

3. Register to attend a workshop or webinar to learn more about rainwater harvesting
and how to use your rain barrel:

Webinar: Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 – 6 – 7 p.m.
In-Person Workshop: Sunday, Mar. 29, 2026 – 10 – 11 a.m. – Mountain View Community Center
In-Person Workshop: Sunday, Apr. 19, 2026 – 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. – North Clairemont Recreation Center

Check your eligibility for the program here on the website.

Funding for this project has been provided in full or in part from the Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014 and through an agreement with the State Department of Water Resources.

Solana Center for Environmental Innovation (Solana Center) is an award-winning 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Encinitas, CA that has provided waste diversion and environmental education in San Diego County for over 40 years. Solana Center’s work centers on community education, direct resource conservation and waste reduction, and innovative environmental research and development. Learn more at www.solanacenter.org.

To help educate San Diegans about the importance of stormwater services to neighborhood quality of life, Think Blue San Diego is the City of San Diego’s longest-running and most successful public education and outreach program. For more than 20 years, this Stormwater Department program has implemented innovative, proactive steps to stop pollution before it gets into storm drains.

Catherine Spence and her husband David are the 2025 winners of the Otay Water District Watersmart Landscape Contest. Photo: Otay Water District

WaterSmart Landscape Makeover Contest Open for 2026 Entries

February 3, 2026/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

The popular WaterSmart Landscape Makeover annual competition is now open for 2026 entries. The contest highlights residential landscaping, with nonfunctional grass areas transformed into flourishing, colorful, water-smart landscapes.

Contest judges look for winners who represent the best in landscaping makeover projects from 12 participating San Diego County water agencies.

Karen Fleck and Tom Clarke created a livable space that uses less water. Their landscape project won the 2025 Padre Dam Municipal Water District landscape contest. Photo: Padre Dam Municipal Water District

Winning entrants feature unique approaches to their landscape projects. They demonstrate the wide range of options for creating lush, beautiful landscapes that rely more on native plants and less on large areas of thirsty grass.

Entries are judged on overall attractiveness, efficient irrigation methods, design, and appropriate plant selection and maintenance. The creative results and personal stories help inform and inspire other homeowners to consider their own new yard designs.

Cooler Winter Months Perfect Time for Landscape Updates

Award-winning landscape projects offer inspiration to other homeowners pursuing their own landscape makeovers. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“The cooler winter months are the ideal time to make changes to your landscaping,” said Water Authority Senior Water Resources Specialist Debby Dunn. “Take advantage of our ongoing educational programs and rebates to create your own water-wise wonderland.

“To help choose the plants that best fit your style and climate, check out the Water Authority’s Nifty 50 and Happy 100 plant lists. These lists can help everyone create beautiful, lush, colorful, thriving landscapes filled with birds, bees, and butterflies.”

Which Agencies Are Participating In 2026?

Low-water plants, improved irrigation technologies, and WaterSmart classes reduce energy use, protect natural resources, and create beautiful outdoor living spaces. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Participating agencies in 2026 include the cities of Escondido and Oceanside, Helix Water District, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, Otay Water District, Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Rincon Del Diablo Water District, San Dieguito Water District, Sweetwater Authority, Vallecitos Water District, and Vista Irrigation District.

Each agency winner receives a $250 gift certificate and public recognition for their efforts. Homeowners may also be eligible for turf removal rebates and additional incentives, which can help defray project costs. Applications must be complete and approved prior to beginning your landscape work.

This year’s contest deadline for all participating agencies is Friday, May 8, 2026. Homeowners may submit their entry online or through their participating agency. This is where you pay your water bill. You must be a resident within agency boundaries to participate.

Find the application for your participating water agency here, or on your agency’s website.

WaterSmart Landscaping Saves Estimated 36 Million Gallons Annually

The beautiful Fletcher Hills yard filled with native plants is the winner of the Helix Water District 2025 WaterSmart Landscape Contest. Photo: Helix Water District

Outdoor water use accounts for 62% of San Diego County’s water consumption, mainly for landscape irrigation. Yards with a lot of grass can greatly increase overall water consumption.

Conservation education efforts, including the WaterSmart Landscape Contest, offer ways to create landscapes tailored to your favorite activities, incorporating the needs of children, pets, accessible areas, pollinators, and specialty gardens.

Self-Study Landscape Makeover Video Series Offered by Water Authority

The Water Authority offers free options to help homeowners plan their makeovers. Homeowners can get started by viewing step-by-step videos on the Water Authority YouTube channel.

