Contest to award $250 to best drought-tolerant gardens

The Otay Water District has issued a call for entries for the 2010 California Friendly Landscape Contest.

Homeowners, business owners and landscape architects may submit photos of beautiful drought-tolerant gardens. The winners in each water district will receive a $250 prize. To be eligible, the project must be located in the territory of Otay Water District, Helix Water District, Sweetwater Authority or the City of San Diego.

The contest is part of a broader effort by Southern California water agencies to curb water consumption through outdoor landscaping techniques. A “California friendly” landscape typically requires half as much water as a conventional landscape.

“Our four agencies are looking for the most colorful and attractive established ‘California friendly’ or water-wise landscapes,” said Mark Watton, general manager of Otay Water District. “Drought tolerant landscapes are a beautiful alternative to traditional landscaping while saving a tremendous amount of water and money."

Applications are due April 12 and can be downloaded at landscapecontest.com. Winners will be honored at a ceremony at the Water Conservation Garden May 8 and be featured on the landscape contest Web site.