Tag Archive for: 2024 Landscape Makeover Contest

The Cervantes family landscape makeover replaced grass with a beautiful native habitat. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

Beautiful Habitat Named Sweetwater Authority Landscape Makeover Winner

Laura and Jaime Cervantes knew they wanted to conserve water but still wanted a functional and eye-catching design for their landscape.

Laura and Jaime Cervantes invested careful planning and hands-on work in their landscape makeover project. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

Laura and Jaime Cervantes invested careful planning and hands-on work in their landscape makeover project. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

The transformation from thirsty turf to a beautiful habitat is the 2024 Sweetwater Authority Landscape Contest winner.

The regional WaterSmart Landscape Contest allows residential water agency customers to showcase their waterwise landscapes. Customers submit applications to their respective water agencies, and each agency selects a landscape that best meets the elements of waterwise landscaping. These elements include:

  • Overall attractiveness
  • Appropriate plant selection and maintenance
  • Design
  • Efficient irrigation methods

Patient Planning and Prep Pays Off

The front yard prior to its makeover. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

The front yard before its makeover. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

They planned and worked hard to eventually transform their front yard from thirsty turf into a space that not only required little water but also provided beauty and habitat.

“This rationale behind our landscape project was a no-brainer: we live in a desert, we need to conserve water, and we wanted a functional yet eye-catching design, said Laura and Jaime Cervantes.

“Although we’ve lived in our house for 11 years, it took us a long time to save up for and to plan our ideas, but we finally completed everything about two years ago.”

The completed landscape makeover. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

The completed landscape makeover. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

The transformed landscape includes low-water use plants such as Kangaroo Paw, Orange Bulbine, and Coral Pink Sage, along with various succulents. The yard also features a beautiful Palo Verde tree, which provides nice shade.

Plant Selection Drives Design Choices

A winding dry riverbed retains water overflow from numerous rain barrels. Photo: Sweetwater Authority landscape makeover

A winding dry riverbed retains water overflow from numerous rain barrels. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

The Cervantes family had a large front yard for their canvas, composed mainly of old turf.

“We transformed it by replacing the old turf with a much smaller area of drought-tolerant Bermuda grass,” they explained. “We wanted plants that not only require little water but also provide beauty and habitat.”

The new walkway was created from flagstone and decomposed granite. A winding dry riverbed retains water overflow from numerous rain barrels.

A new fence allows views of the new landscape both inside and outside to complete the picture. It also acts as a graffiti deterrent due to the hog wire and wood construction.

Unexpected Benefits From Landscape Makeover

Colorful containers and plant choices highlight the new front yard. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

Colorful containers and plant choices highlight the new front yard. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

The Cervantes irrigate their yard using rainwater captured from their 14 rain barrels. They water by hand to get out into the sunshine and enjoy the beauty of their landscape. “We have no automated system – I like to get out in the yard and in the sunshine, so watering by hand is something I really enjoy,” said Laura Cervantes.

The winners reported an unexpected and pleasant outcome of their new yard from the nice comments and conversations it elicited from people walking by.

“It is a great feeling to not only add beauty to our neighborhood but also to know that we are able to contribute in our own small way towards being good stewards of the environment,” said Laura and Jaime Cervantes.

Chula Vista resident Shannon Nembach’s commitment to outdoor water use efficiency without sacrificing a beautiful lush landscape is the 2024 Otay Water District Landscape Makeover winner. Photo: Otay Water District landscape design

Lush Landscape Design Wins 2024 Otay Water District Makeover Contest

Chula Vista resident Shannon Nembach’s Italian-inspired landscaping proves that a waterwise landscape doesn’t need to be restricted to gravel and cacti. Neimbach’s makeover received the “Best In District” first-place award in the Otay Water District’s WaterSmart Landscape Contest.

Her garden is in the Otay Water District’s division 4, represented by Board President Jose Lopez.

