Water Wise Landscaping

Water supply restrictions and our region's unpredictable cycle of wet and dry years make water conservation a long-term need rather than a short- term option. With 30 to 70 percent of all household water used outside the home, (with homeowners typically using twice the amount of water needed to keep plants healthy), cutting back on our outdoor watering is the surest solution to reduce residential water consumption.

Landscaping that uses little water also helps us achieve conservation goals without sacrificing the splendor of our gardens. Water-wise landscaping does not have to be just rocks and cactus. With the use of non-thirsty plants, gardens can still look lush and colorful and be more environmentally friendly.

Water Wise Landscaping Basic Principles

Keep turf to a minimum, grass is the thirstiest plant of all! Have turf only where you need it and water only when needed
When using turf, use warm-season types (Bermuda, Saint Augustine, Zoysia De Anza)
Set lawn mower blades one notch higher, longer grass means less evaporation
Use native plants that are well suited to regional and local conditions
Group plants that use the same amount of water
Plant trees, they help to lower air and soil temperatures
Group container plants with similar needs
Improve the soil, cultivate routinely, incorporating organic material, such as compost
Aerate heavy or compacted soil around trees
Use a two- to four-inch layer of mulch around trees and plants to even out extreme temperatures and to retain moisture
Water plants only when needed
Water early in the morning when evaporation is low and air is calmer
Avoid runoff and over spray of automatic sprinklers

Customers who wish to convert their lawns to water efficient landscaping have a tremendous number of resources available to assist in the process.

Water Wise Garden Classes & Resources

The District hosts two Water Wise Garden Classes a year, one in the Spring and one in the Fall. The classes, taught by local experts, provide practical information on water efficient plants, soils and fertilizers, landscape design, and irrigation. Additionally, the Chino Basin Water Conservation District is a local special district dedicated to conserving the local water resources of the Chino Basin. The Conservation District provides water-wise landscape services available to Monte Vista Water District customers, including free landscape irrigation evaluations and a drought-tolerant demonstration garden.

Waterwise Community Center

A tremendous local resource for water conservation and education. Check out their calendar for upcoming events, and make sure to visit their beautiful (nearby!) Drought-Tolerant Demonstration Garden full of water-efficient plants and landscaping ideas. The center is located at:

4594 San Bernardino Street
Montclair, CA 91763
Phone: 909-626-2711

Conservation District Website

California Botanical Garden

California Botanic Garden is the largest botanic garden dedicated exclusively to California’s native plants. The 86-acre garden, located in nearby Claremont, displays 2000 varieties of California native plants. Docents lead tours of the Garden periodically. Guidebooks and brochures are available at the California Garden Shop. Informative classes and demonstrations are held throughout the year. The garden is located at:

1500 N College Avenue
Claremont, CA 91711
Phone: 909-625-8767

CalBG Website

Maloof Foundation Discovery Garden

The property is a living museum of Sam Maloof's craftmanship with a natural garden of water-wise California native plants and compatible plants from other Mediterranean climate zones around the world. The Maloof Foundation Discovery Garden, located at 5131 Carnelian Street in Rancho Cucamonga, is open to the public on Friday and Saturday. Visit their website for event and workshop information, https://www.malooffoundation.org/garden.

Water Wise Landscaping