Welcome to WaterSmart gardener, your go-to resource center for outdoor water conservation. Scroll down for cash incentives, videos, plant guides and more to help you create and maintain a water-efficient landscape at your home.
Specific irrigation information for customers with commercial and large landscapes is available here.
Inspiration
Get inspired by these beautiful, lush and water-efficient gardens - both local, and across California.
Garden GalleryHere are some WaterSmart examples from homes around the Bay Area to get your gardening juices flowing! |
"Before and After" Lawn PhotosTake a look at dozens of landscape transformations submitted during our first ever I ♥ My Garden Photo Challenge. |
"Bringing Back the Natives" Garden TourTour beautiful, water-conserving native gardens throughout the East Bay every year on the first weekend of May. |
Reimagine Your LandscapeAll over California, people are re-imagining their landscapes. These are some of their stories. |
Sustainable Landscape MapNeed to see it in person? Visit beautiful low-water use gardens around our community for you to gather fresh inspiration. |
"Before and After" Lawn Photos across the WestGardens from EPA's WaterSense Landscape Photo Gallery. |
Create a WaterSmart Garden
Apply for a Rebate
Apply for rebates to replace your thirsty-lawn with WaterSmart landscaping, upgrade to efficient irrigation equipment, or direct your laundry water to your landscape.
Planting
When you start by choosing plants that fit your particular climate setting, you are already saving significant water. Visit our plant resources to learn how to choose beautiful plants and trees that will thrive without too much extra water. You will find our plant book, extensive plant databases, helpful plant lists and links to local plant nurseries.
Lawn to Garden Design Center
Not sure where to start? Find resources to get started with your WaterSmart garden project that include DIY sheet-mulching, and picking plants and the right equipment.
Garden Grants
These grants support community organizations who create public gardens or urban farm projects that demonstrate water conserving principles.
Mulch Resources and Coupons
Save water, beautify your garden, and enhance the health of the soil with mulch.
WaterSmart Gardening
Find a ProfessionalFind a Bay-Friendly certified landscape professional and resources for creating healthy, renewable landscapes. ReScape California has resources for home gardeners, landscape professionals and local governments. |
Free Advice - Ask an ExpertMaster Gardeners are great resource for local garden knowledge. Find monthly garden tips, plant helpline, community events and more. Contra Costa and Alameda County Master Gardeners. |
Outdoor TipsFind outdoor water conservation tips here, whether you want a quick fix or are committed to long-term conservation. |
Maintain Your GardenFollow these best practices to maintain a healthy, drought-tolerant and low-maintenance landscape. Maintenance is key to keeping a health and water efficient garden, but often the most overlooked! |
Save Our Water - Around the YardVisit this state-wide resource center for water conservation. Rebates, videos, tools, a kids corner, and testimonials on making water conservation a California lifestyle. |
WaterSense OutdoorsWaterSense is a voluntary partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is both a label for water-efficient products and a resource for helping you save water. |
Tree Care TipsKeep your trees healthy and happy with this tree care advice. |
Guide to Healthy LawnsShows home gardeners and managers of parks and school grounds easy ways to grow a healthy lawn using little or no pesticide. From the University of California College of Agriculture and Natural Resources website. |
Video Gallery
Irrigation Makeover
Do your sprinklers need an upgrade? Here is how to convert to in-line drip irrigation — a more durable, water-efficient and low-maintenance option.
Cue the controller
Learn how to adjust your irrigation controller to comply with EBMUD's outdoor watering restrictions.
Benefits of mulch
Mulch helps soil retain moisture, stifles weeds and beautifies your garden.