Shannon Nembach put in 22 years of work and education to get her winning results. Photo: Otay Water District landscape design

Shannon Nembach put in 22 years of work and education to get her winning results. Photo: Otay Water District

“Otay Water District is proud to recognize Shannon Nembach for demonstrating a true commitment to outdoor water-use efficiency for more than two decades,” said Lopez. “Her efforts will continue to pay off as our region continues to transition into making WaterSmart landscaping a way of life.”

The District recognized Nembach at its August board meeting, awarding her a certificate of recognition, a gift certificate to a local nursery of her choice, a yard sign, and other promotional items.

A look at the backyard before its makeover. Photo: Otay Water District landscape design

A look at the backyard before its makeover. Photo: Otay Water District

Italian Style Inspiration

Nembach transformed her outdoor space into a lush garden with pea-gravel walkways, an inviting outdoor dining area, and low-water-use features that attract native wildlife to her Chula Vista home.

Nembach purchased the home new in 2002. There was no original landscaping, so she took advantage of the opportunity to build a beautiful, functional garden that could withstand climate change and periods of drought, inspired by her trips to Italy.

Shannon Nembach first began working on her side yard. Photo: Otay Water District

Shannon Nembach first began working on her side yard. Photo: Otay Water District

Over the past 22 years, Nembach says she used a self-directed learning approach to tailor her landscaping design efforts to her family’s specific needs and preferences. She began by expanding her side yard to part of the front to make room for a courtyard. She hired a contractor to install a retaining wall and concrete patio with an entry gate and outdoor fireplace.

The well-maintained front yard features a small riverbed and bright green water-wise plants that bloom throughout. Past the entry gate, a large canopy wraps around a long dining table near the fireplace where she regularly hosts outdoor family dinners.

The family enjoys outdoor entertaining with seating near a fireplace. Photo: Otay Water District

The family enjoys outdoor entertaining with seating near a fireplace. Photo: Otay Water District

“I particularly enjoy the way our WaterSmart yard attracts native wildlife, creating a vibrant and dynamic ecosystem,” said Nembach. “It also provides a perfect setting for entertaining family and friends, offering a beautiful and serene backdrop for gatherings and outdoor activities.”

The backyard once included a small patch of grass for her children to play in when they were younger.

Today, raised planters near a sitting area replace the grass where Nembach grows vegetables. A cascade waterfall encompasses a sloped hill with a pond at the bottom. Low-water-use shrubs, such as Japanese Boxwood, add color throughout the yard.

Low water use plants add color throughout the landscaping. Photo: Otay Water District

Low water use plants add color throughout the landscaping. Photo: Otay Water District

Self-Taught Landscape Design

Nembach is a retired high school teacher who is self-taught in landscape design. She credits her mother, an avid gardener, with teaching her the tips and tricks of gardening. She also gained a wealth of knowledge by spending time in plant nurseries and reading Sunset Magazine and gardening books.

Shannon Nembach says she has never missed not having any grass. Photo: Otay Water District

Shannon Nembach says she has never missed not having any grass. Photo: Otay Water District

“We have never used a gardener. My husband and I planted everything except for two trees on our hill, including wheelbarrowing 7.5 yards of pea gravel into the front courtyard to build the free-standing patio and the waterfall and pond in the backyard,” said Nembach. “The pond has provided a constant water source for all the local wildlife for over 20 years.”

“I would recommend others to upgrade their yards. I’ve never missed having grass, which I associate with high maintenance, frequent mowing, fertilizing, weed control, and excessive water use,” she said. “Instead, our drought-tolerant landscape is not only low maintenance, but also beautiful, lush, and inviting. It is practical and attractive.”

Reducing Water Use

Shannon Nembach recommends homeowners consider waterwise landscape plans of their own. Photo: Otay Water District landscape design

Shannon Nembach recommends homeowners consider waterwise landscape plans of their own. Photo: Otay Water District

Nembach’s requires minimal trimming and weeding. Rainwater provides enough water during winter and spring to leave the irrigation system off. Mulching every year helps retain moisture and keeps the weeds to a minimum.

