Learn techniques for Water Conservation

by Michelle d'Hulst

The city of San Diego, California has a climate that hosts a much broader array of plants, trees and flowers than almost any other part of the world. However, water conservation is a must in San Diego because it is the last city in a long line of metropolises that are all vying for water. Now, there is a special garden where the concepts of Xeriscape gardening can be explored in a "hands-on","backyard" environment.

The Water Conservation Garden, located on a 4.2 acre site on the campus of Cuyamaca College in east San Diego County, is a unique combination of educational and aesthetic demonstrations. Trees, flowers, and grasses from around the world - over 460 species that thrive in San Diego - create a demonstration garden with a very special emphasis. The latest techniques, devices, and materials to conserve water are the focus of these practical plantings and displays.

Preparation for the Garden began early in 1991 when the East County Water Conservation Committee, established as a result of rapidly changing drought conditions, determined that a water conservation garden was an effective method to demonstrate landscape water savings. The intent was to create a state-of-the-art demonstration garden that would operate as a learning resource center for the public.

As the lead designers on the project, Jon Powell, ASLA, and Jeri Deneen, principals of Deneen Powell Atelier, Inc., provided a conceptual masterplan for the garden in addition to environmental graphic services. After the masterplan was completed in 1993, their involvement with the garden continued free of charge. "I think we are getting paid up to five cents per hour now," Powell jokingly said. DPA, Inc. also donated 25 percent of its environmental graphics fees to the garden.

Their work on the garden was recognized with a President's Award from the San Diego Chapter of the ASLA. "This is the kind of project that doesn't come along everyday," Powell explained. "It is exciting to work on a project that has so much public impact."

The seven key principles of Xeriscape gardening are broken down into three pedestrian path loops that are denoted with whimsical 12-foot icons. The Design loop, which is designated by crossed yellow pencils, focuses on items which should be completed before a landscape is installed. Exhibits show how to design for function and aesthetics, planting preparation, installation techniques, edible gardening, and planting to attract wildlife. The maintenance loop of the garden, denoted by red-handled shears, focuses on pruning, plant care, existing landscape rehabilitation and container gardening. Finally, a purple pop-up sprinkler head sets the irrigation loop apart. This section is intended to show the vast range in irrigation equipment which is now available, and how it can be used efficiently in landscape situations.

Industry professionals volunteer their time to teach free seminars that are offered to the public on the second Saturday of every month. In an upcoming seminar in September, Landscape Architect, Kay Stewart will explore the use of California native plants in the landscape. For seminar offerings call 619-670-2292. The Garden also offers a comprehensive website (www.thegarden.org ) that can help answer any Xeriscape questions that you might have. LASN