“Garden Sense is a wonderful example of partnership between UCCE Master Gardener volunteers and our local water agency.  A lot of hard work went into developing this innovative program by many volunteers.  Everyone involved feels like they're making a real impact in our community in the very important area of water conservation practices.”  - Mimi Enright, Program Coordinator

UCCE Master Gardeners of Sonoma County partnered with the Sonoma County Water Agency (SCWA) to deliver the program called Garden Sense.  Most home landscapes, which comprise the majority of home water use, have been created without any regard to our summer-dry climate, and the public is not aware of the water needs of commonly used landscape plants.  The Garden Sense program, initiated in September 2013, is available to all Sonoma County residents to help address this issue.

UCCE Master Gardeners of Sonoma County presently have 50 trained volunteer consultants who receive advanced training in lawn conversion, water management, irrigation systems, and low-water use plants.  By working together the UCCE Master Gardener Program and the Sonoma County Water Agency help to conserve precious water resources and protect our communities and environment through responsible gardening practices. 

Water savings as a result of the first year of Garden Sense consultations are estimated at an equivalent to six acre feet of water saved annually (nearly 2,000,000 gallons)!

For more information about saving water in your home landscape visit your local UC Master Gardener Program for event and workshop information. The newly revised UC ANR California Master Gardener Handbook has helpful information about water conservation and sustainable landscaping practices.