Tag Archive for: Water Conservation

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

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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

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

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

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

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

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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 landscape makeover

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 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 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.

 

 

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

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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 Landscape Contest

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 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 Landscape Contest

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 aboveground to mark the path of the graywater delivery pipes belowground, helping him to select the optimal spot for each new addition to the plant community. Photo: City of Escondido

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 Landscape Contest

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.

 

 

Trump Lets the Water Flow — Again — as He Reverses Biden Rule Restricting Showerheads

/in , /by /The San Diego Union-Tribuneby Matthew Daly

President Donald Trump has long complained about modern rules that limit water flow for showerheads, making it harder for him to wash his “beautiful hair.”

In his first term, Trump directed that restrictions on showerheads be loosened, an action that former President Joe Biden reversed.

Now Trump is going to let the water flow — again.

Full Story

California’s First Solar-Over-Canal Project Now Generating Electricity

/in , /by /ABC 30by Tiffany Olin

Project Nexus: California’s first solar-covered canals.

The initiative that’s been years in the making is now generating electricity while conserving the state’s water supply.

Full Story

How Collecting Rainwater Can Save You Money and Help the Environment

/in , /by /ABC 10by Max Goldwasser Mentioned: San Diego County Water Authority

Rain has officially entered the region once again. Coastal communities are not expecting to receive more than an inch of rain through Friday, which might not sound like a lot, but it is when it comes to water conservation.

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Santa Fe Irrigation District Approves Water Rate Increase

/in , /by /San Diego Union Tribuneby Karen Billing Mentioned: San Diego County Water Authority

The Santa Fe Irrigation District board unanimously approved a 2% water rate increase at a special meeting on Feb. 12. Customers in Solana Beach, Rancho Santa Fe and Fairbanks Ranch will see the new rate go into effect on March 1 and in combination with wholesale water rate increases from the San Diego County Water Authority, the average bi-monthly bill will increase by about 9% depending on meter size and water usage levels.

Full Story

Low Flow No More? Trump to Roll Back Rules on Toilets, Showers and Lightbulbs

/in , /by /USA Todayby Elizabeth Weise

Plastic straws, high flow toilets and incandescent light bulbs could make comebacks as President Donald Trump works to end certain environmental standards.

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

Beautiful Habitat Named Sweetwater Authority Landscape Makeover Winner

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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.

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

Vista Irrigation District Selects 2024 Landscape Contest Winner

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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.