Additional online resources include Guides and Surveys that cover a wide range of topics, including efficient irrigation, water-wise plants, landscape design, healthy soil, finding and fixing leaks, landscape maintenance, and more.

Each winner will receive a $250 gift certificate and recognition in the appropriate agency’s newsletter, on their website, and other promotional materials.

The 2025 Landscape Makeover Contest winner for the City of Oceanside prioritizes sustainability without sacrificing style. Photo: City of Oceanside

Bold Color Wins 2025 Oceanside Landscape Makeover Contest

October 16, 2025/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

The 2025 winner of the City of Oceanside’s annual Landscape Makeover Contest proves that a beautiful garden does not need to sacrifice a lush look with plenty of color to be water-efficient.

Oceanside resident Helmut Igel entered the contest on behalf of his wife, Julie Igel. She didn’t know he had entered the competition on her behalf. He intended it as a surprise and hoped to surprise her on her birthday if she was named the winner. Mission accomplished!

The Igel home before its landscaping transformation by Julie Igel. Photo: City of Oceanside

Emyle Rogers, City of Oceanside Management Analyst in the Water Efficiency program, said the Igels were excited to learn Julie was the winner. “Julie is very dedicated to her garden and wants to give back and provide habitat for wildlife,” said Rogers. Helmut presented Julie with her winner’s certificate as part of her birthday celebration.

The goal for the landscape makeover was to create a vibrant, sustainable landscape that reflects both beauty and responsibility.

Sustainability and Conservation Without Sacrificing Color

The new landscaping is full of colorful, water wise plants with flowers that attract pollinators. Photo: City of Oceanside

Because the Igels’ garden covers a large area, they made water conservation a top priority. Instead of a traditional lawn, the Igels selected low-water plants well-suited to thrive in the San Diego regional climate while still delivering bold color, texture, and year-round interest.

Plants selected for the landscape include California Poppy, Pride of Madera, Purple Sage, Calendula, and Sweet Alyssum. Choices are favorites of pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.

For help choosing beautiful low-water use plants for your landscaping project, refer to the Water Authority’s “Happy 100” plant list for help. Photo: City of Oceanside

The winning result is a water-efficient garden that’s anything but boring. It proves that a lush, colorful landscape doesn’t have to come at the cost of excess water use.

Homeowners undertaking a similar landscape makeover can take advantage of free tools to help them get started. Online or in-person landscape classes cover topics including native landscapes, turf transformation, and irrigation systems. Learn more on the regional website.

They can also review the San Diego County Water Authority’s “Happy 100” plant list to choose annuals, perennials, groundcovers, shrubs, and trees that provide color and thrive in our climate and soils with a minimal amount of irrigation. Find the list on the Water Authority website.

California poppies are stars in the landscape. Photo: City of Oceanside

Thomas and Georgia Shultz receive compliments from neighbors on their winning Vallecitos Water District Landscape Makeover contest landscaping. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Landscape Makeover Trio Named Vallecitos 2025 Contest Winners

October 3, 2025/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

The Vallecitos Water District named three beautiful and water-efficient landscape makeover projects as its trio of 2025 Landscape Makeover Contest Winners.

Lisa Urabe, Vallecitos Public Information Representative and U.C. Master Gardener, says that although each of the three landscape winners designed vastly different gardens, all of the winners use their gardens as natural extensions of their homes, blending indoor and outdoor living.

In addition, the winners prioritize sustainability by incorporating low-water plants, and their landscapes are all buzzing with life, thanks to thoughtful choices that attract pollinators, like bees and butterflies.

Take a video tour through the winning landscape makeovers.

Making A Change Results In Winning Landscape Makeover

Thomas and Georgia Shultz have been Vallecitos Water District customers for 45 years. They decided it was time for a change from the grass they had “for the longest time.” When they learned about taking advantage of rebates to help them pay for the makeover, it sealed the deal.

“We decided to take out all the lawn, and put in a waterwise landscape,” said Tom Shultz. He and Georgia worked with Stonebrook Landscapes to design a plan for their 2,800-square-foot yard, based on a layout provided by Tom, which prioritized pollinator-friendly native plants. The Shultzs did most of the work themselves.

The new landscape features milkweed, lantana, Little John Bottle Brush, California Lilac, English Lavender, Tuscan Blue Rosemary, Kangaroo Paw, Common Yarrow, Fan Flower, multiple types of sages, and a Crepe Myrtle tree.