Her water-saving installations have contributed to a 42% decrease in the family’s total water usage when comparing the initial 11-year period in their household to the subsequent 11 years.

“Using water wisely has always been important to me, especially after hearing in the nineties that California’s water consumption was unsustainable,” said Nembach. “When we moved into our home in 2002, I was determined to create a landscape that could endure drought conditions and support long-term water conservation efforts.”

 

 

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

Vista Irrigation District Selects 2024 Landscape Contest Winner

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 landscape design

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 landscape design

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.

 

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

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 2024

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 2024

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 2024

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

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 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

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 award-winning landscape

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 award-winning landscape

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

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

The winning landscape makeover using Nifty Fifty plant choices. Photo: City of Escondido

2024 Landscape Makeover Contest Open For Entries

The 2024 WaterSmart Landscape Makeover competition seeks the best in landscaping makeover projects from 12 participating San Diego County water agencies. This popular annual competition is now open for entries. Its goal is to showcase residential water-saving landscaping ideas, inspiring others to consider their own projects.

Carolina Schultz's transformed landscape demonstrates how homeowners can create a beautiful, California-friendly landscape using less water. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

Carolina Schultz’s transformed landscape demonstrates how homeowners can create a beautiful, California-friendly landscape using less water. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

Different approaches by the winning entrants from past years demonstrate the wide range of options for creating lush, beautiful landscapes that rely more on native plants and less on large areas of thirty grass. The creative results and personal stories help inform and inspire homeowners to consider their own new yard designs.

Participating agencies in 2024 include California American Water, the cities of Escondido and Oceanside, Helix Water District, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, Otay Water District, Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Rincon Del Diablo Municipal Water District, San Dieguito Water District, Sweetwater Authority, Vallecitos Water District, and Vista Irrigation District.

Share your landscape makeover skills in next year's contest to inspire your neighbors. Photo: Helix Water District 2024 landscape makeover contest

Share your landscape makeover skills in the 2024 contest to inspire your neighbors. Photo: Helix Water 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 other rebates plus additional incentives that can help defray project costs.

This year’s contest deadline for all participating agencies is Friday, May 10, 2024. Homeowners may submit their entry online or through their participating agency. Residents must live within agency boundaries to participate.

WaterSmart landscapes more climate-resilient and eco-friendly

Carolina Schultz now waters her yard only once a month when needed. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

Carolina Schultz now waters her yard only once a month when needed. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

WaterSmart landscapes are more climate resilient than traditional lawns by using less water, fertilizers, and pesticides. They provided a happier habitat for pollinators.

The majority of residential water use in San Diego County is used outdoors, primarily for water landscaping. When yards contain a large amount of grass, that can greatly increase overall water consumption. Conservation education efforts, including the WaterSmart Landscape Contest, focus on ways to create landscapes customized for your favorite activities, incorporating the needs of children, pets, accessible areas, pollinators, and specialty gardens.

“Cooler winter months are an ideal time to plant when there is a greater chance of rain, and the soil does not dry out as quickly,” said Water Authority Water Resources Specialist Debby Dunn. “To make creating your new waterwise wonderland easier, take advantage of the Water Authority’s free virtual workshops as well as our short and educational online videos.”

Dunn also recommends getting a copy of the Nifty 50 Plant List. “An environmentally friendly landscape with lush and colorful plants will entice birds, bees, butterflies, and friends into your garden,” said Dunn.

Free landscape makeover classes offered by Water Authority

Mike Williams took advantage of free resources offered by the Vallecitos Water District and San Diego County Water Authority. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Mike Williams took advantage of free resources including classes offered by the Vallecitos Water District and San Diego County Water Authority. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

The Water Authority offers free options to help homeowners plan landscape makeovers. Homeowners can get started with the Water Authority’s free three-hour introductory landscaping workshops scheduled on weeknights and Saturdays. The workshops are held virtually.

The Water Authority’s WaterSmart Landscape Makeover four-class workshop series offers more specific planning help for homeowners. See the course page for the most current schedule and to sign up.