A transition from wet to dry zones showed that water saving landscapes can be as beautiful as more thirsty designs.

At one end of the exhibit, a lush green garden thrives on ample water. At the other, a gravel patio with a rebar overhead structure and a series of sculptures by Vern Peasenell stand among unthirsty plants. Other spaces included a brick patio and a deck.

Literature describing how to use less water, appropriate plants for our region and other useful information was handed out, and we were on hand to answer questions.

We picked the weekend of a major rainstorm for this show, so it's impact was somewhat less than it could have been - but it drew crowds nonetheless.

This concept statement formed the theoretical basis for the garden's design:

Problem: How much water can you allocate to your garden without compromising its overall look and your aesthetics?

Solution: This garden offers 3 choices: Low water use, medium water use, high water use.

It demonstrates that if you group similar requirements together you can enjoy the various looks it creates yet keep an integrity to your garden.

The overall flow is achieved through similar color in foliage and blooms according to their water requirements: lavender, artemisia or gray rush have grey foliage yet totally different water requirements.

Multiple ways to solve drainage on site via permeable paving, deck and dry stream allow for water to percolate back into the soil and recharge our ground water.

Emphasizing water uses wisely, each mini garden possesses its own character and beauty and can function alone if you choose one specific look: zen, mediterranean, riparian associated respectively with low, medium and high water use.

This garden reflects our current landscape water consumption where high and low are not dominant. Yet, ideally, our garden tomorrow will feature diminished high water uses. Our lawns will get reduced, native vegetation will be in higher demand because our aesthetics will shift to more mediterranean, water conserving choices to keep our last special retreat and entertaining places alive.

Credits

Designed by Luciole design

Annette Heacox, ASLA - landscape architect
Mike Heacox, ASLA - landscape architect

Sculpture:

Vernon Peasenell, Flat Line Gallery, Roseville

Built by:

Clifford Louie, Pacific Landscapes

Luciole Design, Water features, plants

Notes on furnishings:

The chairs began to crack after three years in a garden, under a tree where they were protected from the sun. We plan on turning them upside down, cutting off the bottoms and using them as forms for colored concrete. Since they will be pretty heavy we're still trying to decide where we want more or less permanent outdoor seating.