The School & Corporate Campus Issue of Landscape Architect & Specifier News saw many firms submit their projects for feature consideration. This project was not chosen for a Feature in the issue, but we at LandscapeArchitect.com thought the project deserved to be showcased online . . .

The future of horticulture requires a bold new perspective to remain sustainable in the face of climate change, consumer demand for beautiful landscaping, and declining young talent in the industry. Prolonged periods of drought continue to put a strain on limited water resources. While the latest irrigation technology has the potential to improve water efficiency, there is still more to learn about how to best implement this technology into water-conserving landscapes. There is great potential for reducing water waste while creating beautiful landscapes.

As a hub for research, teaching, and outreach, SmartLandscape at UC Davis construction commenced in 2019 to provide landscape demonstrations that bridge the knowledge gap and make this vision a reality.

SmartLandscape projects were designed with the following objectives in mind:

 
- Design and install water-conserving and -efficient landscapes that comply with California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO)
- Demonstrate current irrigation technology as mandated by MWELO
- Provide experiential student learning opportunities
- Connect industry professionals, local and state agencies, and trade organizations with academic researchers, staff, and students
- Conduct science-based research
- Leverage cutting-edge technology that is employed outside of the landscape industry
- Provide policy makers with landscape water conservation and water efficiency information

SmartLandscape has put state-of-the-art technology to the test by combining low water-use plants with the latest available irrigation technology, such as smart irrigation controllers and nozzles, drip irrigation, thermal imaging, soil moisture sensors, and drones. This comprehensive horticultural innovation center is an educational tool for all stakeholders focused on measuring and monitoring water-use data and reducing urban landscape water waste.

Undergraduate students are at the forefront of SmartLandscape - working alongside horticultural experts and faculty, students gain valuable hands-on experience, preparing them to enter the horticulture industry as leaders in resource conservation and sustainable urban landscapes. Landscape projects are designed, installed, managed, and maintained by our undergraduate student teams to meet California's MWELO by actual measurement of applied irrigation water to each landscape. Through many "hands on" learning and leadership opportunities, students understand the importance, value and impact for data measurement and analysis and are provided opportunities for presenting their findings at professional conferences and workshops, which will strengthen their confidence and competence for future professional aspirations.

Horticultural professionals have access to quality information that will assist them in navigating the industry challenges created by climate change, consumer preferences, and regulations. SmartLandscape demonstrations and research will advance our knowledge to continually improve our horticultural practices to minimize our environmental impact while still creating beautiful landscapes. The horticultural industry is valuable to California's economy and training the next generation of leaders is important to keep it sustainable.

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For more information about submitting a project, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/research/editorial/editorial-submissions.php