WaterSmart Living Archives

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.

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

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

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

Since 2006, the county-wide contest has encouraged residential water agency customers to showcase their water-wise landscapes. OMWD is one of 12 water agencies participating in the contest. Each agency selects a winning landscape.

Winners selected by San Diego County Water Authority member agencies throughout the county, and a wide range of landscape resources are available at www.landscapecontest.com.

The result of the Claermans' carefully planned landscape makeover is the 2025 City of Escondido Landscape Contest winner. Photo: City of Escondido

Escondido Landscape Contest Winner Inspired By Local Gardens

July 24, 2025/in Achievements, Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

The transformation of the Claerman family’s landscaping began with research and field trips. The results of their landscaping makeover were named the 2025 City of Escondido Landscape Makeover contest winner.

Yannick Claerman’s landscape transformation process included research on drought-tolerant plants, plant groupings, soil types, and how to use compost and mulch to enhance water efficiency.

He made visits to local demonstration gardens, which provided him with a little extra inspiration as he began curating a selection of manzanitas, native irises, yarrows, monkeyflower, and multiple varieties of sages.

Grass Becomes A Carpet Of Stars

No longer a traditional lawn, this expanse of lush greenery is made up of 250 dwarf “Carpet of Stars” succulents. Photo: City of Escondido

It takes a second look to see the change in an original patch of lawn. It doesn’t look much different at first glance, but it underwent an incognito transformation. Claerman replaced this section of grass with 250 Dwarf Carpet of Stars plants, a succulent with a close-growing pattern. Dwarf Carpet of Stairs is dense enough to support foot traffic, just like grass, but it leaves no room for weeds to grow in between the plants.

The slope below the “Carpet of Stars” lawn is planted with flowering natives with every color of bloom and foliage. Photo: City of Escondido

The Dwarf Carpet of Stars plants are now slowly growing in. Once they do, it will look as if the lawn never left, offering a space for walking, sitting, and recreation.

Claerman and his wife decided against removing the existing mature palm trees and added a variety of fruit trees and other edible plants alongside the drought-tolerant backdrop.

Sustainable, Efficient Irrigation Use

The Claermans named each of the zones and unique features throughout the yard. This dry riverbed feature is called “Rio Rudy” after the Claermans’ friend, Rudy, who helped Yannick with laying the rocks and myriad other jobs in the landscape transformation process. Photo: City of Escondido

Nevertheless, Claerman still found ways to minimize potable water irrigation. He makes the most of reclaimed water by capturing rain runoff from his roof. Water is stored in a new 2,650-gallon rainwater tank. The runoff water collected in the tank, along with a simple graywater system that reclaims the household’s shower water, is used to irrigate the east side of the garden.

A separate graywater system for the front yard recycles wash water from the laundry room. Yannick placed rocks above ground to mark the path of the graywater delivery pipes below ground, helping him to select the optimal spot for each new addition to the plant community. Photo: City of Escondido

Claerman installed a separate graywater system for the washing machine, which irrigates the front yard garden.

A door for the garden’s smallest and most whimsical visitors. Although you may not find fairies here, you are sure to see winged pollinators from bees to butterflies, and even bats (roosting in a recently installed bat house) gliding among the blooming natives. Photo: City of Escondido

Claerman feels rewarded not only by the beauty of the garden, but also by the knowledge that his work in crafting a resilient home landscape will contribute to broader efforts by gardeners everywhere to create a more sustainable future.

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

Fletcher Hills Family Wins Helix Water District 2025 WaterSmart Landscape Contest

June 19, 2025/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

The transformation of a Fletcher Hills front yard in El Cajon showcases what a drive for sustainability and some family effort can create. The effort by homeowners Sinead and Lance G. is this year’s winner of the Helix Water District 2025 WaterSmart Landscape Contest.

The annual contest celebrates residents who demonstrate outstanding water-efficient landscaping through design, plant selection, irrigation, and maintenance.

This award winning landscape features natives like Cleveland Sage, Desert Mallow, Ceanothus Concha Lilac, White Sage, and Milkweed. Photo: Helix Water District

When Sinead and Lance moved in, their home had a struggling front lawn with a dying pine tree. The couple replaced over 1,200 square feet of lawn with a water-smart, eco-friendly design that boosts curb appeal.

“Our motivation was centered around doing our part to support the local ecosystem: bees, birds, butterflies, moths, and plants with adaptations to survive on low water,” said Sinead.

Trading Grass For A Flourishing Garden

Every detail of the yard’s design was thoughtfully hand-crafted. Sinead sketched out a plan that included two river rock gardens and carefully chose planting areas. Photo: Helix Water District

The couple purchased their home in 2020 and, with the help of family, spent over a year clearing Bermuda grass to make way for a flourishing garden. “First, my dad, husband, and I worked together on weekends to dig out the crab grass at least five inches,” she said.

After removing the grass, they used cardboard and black plastic tarp to smother the remaining roots, a labor-intensive process that took six months to dig out and another year to solarize.

Once the area was prepped, they hired a local gardener to level the yard, and then Sinead and her husband covered the soil with cardboard and weed cloth before planting. “To my surprise, when we started planting, we observed a substantial number of worms in the ground, which is typically a sign of healthy soil.”

