The High Country Xeriscape Council of Arizona is a non-profit 501 C-3 corporation dedicated to educating our communities about water-wise gardening. For additional information write: HCXCA P. O. Box 2701 Payson, AZ 85547

Contact Us

or call:
Karen Probert
Town of Payson Water Dept
(928)474-5242 Ext 2235

On Thursday, October 19th, the Board of Directors of Gila Commu

2009 Water-Wise Landscaping Contest

The results of our contest are in. A big congratulations to all who entered for a job well done!

Residential:

1st Place: E. A. Hofstatter

2nd Place: Eileen Lawson

		The Hofstatters did a remarkable job of channeling run off rain water throughout their yard. It is the only watering system they have besides a watering can that is seldom used, even in times without rain. They have also rescued many native plants such as cactus, succulents, and evergreens from construction sites that otherwise would have been lost. They designed their garden to be attractive to birds and provide safe nesting areas as well as food and watering stations. Unfortunately, the perennials were not blooming when our photographer went to take pictures, but there is still a lot to look at in this yard. More pictures
Mrs. Hoffstatter, center, receives her plaque and check from Diane Frederick-Bedsworth, on the left, and David Wise of the High Country Xeriscape Council	The front yard showing the main water course the Hofstatters built to bring rain water from the street and the front part of their property. This wash carries water to their side and back yards.
		The Lawson garden is in a contoured area that drains off the top of a hill. In the past this has caused a real erosion problem. For the last 3 years they have worked hard to retain the native soil and catch the water that comes off the hill. They have used rocks and gravel as mulch to retain moisture for the plants and keep the roots cool during hot times. "Soil Moist Granules" have been used for many of the plantings which also cut down on the amount of water required. The whole garden is on a timed drip system. More pictures
Eileen Lawson, center, receives her plaque and check from Lois Hurd, on the left, and Donna Hickman of the High Country Xeriscape Council	The entry view to the Lawson garden in their back yard. The slope is held in place with a block retaining wall, native stone and a number of plants to control erosion

Honorable Mention: Ed & Mary Quigley and W. Jan Owen

Commercial:

Honorable Mention: Roger Kreimeyer, North Swiss Village

Contest Guidelines:

The High Country Xeriscape Council of Payson, AZ is sponsoring this contest to promote the use of native plants, water conservation and sustainable landscapes in the Rim Country. The contest will increase awareness about how beautiful, affordable and low maintenance water-wise landscaping can be by recognizing and honoring people and businesses that have designed and implemented attractive water-wise landscapes.

Two Contest Divisions: Residential and Commercial

Awards in each division: Grand Prize $200 and trophy

Honorable Mention $50 and plaque

Entries are accepted from residences and commercial properties in Payson and the surrounding communities!

Water Wise Judging Criteria:

1. Contains at least 90% low water use plants. (For more information about specific plants refer to the High Country Xeriscape Council website Water-wise Plants, Groundcovers, Wildflower Garden or the Town of Payson Water Department)

2. Is made attractive with color, design, and plant combinations.

3. Shows the use of low-water-use/drought-tolerant plants zoned by water use.

4. Uses appropriate and efficient watering methods.

5. Demonstrates appropriate contouring of the land to reduce water use.

6. Improved the soil by adding organic material.

7. Uses mulch, wood chips or other materials around plants to reduce the need for water.

8. Incorporates a rainwater harvesting and/or grey water system.

9. Attracts wildlife.

10. Appropriately maintained.

How to Enter

Click on this link for an entry form →

Fill it out, and mail it to:

High Country Xeriscape Council

PO Box 2701

Payson, AZ 85547

Or drop it off at either of the following locations:

Plant Fair Nursery, 3497 E. Arizona Hwy 260, Star Valley

Town of Payson Water Department, 303 N. Beeline Highway, Payson

Contest entry deadline is June 30, 2009. Finalist will be contacted by July 17th to schedule the judges visit.

Awards ceremony and photo display of entered landscapes will be August 15, 2009

Questions? Use this link→