Benefits
Great Looks with Great Benefits
Water wise landscapes balance attractive design with plants and landscape elements that can have a positive impact on our environment.
Reduced Water Use
Outdoor irrigation contributes to the greatest amount of discretionary water use in the Tampa Bay area — up to 50 percent in some instances. With a number like that, using the right irrigation techniques and technologies can save significant amounts of water. Water wise landscapes rely on natural rainfall or use water-thrifty micro irrigation, hand watering, or properly calibrated irrigation systems.
Minimal Maintenance
With our unique environment, maintaining an attractive landscape in Florida can be a challenge. Water wise landscapes reduce the burden focusing on low-maintenance, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ plants. You can have a beautiful landscape that can save you time, energy and money.
Environmental Protection
In addition to reducing water use, water wise landscapes help protect the environment through the use of sustainable practices. By using plants suited to the location, water wise landscapes minimize the need for fertilizers and pesticides that can be harmful to the environment. Plus, by incorporating features that retain storm water runoff, these landscapes can minimize the amount of pollutants reaching our waterways.
Becoming Water Wise
Making your landscape water wise does not have to be expensive or time-consuming. In fact, many Tampa Bay area residents, neighborhoods and businesses have already experienced the benefits of water wise gardening. The principles are quite simple. Reducing the use of turf to areas where it is purposeful and filling in with drought-tolerant plants and trees are the first steps to a water-thrifty landscape.
Get Recognized
Finalists for the Tampa Bay Community Water Wise Awards will receive an on-site review and consultation from a Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ agent with the University of Florida’s IFAS Extension service. You will get a chance to speak with professionals and learn how to take your landscape to the next level. Finalists will have the opportunity to win a Tampa Bay Community Water Wise Award, Best of the Region Award or a Conservation Commendation.
Tampa Bay Community Water Wise Award
Winners will receive a hand-crafted mosaic garden stone made by a local artist (or plaque for non-residential landscapes) and have the opportunity to be recognized and celebrated by local elected officials.
Best of the Region Award
Tampa Bay Water will give a Best of the Region award to an award-winning landscape from Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas County. Recipients of this award will receive a special, custom landscape stepping stone and recognition from Tampa Bay Water’s board of directors.
Conservation Commendation
Similar to an honorable mention, this category is designed to recognize great work in one or more categories: retention of existing trees and vegetation, landscape design and plant selection, stormwater runoff prevention, efficient irrigation and aesthetic appeal. Winners will receive an artistic rain gauge, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ resources and a certificate.
