Fairgoers have the opportunity to learn about the importance and benefits of saving water when they visit the Paul Ecke Jr. Flower and Garden Show, where displays include water-efficient gardens and California-friendly flowers. The San Diego County Fair runs from June 11 to July 5. Click here to find out how you can get a San Diego County Fair Discount.

Once again, the Water Authority and San Diego Botanic Garden have partnered to develop a joint landscape exhibit titled, "Tea Thyme" at the Flower and Garden Show. The exhibit showcases a residential design promoting the beauty and allure possible with water-efficient landscapes. In keeping with the theme of the Flower and Garden Show, "In Good Taste," the exhibit will include a tea garden consisting of Mediterranean plants and herbs, elevated areas, and rustic seating. Many of the plants used in the exhibit can be found in the Nifty Fifty Plants for WaterSmart Landscapes brochure. The exhibit runs the length of the fair.

"Tea Thyme" Exhibit
What do you see when you look out your window - a garden brimming with tasty herbs, fruits, vegetables and flowers - or a thirsty lawn? If wasting water is not your cup of tea, then it is time to pass on the grass and consider planting a garden that nourishes both you and nature>>>more.

Tea Thyme Exhibit Description

Exhibit Map (PDF)

Plant list

Exhibit Donors

Awards

See more photos of the exhibit on the Water Authority's Facebook page.

The Water Authority also cosponsored, along with the state Save Our Water campaign, the WaterSmart Landscaping Award at the Flower and Garden Show. The Water Authority recognized the garden exhibit that best exemplifies a WaterSmart landscape. A WaterSmart landscape demonstrates that you can have a beautiful garden, with eye-catching colors, textures, and designs, that is also water efficient. The award was presented on June 10 during the Paul Ecke Jr. Flower & Garden Show Awards Ceremony.

In addition, the Water Authority hosted a WaterSmart Day on June 13 at the fair. The day featured a variety of speakers to discuss WaterSmart ideas such as irrigation design, native trees and shrubs, and how to design a WaterSmart Garden on a budget.

The state Save Our Water campaign will also host a Save Our Water Day on Saturday, June 19, when the first 1,000 families to enter the show will receive a special conservation package that includes water-saving devices. The Save Our Water program, a statewide water conservation public education program, is a partnership between the Department of Water Resources and the Association of California Water Agencies.

Fair Discount
Fairgoers can also receive a coupon good for saving $24 on a Value 4 Pack (4 single-day, weekday admissions) by filling out a short water conservation survey at www.saveourh2o.org prior to attending the Fair. 

For more information on the Flower and Garden show at the Fair, click here.

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DONORS

These generous companies & individuals made the Tea Thyme exhibit possible through their donations, loans, elbow grease and/or consultation:

Scott Woodward & Katie Pelisek, Tea Kettle Fountain Sculpture

Ron McAfee, Gary Richardson, Sean Roberts & Katie Pelisek, Fences & Benches

  Palomar Perennials
KRC Rock
Bart Bartolacci
Agri-Service, Inc.
Rich Haas
Jill Coughlin
Lani Freymiller
Mary Friestedt
Linda Teague
Pelican Design, Inc.
Tom & Eve Vance
Roberta Dotson & Dave Merritt
SDBG docents, staff & volunteers
Sue Papreck
Mary Roper
Gina Rubin
Liz Woodward
Margaret & Peter Jones
And a very special thanks to our good friends at PROVEN WINNERS.

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AWARDS

The Tea Thyme exhibit received the following awards:

San Diego Horticultural Society "Most Outstanding Exhibit" (The Don & Dorothy Walker Award)
Don Diego Award - for the display by a non-commercial exhibitor with the best design, aesthetic appeal and plant quality
Edible Garden Award - presented to the display which best incorporates edible plant material in a landscaped garden
Hardscape Feature Award - selected for distinctive and creative uses of hardscape features such as walls, patios, walkways, fencing, gazebos, fountains, waterfalls, etc.
Unique Landscape Award - presented to the most unique display of flowering or foliage plants in a landscape setting
2nd place for Paul Ecke Jr. Theme Award - presented to the garden which best exemplifies the show theme "In Good Taste"
Noteworthy Plant Specimines - Three notable plants were highlighted: Ozothamnus diosmifolius - Rice Flower; Dahlia - "MysticSpirit;" and Calibrachoa - "Superbells Blackberry Punch"

Award of Merit - for display over 1000 sq. ft.

The full list of fair awards can be viewed here and here.

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