The Vista Irrigation District board of directors recognized one of its customers for their entry in the district’s WaterSmart Landscape Contest.

The 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.

Bill and Rachel Williams received the “Best in District” award.  During the height of the drought, the Williamses decided to replace their water intensive front and back lawn with a water efficient landscape.  After hiring professionals to remove over 2,500 square feet of grass and install drip irrigation, the Williamses designed the layout and chose the water-wise plants themselves.  By adding fun elements, such as a horseshoe pit and outdoor seating area surrounding a fire pit, the Williamses transformed unused space into a backyard with utility.  The result was an eye-catching design incorporating decomposed granite, cactus and splashes of vibrant color from the aloe and agave families, including Coral Aloe as well as Foxtail and Century Agaves; plant selection also included Aeonium, Rosemary, Senecio and Firestick.

The Williamses “couldn’t be happier with the results”, and their WaterSmart project turned their water thirsty lawn into a low maintenance, low cost and water efficient haven where they can relax and enjoy a game of horseshoes.