To promote water-efficient landscaping, Sweetwater Authority, along with nine other water districts, sponsors the California-Friendly Landscape Contest. Local residents, who qualify, are encouraged to enter. This year’s winners were recognized at an event held at the Water Conservation Garden at Cuyamaca College on May 19. The winners each received a $250 gift card, and a yard sign designating the landscape as a winning, water-efficient garden.
Sweetwater Authority’s winners were Alan and Karen Henry of Bonita. (Pictured with Sweetwater Authority Conservation Coordinator Sue Mosburg and General Manager Jim Smyth.) The Henry's were inspired by the Water Conservation Garden exhibits, and a desire to reduce their water use. They had a large, water-thirsty backyard that was transformed into a shady, lush paradise. While they did hire outside help for most of the work, they were involved with the design and installation of the landscape over several years. They added a wide variety of low-water-use plants, grasses, and shrubs, including, Salvia, acacia, aloe blue dwarf, and California poppies. The Henry’s are now enjoying their beautiful backyard oasis, and are using 35 to 50 percent less water to maintain it.
For more information about the annual California-Friendly Landscape Contest, please visit this website http://landscapecontest.com.