A beautiful yard doesn't have to be a thirsty one, and it might even help protect your home from wildfire.
For many Okanagan homeowners, summer weekends start with the same routine in the yard: mowing the lawn, watering the garden, and hoping everything survives another hot, dry season.
What many residents might not know is that their yard actually can do more.
Across the Okanagan, more homeowners are discovering that a landscape can be beautiful, use less water, require less maintenance, and even help reduce wildfire risk, all at the same time.
That's the idea behind the Make Water Work, Plant FireSmartTM campaign powered by the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB).
WaterSmart and FireSmartTM Go Hand in Hand
When people hear "FireSmart," many think about clearing brush or trimming trees. While those are important, the plants you choose matter too.
Many plants that thrive in the Okanagan's dry climate naturally require less water and are also considered better choices for creating a FireSmart landscape.
By replacing thirsty plants with drought-tolerant, lower-maintenance alternatives, homeowners can reduce outdoor water use while helping create more resilient yards.
Help Protect What Matters This Summer
The Okanagan has less water available per person than almost anywhere else in Canada, and outdoor watering remains the second largest uses of water during the summer.
Fortunately, making water work doesn't require starting over.
Simple changes such as:
- Watering between dusk and dawn
- Mowing smart; not too short and not too long
- Tuning up irrigation systems
- Choosing plants suited to the Okanagan's dry climate
Can all help reduce water use while keeping landscapes healthy.
Explore FireSmart Plant Collection
One of the most popular resources provided through the MakeWaterWork website is the Make Water Work Plant Collection.
The collection features plants that thrive in the Okanagan while requiring less water than traditional landscaping. It also identifies FireSmartTM options, including labels showing deer-resistant varieties to help homeowners make even more informed choices.
Whether you're refreshing a flower bed or redesigning your yard, it's an excellent place to start.
Take the Pledge and Win a $1,000 Yard Upgrade
Okanagan residents are invited to take the Make Water Work Pledge, committing to simple WaterSmart and FireSmartTM actions this summer.
Everyone who pledges is automatically entered to win one of two $1,000 yard upgrade prize packages, including a $500 gift card to a participating Make Water Work partner and a $500 VISA gift card to help WaterSmart your landscape your way.
Your pledge also helps your community compete for the annual Community Champions Award.
Small actions really do add up.
Learn more at MakeWaterWork.
Explore the plant collection.
Take the pledge.
