BLOOM in
Water Features & Living Spaces
San Diego Tree Week
Spring Garden & Butterfly Festival
SPRING 2023
OUR MISSION
The mission of The Water Conservation Garden is to educate and inspire through excellent exhibits and programs that promote water conservation and the sustainable use of related natural resources.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2022
President
Patrick Pilz
Vice President
Jan Tubiolo
Secretary
Dr. Michael Hager, Ph.D.
Treasurer
Chris Coughlan
Liza Alia
Tom Allingham
Kathleen Brand
Angie Lasagna
Cheryl Minshew
Dr. Jessica Robinson, MSW
Cameron Stewart
Charlotte Thomas
Ed Woodruff STAFF
Executive Director
Jennifer Pillsbury
Director of Programs & Outreach
Pam Meisner
Director of Operations
Sam Miller
Director of Development & Memberships
Janelle Wallace
Jenny Bauman
Angelina Byrd
Ria Custodio
Lisa Griffiths
Heather Hayes-Haigh
Jocelyn Herrera
Robert Hillman
Desire Jones
Amelia Knezevich
message from the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SPRING IS HERE, AND THE WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN IS AS BUSY AS THE BEES!
The Garden has proven to be an important public resource for water conservation and the sustainable use of other natural resources. Despite recent rainfall, the urgency to save water—one of Earth’s most precious resources—is still critically important. Find inspiration at The Garden this spring by adding water-efficient plants and collection basins to your home garden and landscape.
The Garden is looking forward to bringing back our annual Spring Garden & Butterfly Festival and our second annual San Diego Tree Week. We are also excited to showcase our new Irrigation Exhibit to include a demonstration of Greywater usage.
The Garden has much to offer in the spring and we want to be your go-to destination for inspiration, wellness and fitness, photos, and connecting with friends and neighbors in our community. Come by and say, “Hi!”
Jennifer Pillsbury Executive Director/CEO
“I love Spring anywhere but if I could choose, I would always greet it in a Garden.”
Interested in joining a Non-profit Board of Directors?
Lauren Magnuson
Juliana Meirelles
Leilani Mendoza
Soozie Pickard
Luke Pillsbury
Jillian Quint
Paul Redeker
Tim Townsley
InBloomProduction
inBloom is published quarterly by The Water Conservation Garden and is provided as a benefit to members.
Content and photos by Garden staff, and Docents/Volunteers unless otherwise noted.
Cover Photo: Sally Long
Designer: Ria Custodio
Printer: Neyenesch Printing
WaterConservationGarden
TheWaterConservationGarden
WCGarden
ConservationGarden
We are actively recruiting new members (active business professionals and retirees) who are connected in the community with board experience and passionate about philanthropy. Visit TheGarden.org/board for more information.
The following are agencies that constitute the Joint Powers of Authority (JPA) that owns The Garden and provides major funding:
The Garden is managed by The Friends of The Water Conservation Garden, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, tax ID no. 20-4395919.
THE WATER CONSERVATION GARDEN
Open 9:00am-4:00pm, six days a week
Closed MONDAYS
Hours of Operation
Open late THURSDAYS 6:00pm
The Garden is FREE and opened to the public the 2nd Friday of every month!
GIFT SHOP
Tuesday – Sunday | 10:00am – 1:00pm
Extended hours for special events.
ADMISSIONS
Last admission to The Garden is 3:15pm Thursdays last admission is 5:15pm
HOLIDAYS AT THE GARDEN
Please note The Garden will be closed:
New Year’s Eve (Closes at 12 noon)
New Year’s Day
Easter Sunday
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
events and
Get Social With Us! #wcgarden | Keep up with the latest on news,
more!
1 • TheGarden.org
— Ruth Stout
Water Features and Living Spaces
New Irrigation and Rainwater Harvesting Exhibits
Writer: Paul Redeker
Photographers: Garden Staff
Adding unique water conservation features to living spaces is what we do best. The Garden has added several great new exhibits—made possible by the Integrated Regional Water Management—to our nearly six acres; including, an interactive irrigation exhibit, a greywater display, and several new rain gardens that beautifully showcase waterwise efficiency and conservation.
Let’s start with the basics. Take a tour through The Garden to see our exhibits at work. Simply push a button to see irrigation such as emitter types in action. Educational signage also helps guests to determine what is best for each individual situation. Horticulture and facilities staff, who are our go-to professionals, will offer helpful tips with these unique irrigation systems.
