Water Wise Gardening In Oxnard and Greater Ventura County Area

Are you looking for ideas on how to transform your thirsty turf into a beautiful, easy-care garden?

Visit ventura.watersavingplants.com and find garden inspiration in virtual tours of real water wise gardens located right here in Oxnard and surrounding Ventura County communities.

• Search a database of 1,000’s of water saving plants appropriate for your specific landscape requirements.
• Print detailed reports of your selections to help you as you shop for your new plants.
• Learn simple, practical tips for improving the health of your landscape and garden.
• Be the first in your neighborhood to showcase a gorgeous water wise garden!

Did you know?

The two biggest users of water in your home are toilets and landscape irrigation. In fact, during the summer months over half of all household water use is applied to lawns and gardens. However, by switching to a water wise garden it is possible to dramatically reduce your water consumption, lower your water bill and still have a beautiful and productive garden.

Beautify your landscape and start saving water at the same time!

California Friendly® Gardening

California-Friendly® landscaping will help you beautify your home or business garden while conserving water. Typically, the largest portion of residential water use occurs outdoors. In order to conserve water and save money on your water bill, consider taking steps to create a water wise garden at home.

Southern California has a Mediterranean climate. Plants from regions with similar climates such as the Mediterranean Basin, Chile, Australia, and South Africa, flourish in our low rainfall region; these plants are considered California Friendly®.
For a comprehensive water wise plant list, visit www.BeWaterWise.com.

Residential Landscape Brochure    - (1.7 MB)

Seven Steps to a Water Wise Garden

To create a lush and beautiful water wise garden, start by replacing portions of your water thirsty lawn with California Friendly® plants, and follow these seven steps.

1. Planning and Design: When selecting trees, shrubs, ground covers, perennials and annuals for your garden, look for those that naturally grow together and group them by water needs.
2. Turf (lawn):  In the front yard, consider new ways to increase curb appeal with minimal turf.  Green lawns are the thirstiest plant of all.  There are countless combinations of ground cover, shrubs, and perennials that can be use instead of turf.
3. Choose Water Wise Plants:  The City of Oxnard has a Mediterranean climate, with an average annual rain fall of 14-16 inches.  Fortunately, there are many plants to choose from that are well suited to areas of low annual rainfall.  For more ideas check out the gardening section at one of Oxnard's Libraries and visit  www.bewaterwise.com.
4. Improve Soil:  Most soils in the Oxnard area are sandy or heavy clay and need to have organic matter added to improve their condition.  Compost and manure will help the soil absorb more water.  This is an important initial step and it will never be easier to do than before you begin planting.
5. Mulch:  Mulch provides a protective layer that when placed over the soil locks in moisture, moderates soil temperature and suppresses weeds.
6. Appropriate Irrigation Methods:  Most home landscapes receive more water than they need.  Instead of over watering, install an automatic irrigation system that can deliver water in adjustable increments.  Adjust sprinklers as suggested for each season.  Use drip irrigation where feasible to water specific plants without watering adjacent soil.  This will also help prevent run off.
7. Maintenance:  No garden is maintenance free.  Take pride in your water wise California Friendly garden, keep it free of weeds and prune your plants as needed.  When possible, use organic material to amend solid and fertilze plants.

California Friendly Demonstration Gardens Open to the Public

Visit one of Oxnard’s California Friendly® demonstration gardens and become inspired to create a water wise garden in your own home landscape. These demonstration gardens are funded by the City of Oxnard’s Water Resources Division in partnership with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

Demonstration Gardens

 

The South Oxnard Branch Library	4300 Saviers Road
Fire Station No. 1 (To be completed in 2008)	491 South K. Street
Fire Station No. 4 (To be completed in 2008)	230 West Vineyard Avenue

[California Friendly Garden Brochure]    - (2.5 MB)

[South Oxnard Branch Library Plant Listing]    - (3.05 MB)

• Sunset’s Backyards from the Ground Up – Landscape designs for small lots that is affordable, easy to maintain, and water efficient.
• Sunset’s The Beauty of Natives – Discover how to choose and use California native plants suited for your landscape.
• Sunset's Smart Water and Energy Use In the West - This colorful, 16-page publication summarizes how to save energy and water in your household.

Landscaping Workshops

The Water Resources Division offers free landscaping classes to residents. Contact Water Conservation Outreach Services for upcoming landscaping classes at (805) 385-8339.

Outdoor Water Saving Tips   

• The average homeowner over waters by five feet a year! You can conserve water by adjusting your watering schedule at least two or three times a year: early spring, summer and fall.
• To prevent water loss from evaporation, do not water your lawn during the hottest part of the day or when it is windy. The best time water is in the early morning, when evaporation rates are low.
• Replace a portion of your lawn with beautiful water wise plants. This can save approximately 1,000 to 1,800 gallons a month.
• Do not over water your lawn. Lawns need to be watered only once every three days to remain healthy and green. Step on your grass; if it springs back when you lift your foot, it does not need water.
• Make sure your irrigation controller is working properly by replacing the battery every six months.
• Periodically check your sprinklers for clogging, leaking and malfunctioning heads, and get them fixed.
• Do not water pavement or landscape rocks. Adjust your sprinklers to water only plants.
• Use drip and other water conserving irrigation methods on gardens, flowers, shrubs and trees.
• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks. This saves 150 gallons of water or more each time. 

 Water Conservation Links

Interested in learning more about ways to save water in your home, business and landscape? Visit the following water conservation links for informative websites. For more information on local conservation programs, contact Water Conservation Outreach Services at (805) 385-8339.

• BeWaterWise: Resources regarding California Friendly gardening, water saving tips, and programs sponsored by Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
• H2ouse: Interactive tour on ways to save water at home.
• Drinktap: Information for the consumer provided by the American Water Works Association.
• WaterSense: Environmental Protection Agency provides information regarding water efficient products. 

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