Less is more when it comes to water in the garden, and those who do it most efficiently could win up to $1,000 in this year's Western Water-Wise Landscape Contest.
The competition aims to raise awareness of just how beautiful drought-resistant landscapes can be, organizers said.
"With lingering dry times and the continuing water crisis, if we can recognize folks that have embraced water-efficient landscaping, then it helps us not only to save water for the region but ... shows other residents what you can do and still have a beautiful yard," said Michele McKinney Underwood, spokeswoman for Western Municipal Water District in Riverside.
The contest covers 1,000 square miles served by Western Municipal; Eastern Municipal Water District in Perris, which covers an area from Moreno Valley south to Temecula and east to Hemet and San Jacinto; and Inland Empire Utilities Agency in Chino.
The contest also is open to customers of Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District, Rancho California Water District in Temecula, Corona Department of Water and Power, Riverside Public Utilities and the city of Upland.
The contest, which started in 2008, has grown in popularity as the drought persisted and conservation became a priority. There were a dozen entries the first year and 97 last year when it was extended beyond Western's retail service area.
Winners are judged on the curb appeal of their front yards and the efficiency of irrigation systems; use of mulch and low-water, California-friendly plants; and limited, functional grass areas.
The top three winners are eligible for prizes of $1,000, $750 and $500, plus there is a $500 prize in each of the districts.
David and Leanne Austin, of Riverside, won a $500 local award last year from Western. They installed their own landscaping after they bought a new two-story Wood Road home in 2002.
The yard is packed with salvia, rosemary, dramatic red grevillea and South African natives. But there are also roses and a small area of grass -- all of which are watered two times a week with drip irrigation, or three days a week when it's over 100 degrees.
"It's a deep, long watering so it promotes deep root growth," Leanne Austin said. "I've also minimized turf areas. They are designed more as a place for the eye to rest. It's not all cacti and rocks."
landscape contest
For more information, rules and entry forms, go to www.westernlandscapecontest.com or call 951-789-5036.
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