Garden contest goes ‘green’

Blending beauty and sustainability, Roger’s Gardens, the city of Newport Beach and several local organizations announced on Wednesday the opening of the first California Friendly Garden Contest.

Hoping to raise public awareness about water conservation, the contest invites all Orange County residents to enter their frontyard gardens and will recognize those that best demonstrate efficient irrigation, the use of colorful and low-water plants, as well as smart and sustainable landscaping.

“We want to communicate the importance of managing water and other natural resources correctly in our gardens and reducing urban landscape water runoff,” said Ron Vanderhoff, manager of the gardens.

Running through July 28, the public and selected judges will evaluate the entries and award four $500 cash prizes for best aesthetics, best use of plants, best water efficiency and best do-it-yourself garden. One of the four winners will be selected for the $2,500 grand prize award, which includes a commemorative garden plaque.

For contest details and entry forms, go to www.rogersgardens.com/gardencontest .

— Jessie Brunner