2025 Contest Winner

Homeowner	Shea O.
Location	Encinitas
Yard	Front

Project

Shea, a wildlife biologist, transformed her yard into a haven for local wildlife and pollinators of all shapes and sizes. Shea created a sustainable and beautiful landscape by incorporating waterwise native plants. Areas were also designed to allow precipitation and runoff to recharge groundwater and reduce runoff into waterways. This includes a rocky “dry creek” connected to the rain gutters and backyard drainage, along with softscape and mulch to aid percolation. Additionally, drip irrigation was installed that can be remotely programmed and controlled. This smart system detects precipitation events and automatically shuts off irrigation during rain events. Now that the plants are established, irrigation is only used during extended dry periods. The smart irrigation system and plant selection were implemented with the assistance of Steve McDearmon from Garden Rhythms.

Plants Used

Native sages

Monkey flowers

Penstomon

Buckwheat

Bush Sunflower

Deer Grass

Giant Wild Rye

Yarrow

Lavendars

Aloes

Variety of Succulents

Oak Tree

Non-fruiting Olive Trees