The Water Resources Association of San Benito County wants
residents to not only have knowledge about practices to conserve
water, but that they also have a place to see those strategies at
work.
The Water Resources Association of San Benito County wants residents to not only have knowledge about practices to conserve water, but that they also have a place to see those strategies at work.
On Friday, the organization held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the Water Wise Demonstration Garden at Dunne Park near downtown Hollister. The fenced-off garden allows visitors to take a walk along a landscaped path in the section of the park where certain plants and irrigation systems show how residents can conserve water.
Shawn Novack, program manager of the resources association, noted to the crowd of onlookers how about 50 percent of all water usage goes toward landscaping.
Learning how to reduce such use, and save money in the meantime, is the central message of the garden.
“We have some future problems that are facing us,” Novack said, holding a giant scissors for the ribbon cutting.
He pointed out how people should use fewer plants that require a lot of water, such as Kentucky Bluegrass, and he made mention of a small bin at the garden’s entrance that holds brochures about it.
After he cut the ribbon, visitors strolled through the garden. Some of those included a group from Hope Services, which will help to maintain the Water Wise garden. It also includes such features as benches, which are made from recycled material and keeping with the “green” theme.
He noted how the landscaping can be important and mentioned how permeable pavers, such as the ones from Pacific Interlock Pavingstone used in the garden, can significantly curtail use.
Novack also hopes to eventually hold classes at the garden, such as some on composting or agricultural practices.
