With dry conditions across the Okanagan, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen is encouraging residents to rethink what a “good” summer lawn looks like.
Through its Stay Gold Water Conservation Contest, RDOS is inviting eligible residents to let their lawns take on a golden colour instead of watering heavily through the hottest part of the season. Residents connected to the RDOS water system can submit a photo of their water-wise yard for a chance to win up to $100. Entries are open until August 15, with winners drawn at the end of August.
The idea is simple: a brown or golden lawn is not a failure. In a dry climate, it can be a sign of thoughtful water use.
Lawns account for a significant share of outdoor water demand in the Okanagan, especially during summer. Reducing lawn watering is one of the easiest ways homeowners can help conserve water during drought conditions.
See CBC article: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/have-a-crispy-lawn-you-could-win-a-prize-for-that-if-you-live-in-this-part-of-b-c-9.7227935
But conserving water does not mean giving up on a beautiful garden.
Okanagan Master Gardener Karan Bowyer notes that gardeners can still create attractive, resilient landscapes by choosing the right plant for the right place. Drought-tolerant and regionally appropriate plants are often better suited to our hot, dry summers than traditional high-water lawns.
Consider plants such as:
- Kinnikinnick
- Silver-edged horehound
- Candytuft
Other drought-tolerant perennials, groundcovers, grasses, and native or adapted plants
These plants have natural features that help them cope with dry conditions, including deeper roots, protective leaf surfaces, and growth habits suited to the Okanagan climate.
This summer, consider letting your lawn rest, watering less often, and replacing thirsty areas with plants that are better matched to our region. A golden lawn may not be what we grew up expecting, but in the Okanagan, it can be a beautiful step toward a more water-wise garden.
Eligible RDOS water-system residents can submit contest photos to utilities@rdos.bc.ca by August 15.