Catherine Spence and her husband David are the 2025 winners of the Otay Water District Watersmart Landscape Contest. Photo: Otay Water DistrictLow-Maintenance Garden for Retirement Wins Otay Water District 2025 Landscape Contest
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.