Greywater! What is it? What would happen if you could water your plants around the yard with leftover laundry water? Greywater is relatively clean wastewater from baths, sinks, washing machines, and other kitchen appliances. See how our greywater exhibit can demonstrate the process of piping wastewater from these household items. You will get to learn how to divert water that would normally drain down the gutter—exit your residence—and use it on your landscape. This exhibit will demonstrate how just one load of laundry can water your yard or fruit-producing landscape. Simple, how-to instructions for this process will be provided by The Garden. Also, use environmentally friendly detergents to clean your clothes, water plants, and keep your home healthy.
Near the gates and in the plaza, you will see a new rain garden just outside of the restrooms. See how we piped and channeled the rainwater off the building’s roof to this rain garden. Plants were added that thrive in both wet and drought conditions. Some exciting new plants include the Narrow-leaf Bird of Paradise, Bearded Iris, and Carex grasses.
As you stroll through The Garden, look for the many swales and catch basins that collect rainwater and stay on our property. These basins capture rainwater by slowing, spreading, soaking, and saving water. Saving water starts at home.
By following some great guidelines and tips you too can create a beautiful living space that takes less water to maintain, saves money, reuses, and cultivates a stronger appreciation for our living environment.
in THE GARDEN
Spring 2023 • 2
Lil’ Sprouts Storytime with Ms. Smarty-Plants™
Come have some fun with us!
3rd Wednesdays, Monthly, 9:30am
APRIL 19 - Terrific Trees!*
MAY 17 - Pollinators
JUNE 21 - Ocean
*Join Ms. Smarty-Plants™ and experience the magic of terrific trees (arboles) and how much they give us during San Diego Tree Week. This program will be presented in both English and Spanish. Thank you SDG&E for making this happen!
Youth Education Ms. Smarty-Plants™ Partners in Education
We are beyond thrilled to partner with the Cajon Valley School District (CVSD) and their summer program, Camp Cajon in Summer 2023. Thanks to generous grants from the Conrad Prebys Foundation and the Rice Family Foundation, the Ms. Smarty-Plants™ program will provide three weeks of free summer camps to designated school within the CVSD. We love our partners!
For more information about Ms. Smarty Plants™ or to donate to The Garden’s education programs, visit MsSmartyPlants.org
MsSmartyP MsSmartyPlants Ms.SmartyPlants
3 • TheGarden.org
Earth Heros Call to Action!
Every day is Earth Day at The Garden!
Let’s celebrate Earth Day in Earth Hero style! Draw a picture of your favorite tree or write me a letter of something you did to give the Earth an extra hug. Some of my favorites are to volunteer at an animal shelter, plant a tree, pick up trash at the park or the beach, or help your community. Bring your drawing to The Garden and receive a special prize from Ms. Smarty-Plants™ at admissions!
#MSPEarthHeroes #EarthHero
#EarthDay2023
Butterflies, Biscuits and Tea with Ms. Smarty-Plants™
Saturday, May 13, 10am, 11am & 12pm
Join Ms. Smarty-Plants™ celebrating our moms. Let mom know how special she is with her own butterfly release, a toasty beverage, biscuits, and a lovely stroll through The Garden’s vibrant spring trails as a Mother’s Day treat!
JOKE OF THE DAY!
What’s a tree’s favorite drink?
Root Beer
Spring 2023 • 4
April, May, June 2023
San Diego Tree Week April 22 - 29
Terrific Trees! Storytime
Wednesday, April 19, 9:30am
Celebrate the super powers of trees with Ms. Smarty-Plants™. Join us for a special bilingual Storytime thanks to our friends at SDG&E. Come to future Storytimes with Ms. Smarty-Plants™ on May 17 & June 21.
Nature Therapy
The Presence of Trees
Sunday, April 23, 9:30-11am
Discover why humans and trees are designed to be together. Expert-led, slow-paced, tour. Wellness Member FREE Garden Member $10 / General $15
Spring Garden & Butterfly Festival
Trees & Treats Workshops
Saturday, April 29, 10am-1pm
FREE tree, talk, & treats! Learn which tree is right for your landscape from Certified Arborist, Jose Bedoya of Leaf it to Us, plus planting and care with Master Arborist, Brad Brown of Tree Life Consulting.
Saturday, May 6, 9am - 3pm
Butterfly Experiences
Saturday, May 6, 9:30am-2:30pm
Join us in our beautiful outdoor Butterfly Pavilion and native Habitat Garden to release your very own butterfly to nectar on nearby flowers.
World Labyrinth Walk
Saturday, May 6, 1pm
“Walk as One at 1” to create a rolling wave of peaceful energy across the globe. In celebration of World Labyrinth Day.
Ms. Smarty-Plants™ Pollinator Party
Saturday, May 6, 10:15am
Come dressed as your favorite pollinator. Learn about bees, butterflies, and other pollinating friends. After party in the petting zoo!
Garden Tour
Saturday, May 6, 1:30-2pm
Walk the trails with a Docent Tour Guide, see beautiful water saving landscapes, and learn what makes a garden flourish.