The Shultzs selected pollinator-friendly plants and did most of the installation themselves. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Tom says the water savings are significant. “We were averaging between 20 and 30 units of water a month, and now we’re running in the 12 to 15 units a month.”

Georgia says neighbors now stop by and say they love the yard. She tells them about the rebate program available through the Metropolitan Water District. “It’s an amazing program Vallecitos Water District is using to encourage people to help us make better choices for our planet, for our water usage, instead of grass.”

“It’s exciting for us to be recognized for our work. We really appreciate Vallecitos Water District recognizing that we are doing something to help conserve water and to serve the community,” added Tom.

Second Place Project Adds Water Saving Irrigation Upgrades

Vallecitos Water District Public Information Representative and U.C. Master Gardener admires Kelly Ellingson’s second place winning landscape makeover project. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Vallecitos Water District customer Kelly Ellingson learned about the annual landscape makeover contest when Lisa Urabe visited her neighborhood. “The fact that Lisa came by to tell us about the contest, I thought it was above and beyond.”

Ellington replaced what she calls a “hodgepodge” of rock and patchy grass with California native plants and a touch of artificial turf. The biggest change was replacing the sprinkler system with a drip irrigation system, which she recommends to other homeowners.

“The favorite part of our landscape for us is how low-maintenance everything is, not having to worry about water and not having to worry about plants dying and replacing them.

“Now, when we look at our water bill, we’re pleasantly surprised each other to see that it’s not only aesthetically the direction we were headed, but it’s also saving us a lot of money.

“The outdoor patio for us is just like an added living room. We live out here. We spend so much time out here that we’re just so grateful that we did it,” said Ellington.

Third Place Winner Brings Beauty and Color to Life

Third-place winner Susan Haskell says she now spends more time outdoors in her patio surrounded by colorful plants. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Third-place winner Susan Haskell said her original backyard “had no redeeming qualities whatsoever.” Haskell decided a waterwise plan was the right approach and got additional inspiration from a previous winner featured in the Vallecitos Water District’s “Between The Pipes” customer newsletter.

“I thought it was just a really good thing for a water district to send out information and saving water,” said Haskell.

Haskell says she loves the colorful, waterwise plants, the beautiful dry river bed, and the seating area that allows her to enjoy time in the backyard “just chilling.”

“Before this garden, I was sort of a gray and beige person. The beauty and the color, the vibrancy, it has turned me into a colorful person,” said Haskell.

Low-Maintenance Garden for Retirement Wins Otay Water District 2025 Landscape Contest

September 29, 2025/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

Chula Vista residents Catherine and David Spence are the 2025 Otay Water District’s annual WaterSmart Landscape Contest winners. Their award-winning project upgraded their grassy side yard with a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant garden that better suits their busy and active lifestyle after retirement.

As a result of their landscape makeover, the Spences report an overall reduction in water use of approximately 39%.

New Low-Maintenance Garden Needs Less Water and Less Maintenance

The award-winning makeover needs less water and less maintenance. Photo: Otay Water District

The Spences purchased their home in 1998, located in the developing community of Sunbow. After years of living elsewhere and working for the U.S. Department of Defense, they returned home in 2018 to create a comfortable space for their retirement, prioritizing a yard that required less water and less maintenance.

To design their ideal yard, they found inspiration from model homes that demonstrated the beauty and simplicity of drought-tolerant landscaping. In 2020, they enrolled in the WaterSmart Landscape Makeover classes provided by the San Diego County Water Authority and its member agencies.

Rebate Program Helps Replace Grass

A seating area in the new landscape. Photo: Otay Water District

In 2023, the Spences received a $2,376 rebate from the SoCal Water$mart Turf Replacement Program for replacing 792 square feet of turf in their side yard and adding water-efficient features.

The project involved installing a diverse range of low-water-use plants. A new Hunter Wi-Fi irrigation controller and drip system replaced the traditional sprinklers. Gorilla hair shredded redwood mulch helps the landscaping retain moisture.

The Spences installed two rain barrels to collect water for potted plants, a decorative fountain, and birdbaths, which attract a variety of local wildlife.

One rain barrel captures water for the side yard, while the second barrel is located down in their sloped backyard and connected to the home’s rain gutter by an extended downspout.

