Applications Open for 2023 WaterWise Garden Recognition Contest

The Santa Barbara County Water Agency and participating local water providers are pleased to announce the opening of applications for the 2023 WaterWise Garden Recognition Contest.

The annual contest recognizes Santa Barbara County residents with beautiful, water-efficient landscapes. Residents can apply for the contest online to compete for an agency award and the countywide grand prize. Winners will have their gardens featured online and receive an engraved stone boulder.  

More than fifty percent of water use in an average home in Santa Barbara County goes towards outdoor irrigation. Both beautiful and practical, water-efficient gardens save water, lower water bills, and are lush yet easy to maintain. With native plants, they can become a thriving verdant habitat for local wildlife in one’s yard by fostering healthier soils and plants that support biodiversity and natural pollinators.  

County Water Agency Project Lead Kalani Durham said, “Water-wise landscaping is one of the most effective ways residents can conserve water without sacrificing the splendor of home gardens. This contest showcases living demonstrations of sustainable gardens in our community while recognizing residents who have moved away from thirsty lawns.”  

Residents of single-family homes can apply if they live in areas served by the Carpinteria Valley Water District, Vandenberg Village Community Services District, Montecito Water District, and the Cities of Santa Barbara and Solvang.  

View contest rules and apply online at WaterWiseSB.org/GardenContest. All applications are due by April 30th, 2023. 

There are many easy ways to make a garden more water-efficient, such as choosing native or water-wise plants, installing a smart irrigation controller, or using the online Weekly Watering Percent to adjust your existing sprinkler timer based on the weather. Visit WaterWiseSB.org to learn more ways to use water more efficiently in your landscape, see previous contest winners, and apply. We look forward to seeing your garden!