News

At its June 15 meeting, Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors honored Claudia Kuepper as OMWD’s 2016 winner of the annual California-Friendly Landscape Contest.

Kuepper was recognized for her exemplary water conservation efforts and water-efficient landscaping. Kuepper removed all of her turf grass, converted most irrigation to drip, and installed four 50-gallon rain barrels. As a result, she has seen a 50 percent decrease in her water bill.

“As a professional landscape designer, I am always discussing ways to conserve water with my clients,” said Kuepper. “It is important that I am also exhibiting the methods and practices that I suggest to my clients. Our Mediterranean climate affords us endless plant choices, and so many of those are surprisingly drought-tolerant.”

“Ms. Kuepper has done an exemplary job demonstrating how a California-friendly landscape can be so much more than rocks and cactus,” said OMWD President Ed Sprague. “As Californians move to make conservation a way of life, showcasing landscapes that are not only low water use, but are also attractive, help to inspire people to make changes in their own yards.”

The California-Friendly Landscape Contest is held annually by water agencies throughout San Diego County to showcase attractive landscapes that use less water than conventional turf-heavy landscapes. Contest entries are judged on curb appeal, landscape and irrigation design, and environmental considerations. More information and photos of winning landscapes are available at www.landscapecontest.com.