Two rain barrels capture water for potted plants. Photo: Otay Water District

Inspiring Future Conservation

The Spences’ landscape is located in the Otay Water District’s Division 2, represented by board member Delfina Gonzalez.

Otay Water District Division 2 board member Defina Gonzalez with the winner, Catherine Spence. Photo: Otay Water District

“Their garden enhances the beauty of our community with native, water-wise plants while also supporting local wildlife and helping our ecosystem thrive, all with minimal water use,” said Gonzalez. “We look forward to seeing their garden continue to flourish and inspire future conservation initiatives.”

The District recognized the winners at its September board meeting, presenting them with a gift certificate to a local nursery, among other prizes.

Rainwater Harvesting Workshops Begin September 27 in Lakeside

September 11, 2025/in Features, Supply & Demand, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

The County of San Diego’s Waterscape Rebate Program will host rainwater harvesting workshops throughout the fall months of 2025. It’s an ideal time for homeowners to explore their options for water-saving improvements that also benefit the San Diego region’s watershed.

The first rainwater harvesting workshop scheduled for Fall 2025 takes place on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the Lakeside Library, 12428 Woodside Ave, Lakeside.

As more rainwater harvesting workshops are scheduled, they will be listed on the County of San Diego’s Rainwater Harvesting webpage here. For more information, email .

Rebates For Water-Saving Improvements

Workshops can help San Diego County residents, businesses, and agricultural producers get cash rebates for water-saving improvements like efficient landscaping and irrigation upgrades. Photo: County of San Diego

The Waterscape Rebate Program helps San Diego County residents, businesses, and agricultural producers get cash rebates for water-saving improvements like efficient landscaping and irrigation upgrades.

The County of San Diego Watershed Protection Program (WPP) is dedicated to protecting the environment by preventing pollutants from entering local waterways. Funding the rebate program is one of many strategies for protecting water quality in our region.

When businesses and households make changes to reduce water use and use rainwater in their landscapes, we preserve healthy, safe waterways, more reliable water supplies, and can achieve costs savings at the same time.

If you live in unincorporated San Diego AND receive your water from the San Diego County Water Authority and their member agencies, you are eligible for ALL rebates listed under the County program.

If you live in an incorporated city, including the City of San Diego, there are numerous rebates available for residents. Visit SoCal WaterSmart, the City of San Diego’s rebate page, or your local water agency’s website to learn more. Not sure who your water agency is? Find your water district here.

The Watershed Protection Program partners with Environmental Incentives to manage and distribute rebates to program participants. Other rebates are offered and distributed by program partners, the San Diego County Water Authority and Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (through SoCal Water$mart).

The Waterscape Rebate Program supports a wide range of yard sizes and home setups. While using a contractor is not required, your project must follow all program requirements to qualify for a rebate.

Reduce Water Use, Save Money and Environment

Learning how to reduce your water use benefits your wallet along with the watershed. Photo: County of San Diego

During San Diego County’s limited periods of rainfall, any rainwater captured from your roof and property saves money. It also helps the region maintain its water supplies.

Workshops introduce residents to several beautiful, efficient ways to save rainwater. In addition to rain barrels, directing downspouts to fill containers lets you choose how to use the rainwater you capture. The overflow should empty onto your yard or a landscape feature to infiltrate the excess flow into the soil. Rain chains can assist with this.

By using a rain barrel, San Diegans can collect water for later use, reduce runoff to the ocean, and save money on their water bill. Reducing runoff from driveways, streets, and sidewalks also keeps harmful pollutants from reaching beaches and waterways. Instead, we can redirect fresh rainwater to our plants that need it most.

Just one inch of rain yields 600 gallons per 1000 sq. ft. of roof space, depending on your roof configuration. That’s a lot of free, fresh water for San Diegans to divert and help their plants thrive. In addition to diverting rainwater, the rain barrels provided can store up to 50 gallons of rainwater for later use in a mosquito-proof container.

The County is committed to protecting the water quality in the region’s creeks, streams, and coastal areas. Runoff from irrigation, storms, and even faulty septic systems can bring pollutants to our waterways and threaten public health.

How Rain Barrel Rebates Work

After you purchase items eligible for rebates and have installed them, you can apply for rebates. Current rain barrel rebates are $35 and limited to two per household for most San Diego County residents. You can submit for multiple projects. Learn more at SoCal Water Smart.

For additional details on conservation rebate programs and to order rain barrels, visit the Solana Center For Environmental Innovation website for more information on rebate programs and to order rain barrels.