Preview a Docent-led tour on Free Day Friday – April 14, 10am.
Native Landscaping Principles
Saturday, May 6, 10-11am
Gardening with native plants has many benefits like water conservation, healthier soil, and restoring habitat. Instructor Clayton Tschudy, Director of San Diego Canyonlands. Sponsored by County of San Diego. FREE
Landscape Design Consultation
Saturday, May 6, 9am-2pm
Receive helpful advice from professional landscape designers and architects inperson at the Spring Garden & Butterfly Festival. Garden Member $70 / General $85
SEASONAL CALENDAR Online Seasonal Calendar Scan code!
5 • TheGarden.org
Butterflies, Biscuits & Tea with Ms. Smarty-Plants™
Saturday, May 13, 10am-12pm
Join Ms. Smarty-Plants™ celebrating our moms. Let mom know how special she is with her own butterfly release, a toasty beverage, biscuits, and a lovely stroll through The Garden’s vibrant spring trails as a Mother’s Day treat!
Gentle Flow Yoga
Workout Wednesday
Garden Yoga
Chair Yoga
Gentle Garden Yoga
Evening Flow Yoga
Fitness Friday
Chi Yoga
Garden Tours
BACKYARD COMPOSTING
Saturday, June 3 at 10am-12pm
Registration: Solana Center
Location: The Water Conservation Garden
Spring Escape Into Yoga, Art & Nature
Saturday, May 20, 8:30am-2pm
Experience a daytime escape dedicated to yoga, art, sound, and nature. Yoga instructors Jackie Gadd, and Lisa Griffiths, along with Sound Therapist, Jon Freeman. Wellness Member $60 / Garden Member $74 General $82
How Much & How Often to Water?
Part 1 Zoom, June 13, 10-11am
Part 2—The Garden, June 17, 10-11:30am
Basics are essential for water efficiency— learning how long to water your landscape and how often, is critical. Sponsored by County of San Diego. FREE
Scan for Details!
Basic Membership Drop-in $10, General $18. Visit TheGarden.org for a full schedule. Any changes due to weather are posted on Social Media.
WELLNESS MEMBERSHIP PERKS Free weekly Wellness Classes • Exclusive access to Mind & Body Master Classes Discounted Garden Yoga Retreats • Direct messages for class updates
CLASSES
April, May, June 2023 WELLNESS
Spring 2023 • 6
San Diego’s Leader in High-Yield Checking 3%APY* EARN UP TO Inspired Checking 2 on your everyday 30x the National Average 1 *APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Rates effective as of 03/01/2023 and are subject to change without notice. The minimum average daily balance required to receive the rate of 3.00% is $75,000 1 Presented by the National Association of Federal Credit Unions in cooperation with SNL and Datatrac. Rates based upon a survey of 283,924 financial institution locations in 19,663 markets across the United States as of 3/10/2023. 2 Inspired Checking is a variable rate account. Rate and yield are subject to change without notice. Other terms, conditions, and restrictions may apply. Membership required. If requirements are not met and maintained, account will be converted to a Basic Checking Account. © 2023 Wheelhouse Credit Union | Federally insured by NCUA WheelhouseCU.com/checking | 619-297-4835 .00
Events & Happenings
Saturday, May 6, 9am-3pm
FREE Admission to The Event
Butterfly Releases • Ms. Smarty-Plants™ Pollinator Party
• Petting Zoo • Educational Workshops • Landscape
Design Consultations • Garden Tour • Food Trucks
• Coyote Music Festival (Live Bands) • Plant Sale • Heritage of the America’s Museum tours • Outdoor walking trails highlighting drought tolerant exhibits
Exclusive experiences - ticket pricing and availability at: SpringGardenFestival.org
Host
Looking for a gorgeous location to host your next off-site meeting or retreat? The Water Conservation Garden has indoor and outdoor locations to suit any meeting size! From our indoor, garden-view, technology equipped, The Samuel M. Ciccati Education Center; to our intimate and shaded small amphitheater; to our large Amphitheater for 350 people, we have the perfect space for your professional needs! For more information, visit TheGarden.org or email jennyb@thegarden.org.
