DAY TRIP The Water Conservation Garden

The Water Conservation Garden has five acres of beautiful garden land that not only showcases quality aesthetics of flowers, cactus, ground cover and vegetable growth, but displays ways all can survive with water conservation in mind.

The garden has how-to displays for visitors to learn the proper way to use mulch and to create a home irrigation system.

It also offers four to six classes a month on landscaping, gardening and art courses, training in water conservation for professional landscapers, school tours, education events and outreach programs.

The garden is funded through water district dues, memberships, donations, grants, facility rentals and gift shop sales.

GETTING THERE

Take the I-405 South for about 11 miles until the I-5. Exit the I-5 south and continue for about 60 miles. Follow the slight left onto the I-805 South and continue for about 18 miles. Exit the CA-94 East, also known as the Martin Luther King Jr. Freeway. Continue onto the CA-54/Jamacha Road. Turn left at Cuyamaca College Drive West.

For those looking to avoid traffic, instead of the I-405 South, one can take the CA-73 south to the I-5 South, but the CA-73 is a toll road.

HOURS

The garden is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, except some major holidays.

ADMISSION

The garden has free admission for all who choose to attend. The garden allows self-guided or program tours for visitors.

GARDENS AND EXHIBITS

The garden offers 16 exhibits and gardens:

A turf exhibit with seven different kinds of turf, a cactus and succulent garden, a water-wise white garden, a container garden to inspire those without yards, a ground cover exhibit, a compost exhibit, a water-wise California native plant garden, a vegetable garden, a touch and smell garden, a bird and butterfly garden that attracts wildlife and allows visitors to learn about birds and butterflies, a gazebo area that is good for events, an amphitheater, a water-wise backyard exhibit for those who would like to revamp their backyard to be more water friendly, a discovery trail, a fire-wise landscaping exhibit, and an irrigation exhibit.

MEMBERSHIP

Fans of the Water Conservation Garden can become members by visiting the garden’s website and signing up. Members have the benefit of receiving a free one-year subscription to Garden Compass Magazine. Membership levels vary by price and benefits.

Student membership is $20 and comes with a free newsletter. A basic or family membership is $40 and gets the same as the student plan, but also receives a 10% discount at the gift shop and other discounts on classes. A supporting membership is $60 and comes with all of the above, plus the magazine subscription and invitations to openings at the garden. Other memberships range from $120 to $1,000, with additional benefits.

— Daniel Tedford