The September 6 Open House event will feature OMWD departments and customer programs, and OMWD and Leucadia Wastewater District will display several of their specialized utility vehicles. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

OMWD & First Responders Host Open House and Emergency Preparedness Event on Sept. 6

September 2, 2025/in Education, Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

The Olivenhain Municipal Water District (OMWD) invites residents to attend an informative Open House and Emergency Preparedness Event in collaboration with the Encinitas Fire Department, Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District, San Diego Gas & Electric, and other local agencies on Saturday, September 6, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

The event will take place at the district’s headquarters, located at 1966 Olivenhain Road in Encinitas.

The Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District will lead a wildfire prevention workshop and display a fire engine (events permitting). Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Safeguard Your Home: Water-Smart and Fire-Wise Landscaping Workshop

As part of the open house, OMWD offers a free Water-Smart and Fire-Wise Landscaping Workshop from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

As peak wildfire season approaches, this free workshop offers waterwise landscaping tips, wildfire emergency preparedness resources, and expert advice in a fun, family-friendly setting.

“We’re giving our neighbors the tools to protect their homes and their families, while also sharing more about the critical services that Olivenhain Municipal Water District provides every day,” said OMWD Board Director Ebin Lanfried. “As wildfires and other emergencies become an even greater challenge in our region, it’s essential that we prepare together.”

Presentations will be provided by California Landscape Technologies, Encinitas Fire Department, and Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District. Learn tips on water-efficient landscaping, firescaping techniques, and how to protect your property against wildfires.

The workshop is free, but registration is required at www.olivenhain.com/events.

Open House Highlights OMWD Customer Programs

The OMWD Open House and Emergency Preparedness Event offers a variety of displays and informational booths. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

The OMWD Open House event will feature informational booths showcasing OMWD departments and customer programs, as well as local fire department emergency preparedness efforts.

OMWD and Leucadia Wastewater District will display several of their specialized utility vehicles.

The Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District and Encinitas Fire Department plan to exhibit a fire truck and engine at the event (if not responding to area emergencies).

Paramedics from American Medical Response ambulance service will demonstrate CPR techniques and display a specialized response vehicle.

The Olivenhain Municipal Water District Open House offers family-friendly activities along with informational emergency preparedness workshops and exhibits. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Booths from area organizations include:

OMWD departments will provide information, answer questions, and discuss free programs.
San Diego Gas & Electric, San Diego County Water Authority, and Leucadia Wastewater District will present their programs and services.
Booths representing Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District and Encinitas Fire Department will provide wildfire and emergency preparedness advice and materials.
Local elementary students will showcase their environmentally focused projects.

The sustainable landscape demonstration garden at the Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s (OMWD) headquarters provides customers with examples of water-efficient landscaping techniques that can save water and money.

The sustainable landscape demonstration garden at the Olivenhain Municipal Water District headquarters provides customers with examples of water-efficient landscaping techniques that can save water and money. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Attendees can tour OMWD’s California-friendly demonstration garden, which exhibits water-efficient plants, and emphasizes key principles of sustainable landscaping.

Participants can take part in family-oriented activities, enjoy refreshments, and receive a complimentary emergency preparedness and water-efficiency kit, while supplies last.

Janet Chambers replace the grass at her new home with plants native pollinators love. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Pollinator Paradise Wins 2025 Vista Irrigation District Landscape Contest

August 20, 2025/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

The Vista Irrigation District board of directors recognized Janet Chambers as the district’s 2025 WaterSmart Landscape Contest winner at its August meeting.

Chambers moved into her current residence about 11 years ago. The original yard consisted of a plain-looking lawn and one large Liquidambar tree. Because the existing lawn consumed a tremendous amount of water and provided little benefit, she decided to make a change.

Replacing Grass With Flowering Plants for Pollinators

The new landscape features a wide variety of blooming plants in bright colors. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

Chambers began by removing her turf and installing a decomposed granite path and a cobblestone sitting area; she then set out to create a drought-tolerant garden with an emphasis on providing flowering plants for pollinators, such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Once the new garden was installed, the change in her front yard’s character was dramatic.

“Now the garden is alive with constant movement of pollinators, and it’s a joy to sit on my cobblestone patio and watch all of the activity,” said Chambers.

Chambers says the garden does not require pesticides or herbicides and practically takes care of itself by reseeding empty areas on its own. She waters the landscape with a drip system several times weekly during the summer months. She is able to turn off the irrigation system during wetter winter months.

