Water-Wise Demonstration Garden at Promenade Temecula is now open to the public

Visitors to Promenade Temecula are no longer going to the mall for dining, shopping and movies, thanks to a new water-wise demonstration garden located just outside Starbucks.

Those looking for sustainable gardening ideas can visit Temecula's first demonstration garden which showcases drought-tolerant plants and efficient irrigation technology to demonstrate the options homeowners have and can incorporate into their own landscape.

A ribbon cutting, signifying the opening of the garden made possible thanks to donations from landscape and garden professionals along with support from the Promenade Temecula and the city of Temecula, was held Oct. 24.

Rancho California Water District spearheaded the transformation of over 6,000 square feet of nonessential turf and shrubs into a water-wise conservation garden.

The garden, which features efficient irrigation technology that will be beneficial to local gardeners, also connects people with local companies that can assist in making the transition to drought-tolerant landscaping.

The new water-wise demonstration garden features four distinct zones; a healing garden, butterfly garden, succulent garden, native grasses and groundcovers. Separating the garden into zones allows visitors to visualize the various ways a drought-tolerant landscape can be designed and enjoyed. This garden is the first of its kind in Temecula.

Jeff Armstrong, general manager of Rancho California Water District; Jeff Kurtz, general manager of Promenade Temecula, and landscapers and contractors who donated materials for the project, along with local dignitaries were on hand for the ribbon cutting.