Hand-Crafted Garden With Native Plants

Sinead’s mother, who is a talented gardener, helped lay out the plan including the dry river bed. Photo: Helix Water District

Every detail of the yard’s design was thoughtfully hand-crafted. Sinead sketched out a plan that included two river rock gardens and carefully chose planting areas. “My mom is a talented gardener, so she helped me design the shape of the walkway and plant placement,” she shared. Her favorite addition was a Desert Museum Palo Verde tree, carefully positioned after consulting DigAlert, a free utility marking service.

The plant palette includes many native favorites like Cleveland Sage, Desert Mallow, Ceanothus Concha
Lilac, White Sage, Milkweed and many others. The variety of plants offers vibrant blooms and plenty of
habitat for local species.

“A WaterSmart landscape allows us to serve nature. After all, our home was built on local wildlife land. The least we can do is share our little plot of land to offer native animals and plants a place to grow, eat, and find shelter.”

Relying on Natural Rainfall

The new landscape features many native plants attractive to pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Photo: Helix Water District

For simplicity and preference, Sinead opted not to install irrigation and instead waters her garden by hand. “This has worked out well; the plants get water, and I get to spend time outdoors admiring blooms and critters.” The couple also created two rain gardens using rocks to capture and reuse rainwater, keeping the water on the property and maximizing a free resource.

Now that it’s established, their landscape needs very little watering, just once every two weeks in summer, a bit more before a Santa Ana wind, and nothing extra during the cooler months when rainfall is enough. The result is a thriving, diverse, and low-maintenance landscape, created with care, purpose, and a deep love for nature.

Photos of Sinead and her family’s garden will be showcased at landscapecontest.com, alongside other
regional winners and on Helix Water District’s website.

The WaterSmart Landscape Contest runs from January through mid-May each year. To learn more, visit the “Enter A Contest” page on the Helix Water District website.

National Arbor Day on Friday, April 25, reminds us of the many benefits that trees have to offer. Photo: Pixabay/Creative Commons

Celebrate Arbor Day: Discover How Planting More Trees in San Diego Supports Climate Resiliency

April 21, 2025/in WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

Trees are among the most valuable investments in San Diego County’s landscape, including in your landscaping. No other plant plays a more significant role in fighting climate change, supporting sustainability, and maintaining a healthy watershed than trees.

National Arbor Day on Friday, April 25, reminds us of the many benefits that trees have to offer, with tree planting events planned throughout San Diego County.

Arbor Day 2025 Events

San Diego County residents can volunteer at several tree planting events on Arbor Day. Photo: City of San Diego

The City of San Diego celebrates Arbor Day on Friday with an official Arbor Day Ceremony at 9 a.m., followed by a tree planting event at Colina Del Sol Park in City Heights in partnership with Tree San Diego. Members of the public are invited to volunteer. For information and to register, go to the City of San Diego Arbor Day webpage.

Tree San Diego and the City of Chula Vista will host a tree-planting event for Arbor Day at Horizon Park from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Volunteers can register here.

The City of Lemon Grove hosts an Earth Day and Arbor Day Fair on Saturday, April 26, starting at 9 a.m. at 3200 Main Street.

Forever Balboa Park is also hosting an Arbor Day Event on Friday, April 25 with a morning tree planting event. Volunteers are asked to register and will be provided with the specific event location at its website here.

Tree Support Throughout The Year

Numerous nonprofit organizations offer support and tips on planting and caring for trees. Photo: Gabriel/Pixabay

Work with trees year-round by getting involved with the San Diego nonprofit Kate Sessions Trees. Its website provides information about the fundamentals of planting trees, environmental stewardship, and to ongoing watering and maintenance.

Throughout the year, City of San Diego residents can request a new street tree through Free Tree SD. This program allows residents and the City to work together by increasing San Diego’s tree canopy cover. Residents need to identify a space in the public right-of-way and agree to water the tree for three years. City arborists will evaluate the space and determine an appropriate tree selection.

To get started, fill out the Free Tree SD application form on the City’s website.

Tree San Diego works with all 18 incorporated cities, unincorporated areas of San Diego County, and tribal communities to support and monitor tree planting throughout the year. Urban Corps San Diego and volunteer groups also support tree planting projects throughout the year. Learn more at Tree San Diego.

Tips On Tree Health and Care

Trees provide numerous health benefits. Infographic: The Nature Conservancy

Depending on the tree type and size, water every three to six weeks.
The amount of water your tree needs depends. A general rule of thumb is to use approximately 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter for each watering.
Focus on deep, infrequent watering, rather than frequent shallow watering. Aim to saturate the soil around the root zone to encourage deep root growth.
Young trees, even drought-tolerant ones, need routine watering. Most mature drought-tolerant trees can survive on rainwater plus infrequent, deep watering.
If rainfall is scarce, be sure to hydrate the trees with irrigation water.
Young trees are particularly susceptible to competition from turf grass. Remove grass from the trunk out to a foot beyond the drip line (the outer canopy of the leaves).

To help residents and businesses choose trees that will thrive in our climate and conditions, check out the San Diego County Water Authority’s recently updated “Nifty 50” and “Happy 100” plant lists. Learn more about the lists in this recent Water News Network article.

The Western Redbud tree (Cercis Occidentalis) is a favorite choice from the Nifty 50 plant list. Photo: Pixabay/Creative Commons

To learn more about trees, visit the Arbor Day Foundation.

San Diego forestry and landscaping professionals work with the San Diego County Water Authority and its 22 member agencies to help protect our region’s trees.

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