Inspired by information provided by the American Water Works Association about xeriscape gardening (low water use) and demonstration gardens established by water companies across the United States, the Westchester Joint Water Works (WJWW) is developing a xeriscape garden using plants suitable to this region at its facility at 1625 Mamaroneck Avenue. The garden will be open to the public starting in mid-June.

Water is Precious

While this year’s drought conditions make every one more conscious of the need to save water today, water is always a precious commodity and must be conserved even under normal rain conditions. This demonstration garden was begun by WJWW last year, long before the drought, in order to demonstrate how beautiful and varied a low water garden can be. WJWW provides water for the Town and Village of Mamaroneck and most of Harrison. Water is also wholesaled to the Village of Larchmont. Many customers in these areas have large properties that are 100% landscaped which require large amounts of water to maintain. Many landscape designers are not familiar with the planting choices available to save water and dismiss suggestions to put in low water plants on the assumption that they would be limited to plants akin to yucca and sedum. Many golf courses use grass varieties with tremendous watering needs when lower water species are available. Some of these species are also slow growth which lessens the maintenance required to keep them trim.

The demonstration garden

The Westchester Joint Water Works xeriscape demonstration garden is developed around a gazebo which serves as the focal point for the garden. The garden contains four patches of grasses that are of the slow growth, low water varieties as well as a butterfly garden, a Westchester section that uses native plants, an ornamental grass section and other perennials. The butterfly bushes, coneflower, guara, aster, smokebush and rhododendron produce a spectacular display of color and textures. Birch, crabapple and cherry trees have also been incorporated into the garden. Several different low water irrigation methods will be installed to demonstrate how easily water can be saved by forgoing the typical sprinkler system. These elements combine both to create an extraordinarily lovely setting and to demonstrate a variety of plantings and techniques to reduce water use.

Inspiring others

The Water-Wise Council of New York and the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester County has worked jointly with us to develop the garden, which has been received enthusiastically and has been assisted by many other individuals and organizations. The garden is intended to demonstrate what is possible in every person’s back yard. It is our hope that the demonstration garden will inspire many to design their landscape and employ practices that reduce water usage. For more information about the garden and to find out when it is open to the public, call 914 698-3500 ext . 614

Richard Ruge is the General Superintendent of the Westchester Joint Water Works and chair of the Xeriscape Project Committee.

Reprinted from the April-May 2002 Issue of Westchester Environment, the FCWC Newsletter