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.
