Not sure which district is your water provider?
Water-efficient landscapes are vibrant, attractive and can reduce a home's outdoor water use by 20 to 50 percent, depending upon how, when and where water is applied and the types of plants selected. Here are a few beautiful landscapes in the Sacramento region that stand out for both their curb appeal and water savings.
This Carmichael front yard received the royal treatment as winner of the Regional Water Authority's 2008 Ultimate Water-Smart Garden Makeover Contest. The new landscape features beautiful California native plants and others appropriate for our region, providing a variety of textures and colors. Learn more
A landscape makeover in Folsom created new ways for the homeowners to use and enjoy their front yard, as well as save water. Learn more about this winner of the Regional Water Authority's 2007 Ultimate Water-Smart Garden Makeover Contest.
This Roseville landscape was transformed from a thirsty yard to a beautiful, low-maintenance, well-drained landscape. Features include a functional dry creek that leads into a dry well, strategically placed berms, water-draining pavers and drought-tolerant plants. The dry creek is both attractive and directs extra water into a dry well on the right side of a cobble path underneath a cluster of boulders. The cobble path serves triple purpose: to lead to the front door, to expand a passenger exit from a parked car and absorb water from excessive rains. The landscape was installed on a very tight budget yet looks beautiful and compliments the neighborhood. Landscape design and photos provided by Katrina Leonidov Fairchild of the Garden Gal.
This Fair Oaks yard was transformed to a relaxing water-efficient landscape by replacing the lawn with a patio, re-circulating stream, flagstone path and raised garden beds. The previous landscape was used primarily for private use and container gardening. It included an expanse of lawn with little usable space. Now, the narrow side yard provides space for both entertaining and relaxation. The re-circulating stream contributes soothing sounds, adding to the relaxing ambiance. The pergola not only acts as a shade structure but also synchronizes with the homes' architectural thematic elements. Installed plants require only drip irrigation, are water-wise and are primarily California natives. Landscape design and photos by Cindy Gause, Castilleja Gardens and Landscape Design, calandscapes@surewest.net.
Visit a local Water Efficient Landscape (WEL) garden
