San Diego County Garden Friendly Plant Fairs Offer Discounts and Tips
March 05, 2014
The San Diego County Water Authority and several member agencies have teamed with The Home Depot to offer significant savings…
The San Diego County Water Authority and several member agencies have teamed with The Home Depot to offer significant savings at San Diego County Garden Friendly Plant Fairs this spring.
During the plant fairs, specially marked containers of low-water-use plants such as lavender, bougainvillea, society garlic and rosemary will be discounted at select The Home Depot stores. Industry experts will be at the plant fairs to provide information about water-efficient irrigation supplies, and how to select and grow low-water-use plants. The Home Depot certified nursery consultants will host how-to workshops, and local retail water agency staff will be on-hand with information about water conservation programs and services. In addition, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) representatives will attend the events to highlight programs, services and tools that help save energy and money.
Water Authority member agencies participating in plant fairs are Carlsbad Municipal Water District, city of Escondido, city of Oceanside, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, Otay Water District, Rainbow Municipal Water District, Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District, city of San Diego, San Dieguito Water District, and Valley Center Municipal Water District.
“Renovating your landscape is one of the best things you can do to conserve water – and that has never been more important in California than it is today after the start of a third straight dry year,” said Jeff Stephenson, a principal water resources specialist at the Water Authority. “These plant fairs offer cost-effective opportunities to trim water use and enhance your property at the same time.”
The plant fair partnership is designed to increase adoption of WaterSmart landscapes that are appropriate for San Diego County’s semi-arid climate. Outdoor water-use efficiency is a major regional goal because more than half of the water used in a typical home is used outdoors.
In addition to the plant fairs, the Water Authority offers an incentive program for residents and businesses who replace turf grass with water-efficient plants. Details are at turfreplacement.watersmartsd.org. Starting in April, the Water Authority also is sponsoring a new series of free classes around the region to help residents turn conventional yards into WaterSmart landscaping showcases. Details are at www.watersmartsd.org/programs/watersmart-landscape-makeover-series.
For more information about the plant fairs, along with water conservation tips, resources and rebate offers, go to www.WaterSmartSD.org.