Water-Smart Garden Contest and Tour 2008

Enter your "Water-Smart" garden in the 2008 Water-Smart Garden Contest and Tour. Deadline for entries is May 16. Click here for contest details. Win prizes and share your water saving ideas with other gardeners.
The Monterey Bay Master Gardeners, local water agencies and other water-smart garden minded companies are seeking beautiful gardens that save water through plant selection, efficient irrigation and other “water-smart” methods. Winning gardeners get cash, prizes, recognition at the Smart Gardening Faire on June 21st at Scotts Valley's Skypark and the opportunity to show their gardens in the Water-Smart Garden Tour on August 9-10! For more info about the Water-Smart Garden Contest, The Smart Gardening Faire or the Water-Smart Garden Tour go to www.smartgardening.org.

Replace high water-use lawns with water-wise grasses

Replace existing high water use lawn with low-water use grass or plants and receive $2 per square foot of turf replaced and lots of water. Pre and post installation surveys are required to qualify for this rebate. Call 831-475-8501 ext. 146 to schedule a site visit.

For rebate details click here.

list of low water use grasses
Click here for a list of common water-wise grasses that work well to replace turf grass.

how much water will i save?
Typical grass or lawn uses about 27 gallons per square foot per year in this region.  A water-wise grass needs only about 25% or less of typical grass, once they are established.  Some of the low-water grasses require no irrigation once they are established.  A normal 500 square foot lawn that is replaced with a water-wise grass or plants can expect to save at least 8,000 gallons per year.  Water-wise grasses also usually require less maintenance and chemical application (i.e., fertilizers, pesticides, etc.).

additional questions?
Call the District’s Water Conservation Manager (Ron Duncan) at 831 475-8501 ext. 144. You can also e-mail your questions: click here