Water Authority Partners with San Diego Horticultural Society on Award-winning Garden Exhibit at San Diego County Fair
June 16, 2011
On June 9, it was announced that the San Diego Horticultural Society, in partnership with the San Diego County Water…
On June 9, it was announced that the San Diego Horticultural Society, in partnership with the San Diego County Water Authority, had won three awards at the 2011 San Diego County Fair & Garden Show.
Exhibit signage provides a user-friendly explanation of the importance of a water budget and how it was used to determine how many gallons of water this display garden would need.
The 1,000 square foot display is an excellent example of an attractive, colorful and water-efficient residential garden comprised of a wide variety of WaterSmart plants, permeable hardscape and a garden sculpture made completely from recycled materials.
This year’s fair theme is “Race to the Fair,” and the theme of the Flower & Garden Show is “Riding in Style.” In keeping with the theme, the SDHS/Water Authority garden chose “Let Your Water Budget Drive Your Plant Choices” – showcasing a beautiful WaterSmart residential design that incorporates an educational component, beauty and creativity.
The exhibit highlights a wide variety of colorful, WaterSmart plants each labeled and number-coded to a list visitors take away for use planning their own garden.
The WaterSmart plants in the exhibit include both natives and plants from other Mediterranean climates similar to San Diego County. These plants usually need little water to thrive, since they are well-adapted to dry summers. The plant list is available here.
The planted area has 30 percent very low water use natives and succulents, 64 percent low water use trees and shrubs and only 6 percent high water use plants — much of which is a small vegetable garden. The plants are grouped by water needs to avoid excess watering. The display includes a user-friendly explanation of what determines a water budget and the estimated water use of this garden as well as a take-away plant list.
The individual awards are:
The exhibit features a custom-made roadster sculpture, in keeping with the Flower & Garden Show theme of “Riding in Style,” made entirely from recycled parts.
EVERGREEN NURSERY GREEN LEAF AWARD: Presented for best use of plants in a home garden setting.
CUYAMACA COLLEGE BOTANICAL SOCIETY AWARD: Given for the best presentation of the landscape display in the drawn landscape plan. Design features such as ease of reference, accuracy of plant identification (botanical and common), layout, presence of design characteristics and color presentation are some of the characteristics. Judging was completed by faculty members of Cuyamaca College Horticulture Department.
First Place Award from KELLOGG GARDEN PRODUCTS “GROW YOUR OWN” AWARD: This award is presented to the best garden/display that incorporates edible components.
The display was produced entirely from volunteers including a group of hardworking students from MiraCosta College Horticultural Department earning a college credit for their participation.
Come check out this outstanding exhibit. Take an immediate left from the main fair entrance to enter the outdoor Flower & Garden Show area. The San Diego Horticultural Society/Water Authority garden exhibit is located on the far back side of the garden show area — look for the five orange pillars holding ceramic bowls and cascading plants.
The fair runs from Friday, June 10 through Monday, July 4. It is closed to the public on Mondays.