SustainaBlue Landscapes eNewsletter
Edition 5
May/June 2017


For more details on how to use the Watering Index  and how to create a custom watering schedule using the online Watering Calculator, visit our website


You don't want to miss out!
Throughout this spring season, the District's neighbors are hosting plenty of events and classes. Participate in workshops, plant sales, and more.  
◦ Upcoming Classes by Others  ◦
Smart Gardening 101:
A FREE Lecture Series
@ Reata Park & Event Center

May 13
Backyard Bees

June 3
Hot Veggies for a Hot Season

June 17
What's Bugging Your Garden
'Replace Your Lawn' 
4-part class series in May
@  Tree of Life Nursery

Part 1: Kill Your Lawn (May 6)

Part 2: Creating & Caring for Your Native Garden (May 13)

Part 3: Design Basics (May 20)

Part 4: Plant Selection - Gardening with Desert Plants (May 27)
◦ Save the Date  ◦
Join us for SMWD's annual
Water Festival

FREE day of fun & learning!

Saturday, May 20th
10:00am to 2:00pm

26111 Antonio Parkway
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688

◦ family activities  ◦ free food ◦ tours ◦
◦ landscape experts & products ◦
A Successful Tour!
SMWD's first ever  SustainaBlue Landscapes Tour  featured 15 homes with outstanding, sustainable landscapes right here in our service area.  This self-guided tour gave participants the opportunity to visit these beautiful landscapes and gain inspiration.

Congratulations to our tour participant and SustainaBlue Feature Raffle winner, Paulette D.
If you missed this year's tour, stay tuned for similar SMWD events in the future!
Visit  www.smwd.com/tour for photos of all the tour's homes.
◦ Plant of the Month ◦
Have you noticed the popcorn-white flowers on our hills?
That's California Buckwheat!
Height: 3 to 4 ft.
Width: 3 to 4 ft.
Flower Color: Cream to Pink 
Bloom Time: Spring, Summer & Fall
Water: Drought tolerant
Exposure: Full sun
Garden Uses: Plant to create a habitat haven,
for color and seasonality, or to stabilize a slope

Want to know more about California Buckwheat?
◦  More resources for you to check out  ◦
California Friendly
Maintenance Guidebook

  • Uncover the secrets of efficient irrigation
  • Explore the techniques for irrigating with recycled water
  • Get the maintenance tips for hundreds of California Friendly® plants
  • Discover the methods and means of managing weed and pest infestations
  • Learn how to maintain rainwater capture opportunities
A Water-Wise Lifestyle Is Here to Stay!

On April 7, 2017, Governor Brown officially declared that California's 5-year drought is over:  "This drought emergency is over, but the next drought could be around the corner...conservation must remain a way of life."

On April 21st, SMWD's Board adopted  Stage 1 Voluntary Conservation - encouraging customers to implement water use efficient practices, including  limiting outdoor watering to 3 days a week during the spring and summer.

Tips of the Month
The drought may be over for now, but a water-wise lifestyle is here to stay.
Prevent water waste:
  • When watering your yard, prevent runoff by programming your sprinkler controller for shorter runtimes
  • Don't hose down hard or paved surfaces, like driveways or sidewalks
  • Fix leaks or breaks
  • Use a shut-off nozzle when washing your vehicle
#smwdwildflower 
Follow us on Instagram
@smwd_sustainablue
Santa Margarita Water District
Water Use Efficiency
efficiency@smwd.com  |  949-459-6593  |   www.smwd.com
26111 Antonio Parkway
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
STAY CONNECTED: