The Vista Irrigation District board of directors recognized Janet Chambers as the district’s 2025 WaterSmart Landscape Contest winner at its meeting today.

Ms. Chambers moved into her current residence about 11 years ago. Upon moving in, her yard consisted of a plain-looking lawn and one large Liquidambar tree. Feeling that the existing lawn consumed a tremendous amount of water and provided little benefit, she decided to make a change.

Ms. Chambers began by removing her turf and installing a decomposed granite path and a cobblestone sitting area; she then set out to create a drought tolerant garden with an emphasis on providing flowering plants for pollinators, such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.  Once the new garden was installed, the change in her front yard’s character was dramatic.

“Now the garden is alive with constant movement of pollinators, and it’s a joy to sit on my cobblestone patio and watch all of the activity”, Ms. Chambers said.

Ms. Chambers says the garden does not require pesticides or herbicides and practically takes care of itself by reseeding empty areas on its own. She waters the landscape with a drip system a few times a week during the summer months that she turns off during the winter.

The annual contest recognizes outstanding water-wise residential landscapes based on the criteria of overall attractiveness, appropriate plant selection, design, appropriate maintenance, and efficient methods of irrigation.

“Free regional WaterSmart landscape workshops are available online and in person to assist homeowners to upgrade their home’s landscape to reduce water bills,” said Sandra Sanchez, water conservation specialist. “Additionally, landscape conversion rebates, such as for turf replacement, are available to help with the cost.”

The district joined eleven other local agencies that held landscape contests this year, providing an opportunity to highlight water-wise residential landscapes throughout the region.  Participating agencies (besides Vista Irrigation District) include Helix Water District, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, Otay Water District, Padre Dam Municipal Water District, San Dieguito Water District, Sweetwater Authority, Vallecitos Water District, California American Water, Rincon Del Diablo Water District, and the cities of Escondido and Oceanside.

For more information about the contest and to see more examples of WaterSmart landscaping, visit www.landscapecontest.com.  Visit the district’s web site (www.vidwater.org) or call (760) 597-3160 to find out more about free landscape workshops and incentive programs.

Vista Irrigation District is a public agency governed by an elected five-member board.  The district provides water service to roughly 132,000 people in the city of Vista, and portions of San Marcos, Escondido, Oceanside, and unincorporated areas of San Diego County.