Community Water Wise Awards

St. Petersburg residents are discovering that a few simple changes can dramatically decrease water use, improve the health and beauty of their landscapes, and help preserve Florida's natural environment.

The Community Water Wise Awards are presented in conjunction with the annual City Beautification Awards held at the Sunken Gardens. Winners receive a handsome plaque or an attractive, stained-glass embedded stepping stone, as seen here.

The annual Community Water-Wise Award is awarded in the all property categories to those that have created attractive, water-efficient landscapes.

The criterion for the Awards include:

• planting or retaining drought tolerant and non-invasive plants,
• installing the right plant in the right place,
• utilizing turfgrass only where needed,
• using organic mulch,
• and watering plants as-needed rather than on a regular schedule while abiding by the City's watering restrictions.

For more information on the awards program or for help in creating and maintaining a water-wise landscape, please contact the Pinellas Extension Service at 727-582-2124.

Attractive garden rooms reveal a surprise at every turn. Wildlife attractors and interesting yard art items enhance the outdoor living experience.

Rain barrels placed throughout the garden provide a ready source of water for wildlife and watering plants, and composting and recycled yard waste mulch continues to help improve the typical sandy soil.

A previous winner in the Residential Category was Sue Stanczyk. Sue uses various ground covers in place of water-intensive turfgrass and has created numerous pathways and interesting seating areas.

Various native trees are added each year to provide shade in years to come. With no sprinkler system, rain barrel water is used to establish new plants.

A winner in the Commercial Category was the Craftsman House, owned by Jeff and Stephanie Schorr. Together they have created low-maintenance, colorful beds around a historic St. Petersburg bungalow that has been converted into a caf, art gallery and pottery studio.

The landscape features art in the garden, with interesting views at every turn. Interesting retention wall materials and pervious pavers keep water where it is needed, on site.

A winner in the special "Other" Category was the Front Porch Community Development's Outdoor Classroom Garden. Serving as a wonderful example of community partnership and stewardship, local youth and adults combined efforts to turn a challenging vacant lot into a beautiful and useful courtyard garden.

Trash and debris were cleared away, and colorful, tropical and edible plants were installed to create an outdoor classroom and community gathering spot that inspires and educates.