greenliving water-wise ways


The Water Conservation Garden Inspires and Informs


by Linda Sechrist


earning to be water-wise is par- ticularly appealing to San Diego gardeners who enjoy growing edibles or creating a beautiful land- scape. Gardening efforts here are only lightly blessed by Mother Nature’s aver- age annual rainfall of just 10 inches, so gardeners of all skill levels rely upon water conservation experts like the individuals at the Water Conservation Garden, in El Cajon. “We have nearly five acres of displays that showcase water conservation through a series of themed gardens, which fea- ture drought-resistant plants, and how-to displays for mulch- ing and irrigation,” says Elizabeth Ramos,


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events and marketing specialist for the Garden.


Located on the Cuyamaca Com- munity College campus, the Garden is owned by a Joint Powers Authority partnership of six agencies: the Helix Water District, San Diego County Water Authority, Otay Water District, Cuy- amaca College, city of San Diego Water Department and Sweetwater Author- ity. Friends of the Water Conservation Garden, a nonprofit organization, oper- ates and manages the Garden. “In the early 1990s, during a multi- year drought, the Helix and Otay Water districts envisioned a water conservation garden that would


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show the public how to save water outdoors,” explains Ramos, who adds that Cuyamaca College, which already had an excellent horticulture depart- ment, joined as a third partner, agreeing to provide land for the garden. Garden landscape professionals of- fer a Nifty 50 list of plants that are easy to find and grow in moderate to low water conditions. The list and monthly educational programs are helpful in educating local residents about the importance of using drought-tolerant native plants, as well as those from Mediterranean countries whose climate is similar to San Diego’s. However, the importance of conserving the county’s precious water supply may be best understood after reading the narrative on a panel at the Garden entry. It tells the story of how water comes to San Diego County from northern California and from the Colorado River to the east of the county. “Only 10 percent of the water in San Diego County is of local origin, which is a major reason that wa- ter conservation is so important here,” notes Ramos. The Garden also demonstrates how to transition from water-thirsty lawns


Attend the Spring Garden Festival


Mark your calendar for April 9 and plan to attend the annual Spring Garden festival, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit Cuyamaca.edu/springfest for de- tails about the plant sale, horticulture demonstrations, animal encounters, live music, water-smart gardening tips, expert design advice, children’s activities and international food. Free admission and parking.


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