HARRISBURG, Penn. - On March 13, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) released a variance to the drought emergency regulations that allows members of the Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association (PLNA) to install water gardens and ponds under that drought emergency water use limitations. The installation of water gardens and ponds has previously been prohibited by the regulations.

"We are pleased that this variance allows our member landscape contractors and garden centers to continue to install these popular water features," said Gregg Robertson, PLNA president. "Our member companies are very conscious of the drought and constantly strive to conserve water in all aspects of their operations. With this variance, DEP recognizes our efforts to be mindful of the critical importance of our water resources."

Water gardens provide critical water to birds, frogs and other forms of wildlife during dry periods. Water gardening has become a major interest of gardeners over the past several years. Nationally, gardeners have purchased over $1 billion in ponds, plants and water gardening accessories during the past year.

For more information contact PLNA's Michele Corbin at mcorbin@plna.com.