Annual Contest Highlights Value of Watersmart Landscapes

Janet Chambers added a Small Little Library to her vibrant, watersmart landscape. Photo: Vista Irrigation District

The annual 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 conversion rebates, such as for turf replacement, are available to help with the cost.”

The district joined eleven other local agencies that held landscape contests this year, providing an opportunity to highlight water-wise residential landscapes throughout the region. Participating agencies (besides Vista Irrigation District) include 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 at www.vidwater.org or call 760-597-3160 to find out more about free landscape workshops and incentive programs

A wildlife and pollinator friendly landscape project is the 2025 winner of the San Dieguito Water District landscape makeover contest. Photo: San Dieguito Water District

Haven for Wildlife and Pollinators Wins San Dieguito Water District 2025 Landscape Makeover Contest

August 18, 2025/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

The transformation of an Encinitas yard into a sustainable landscape providing habitat for wildlife and pollinators is the 2025 winner of the San Dieguito Water District’s annual landscape contest.

Wildlife biologist Shea Okeefe said when she decided to take on the landscape project, she drew on her professional expertise as a scientist.

“When we decided to re-landscape our yard, I wanted to include vegetation that was beneficial to local wildlife, including pollinators of all shapes and sizes,” said Okeefe.

Landscape Project Protects Local Watershed

Inclusion of the dry creekbed to replenish groundwater is a major feature of the project. Photo: San Dieguito Water District

She also wanted to include areas where precipitation and runoff could recharge groundwater and reduce runoff into our waterways. The dry creekbed created with rocks connects to the property’s rain gutters and backyard drainage. Softscaping and mulch also contribute to allowing runoff to percolate down into the watershed.

Okeefe explains that by focusing on native plants, they are waterwise because of their many years of adapting to the region’s local climate, soil conditions, and topography.

The landscaping features a variety of native plants. Photo: San Dieguito Water District

Plants used in the design include a variety of native sages, Monkey Flowers, Penstemon, Buckwheat, Bush Sunflower, Deer Grass, Giant Wild Rye, Yarrow, lavenders, aloes, a variety of succulents, an oak tree and several non-fruiting olive trees.

Smart Irrigation Technology Detects Needs

Drip irrigation was installed using a Racchio irrigation system that can be remotely programmed and controlled. It also detects precipitation events with weather forecasts and will automatically shut off irrigation if weather reports forecast a rain event.

The drip irrigation system can detect rain and shut off to avoid wasting water. Photo: San Dieguito Water District

Okeefe says now that the plants are established, she has shut off the irrigation, which can be used as needed during long dry periods. Okeefe received help with the selection and layout of her smart irrigation and plant selection from Steve McDearmon with Garden Rhythms.

The winning 2025 OMWD landscape project features native plants and is both drought tolerant and fire resistant. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Encinitas Resident Wins OMWD 2025 Landscape Contest

July 25, 2025/in Achievements, Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

Encinitas resident Ramona Copley’s landscape makeover project was selected by the Olivenhain Municipal Water District as the 2025 winner of the annual WaterSmart Landscape Contest. The OMWD board honored Copley at its June board meeting.

Salvias provide plenty of color in the winning landscape design. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“To reduce our water use, my husband and I wanted to transform our yard of trees and grass into a low-water-use garden,” said Copley about the motivation behind their project.

Design Is Drought-Tolerant and Fire-Resistant

The dry creek bed is a major feature in the new landscape design. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Copley’s landscape design features a dry creek bed, drip irrigation using a smart controller, blue fescue grass, and a variety of colorful plants, including orange kangaroo paw, purple salvia, and red autumn sage. The garden features several plants native to our region that are both drought-tolerant and fire-resistant, such as California lilac, white rockrose, and Cleveland sage.

“Drought-tolerant landscaping helps conserve San Diego’s water supply,” said OMWD board secretary Christy Guerin. “Mrs. Copley’s landscape offers a good example of an appealing design, climate-appropriate plant selection, and water-efficient irrigation.”

Plant choices are both drought-tolerant and fire-resistant. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“We receive many compliments,” said Copley, “and I enjoy taking in the view as I sit in the front yard.

“I am proud to say that my water bill has not changed since we installed the garden. The bill is the same as it was when the yard contained only dirt, while we planned the project and found a landscaper for the design I had in mind,” added Copley.

Countywide Contest Inspires Homeowners