Completed in 1991, CCWD's water efficient District Center Garden is one of 78 Demonstration Gardens in California recognized by the Water Education Foundation, The Bureau of Reclamation and the California Urban Water Conservation Council.

It is designed to show homeowners and businesses that by planting wisely, they can continue to have a beautiful landscape that uses very little water.

Landscape Architect Donna Breedlove originally designed the garden, but it has evolved since then. There are now 50 different species of plants in the garden ranging from shrubs like the "Pride of Madera" and "asparagus ferns" to fruit trees ranging from loquat, pineapple guava, figs and pomegranate.

A path winds through the garden of natives, exotic shrubs and perennials. Plants were selected for their suitability to the local climate, soil and for their low maintenance.

The garden is about an acre in size, and uses about half the water of the expansive lawn it replaces....and doesn't need to be mowed every week!