MWDOC Provides 5 Key Benefits Of Cultivating a Water-Smart Garden by Municipal Water District of Orange County Dec 6, 2022 Member Submitted News Did you know? There are a lot of benefits to transforming your water-thirsty landscape into a vibrant, healthy, water-smart garden. Besides saving water, money, and time spent on maintenance, California Friendly® landscapes can positively impact the environment by reducing runoff and encouraging pollinators. Making the change has never been more worthwhile! Last month, MWDOC visited the Wallace family, MWDOC Turf Removal and Spray to Drip rebate program participants, who recently transformed their lush green lawn into a beautiful, drought-tolerant oasis. Here are five (5) benefits the Wallaces have experienced from cultivating their water-smart garden: Save Water By removing 1,000 sq. ft. of grass, the Wallace family’s new water-smart landscape is expected to save nearly 44,000 gallons of water each year. Additionally, converting spray heads to drip irrigation means less water is needed overall. Water is delivered directly to the plant roots, and less water is lost to wind and evaporation. Healthy Plants The Wallace family garden features nearly 50 different water-wise plants and shrubs. California Friendly® plants thrive in Orange County’s semi-arid climate. They need very little water, and are naturally disease and pest-resistant. Reduce Runoff A focal point of the Wallace’s front yard is the addition of a dry creek bed. Dry creek beds add curb appeal and help recharge the water table below by slowing water flow and giving it time to soak into the soil. This process helps reduce erosion and water runoff into the street or sewer. Attract Pollinators The Wallace family specifically chose a variety of native plants to provide a refuge for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Plants like narrow-leaf milkweed support the local butterfly population, and native flowers like California Buckwheat aid bees in pollination. Inspire Others The Wallaces hope to educate their neighbors, friends, and family and inspire them to make the same impactful change. To make it even easier, they proudly display a comprehensive list of water-smart plants used in their garden. “We’ve been in drought for years, and we would like our children to enjoy the same beauty in the future,” the family expressed. Even small changes can make a big difference.