Your EVENT at The Garden
JOINT POWERS OF AUTHORITY
DONORS
$10,000+ Richard Wright
$1,000-$9,999 Nancy Bailey
$501-$999
$100-$500
John & Sharon Hogg
Julia Allen
J P Boyce
Judy Broselle
Betsy Buckner
Marsha Culver
Debby Dunn
December 2022 - February 2023
Michael & Denise Hager The Scripps Family
Mary & Erin Stephens
Patricia Herrington
Joanna Ihnatowicz
Candice Lenney
Mikayla Mitchell
Molly Nocon
Matt & Eiman Sebald
CORPORATE & FOUNDATION Partners
Anonymous
Barona Resort & Casino
California American Water
California Natural Resource Agency
County of San Diego
County of San Diego – Department of Public Works
Dr. Seuss Foundation
Grossmont Healthcare District
Hunter Industries
Hunter Nursery
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Rotary of El Cajon
San Diego Gas & Electric
San Diego Foundation
Tyla & Soner Soylu
Fern Steiner
Marti Sullivan
Janet Trentacosta
San Dieguito Water District
State of California, Department of Water Resources
Sycuan Casino & Resort
The Conrad Prebys Foundation
The Rice Family Foundation
Union Bank
Walter J. & Betty C. Zable Foundation
Wheelhouse Credit Union
Contact us to learn more about becoming a corporate partner: development@thegarden.org 619-660-0614 x11
9 • TheGarden.org
NEW MEMBERS December 2022 - February 2023
Niki & Jer Ahrens
Adam Avakian & Jaimie Cain
Dax & Antonette Avelino Tuazon
Adam & Melissa Avitabile
Lesley Bell
Ingrid Blahut & Barbara Davies
Neal & Tiffany Bociek
Barbara Borunda Holt
Amanda & Jake Boyle
Chelsea Brady & Scarlette Pope
Teri Bristow & Danielle Miranda
Nicholas Buller & Susannah
Clayton
Michael & Danielle Clayton
Patricia Colorado
Peter & Kristina Delgado
Ingrid Ekis
Jessica & Michel Fonte
Julie Freeman
Roselyne Gadet
Rosario Galindo
Daniel Galindo
Jasmin Garcia & Chris Barba
Lourdes Garcia
Frances Gong
Paula & Angel Granados
Rhonda & Magan Gross
Jonnie Hegle
Stacey Henry & Nancy Smith
Erik & Cynthia Hensersky
Mia Jones
Vicki Jurgens
Maria Kaisk
Sharyn Kang & Ken Muraoka
William & Sue Kemp & Vanessa & Ryan Peterson
JoAnn Knox
Ronald Labaco & Tracy Wilborn
James Lemen
Lora Lindblom
Elizabeth & Chris Lindung
Susana Marin & Veronica Herrera
Katie Mays & Daniel Pajimula
Sue “Niyazi” McDevitt
Adam Meyer & Katherine Petrie
Elara Montagno & Julian Dutton
Mary Moreau & Brian Rossignol
Mary Beth & William Moreno
Ashley Naumanuf
Colleen & Ted Olsen
Daniel & Anna Padilla
Belinda & Woody Peebles
Tatiana Popescu
Tom & Nancy Porter
Stephanie & Warren Reagan Schultz
Patricia Reed
Robyn & Ken Rogers
Samantha & David Rojas
Catherine Schmick-Janofsky & Steve Janofsky
Jennah & Jeromey Schmidt
Ashley Schmit
Kathleen Self & William Grailich
Tracie & Travis Sherrod
Nina & Israel Silguero
Catherine & Lee Smith
Carolyn Smyth & Brandon Gibson
Summer Steele
Anita & Larry Stewardson
Jess & Ryan Stidum
Lori & Terry Stockton
Tiancheng Tang & Hui Ye
Sengmany & Joseph Thibault
Giovanna Thiesen
Bridgette Thomas
Rebecca & Nena Thorp
Anne & James Thorpe
Anne-Marie & R&all Tweed
Victor & Luz Velazquez
Ashley & Jina Virtue
Margaret Whittington
Danni Zhou & Xichang Wu
Spring 2023 • 10
Landscape Design Consultations
Professional advice for water-efficient landscape projects. Photo credit: SDCWA TheGarden.org/consultations $70 MEMBERS / $85 General
12122 Cuyamaca College Drive West El Cajon, CA 92019 Tel: (619) 660-0614 Fax: (619) 660-1687 TheGarden.org Garden Members - Join or renew your membership today! Visit TheGarden.org/membership. Cuyamaca College Nursery Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm 10-15% Garden Member Discount must present a valid membership card THE FOLLOWING NURSERIES PARTICIPATE IN OUR MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT PROGRAM. \ Anderson’s La Costa \ Barrels & Branches Nursery \ \ Cuyamaca College Depart. of Ornamental Horticulture Nursery \ \ El Platio & Landscaping \ Hunter’s Nursery \ \ Kniffling’s Discount Nursery \ The Madd Potter \ \ Mission Hills Nursery \ Rancho Valhalla Nursery \ NURSERY SPOTLIGHT Learn more about The Garden’s great member benefits: www.TheGarden.org
Monthly Virtual Appointments
