News

Olivenhain Municipal Water District (OMWD) is inviting customers who enjoy a climate-appropriate landscape to participate in the 2015 California-Friendly Landscape Contest. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 10, and applications are available at www.landscapecontest.com.

“California-friendly” means having a beautiful, well-maintained yard that uses less water. Since up to 80% of household water consumption is outdoors, the contest was developed to reward homeowners who have explored the beauty and benefits of California-friendly plants and other turf alternatives. The contest showcases attractive, water-efficient landscapes which can inspire others to consider a landscape makeover.

Water-efficient landscaping helps to conserve San Diego’s limited water supply and can assist the homeowner in reducing water bill costs. In addition to the aesthetic value that California-friendly plants have to offer, they often require less maintenance than their water-thirsty counterparts, and many are fire-resistant.

Entries will be judged on a variety of criteria such as use of color and texture; zoning techniques (grouping plants with similar water requirements); energy efficiency; creative use of hardscape; and use of rain-harvesting and retention designs to minimize water runoff, protecting our waterways and beaches.

The top three 2015 winners in the California-Friendly Landscape Contest will be recognized at OMWD’s May 13 Board of Directors meeting and in OMWD publications. First place will also receive a $250 prize at the regional awards ceremony at the Water Conservation Garden on May 16, 2015.

Many other San Diego County water agencies are participating in this annual landscape contest; visit www.landscapecontest.com for additional information and images of previous years’ winning landscapes.