updated Oct. 12, 2006
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Entry forms for the 2009 contest are Now Available!
The deadline for entry is March 23, 2009, by 4:30 p.m.
Contest finalists will be judged by site visits. Winning entries will be honored at a special ceremony to be held at the first annual "More Green Per Drop Festival" on April 25, 2009 at the
Tucson Botanical Gardens .
For additional information, call (520) 326-9686, ext. 10.
Homeowners
The Annual Tucson Xeriscape Contest is designed to recognize and showcase homeowners who have implemented
Xeriscape principles and used native plants in their landscapes.
Tucson Botanical Gardens and the Tucson AMA would like to increase awareness of innovations in landscaping
and water-use efficiency.
Landscapes must have been substantially designed, installed and maintained by a
homeowner. These may include single-family, condominium, town house, or
manufactured home residences. Landscapes must be
at least two years old or have a mature look.
Grand Prize- 200 gallon water harvesting barrel and rain chain compliments of Oasis Water Harvesting
Homeowners: Judging Criteria
Entries must be substantially designed and installed by the homeowner (there is
a separate category for entries professionally designed and installed). Judges will consider all elements of water efficient Xeriscape design.
Xeriscape Guidelines for Residential Entries
- Water conserving design with all turf, water intensive plants, pools and water features located in the Oasis zone.
- Plant selection including Sonoran and/or Chihuahuan desert native plants as part of the total of low-water, drought tolerant and non-invasive plants
- All plants should be zoned by water use and irrigated accordingly, preferably with trees on a separate valve from shrubs and groundcovers and low-water-use trees on a separate valve from high-water-use trees
- Irrigation must be efficient and based on plant types, soil types, seasonal water requirements, microclimates and other unique site conditions
- Incorporation of rainwater harvesting and/or gray water reuse for irrigation
- Use of mulch and/or soil improvement to retain moisture and reduce evaporation
- Demonstration of proper maintenance practices
Homeowners: Entry Forms
Complete the homeowner application form,
and, judge's form, and mail along with the $10 entry fee to
Tucson Botanical Gardens. Applications are now being accepted for 2009, check periodically for updates and prizes.
Optional:
If you wish to be considered for a water conservation award, fill out the
Professionals
Prizes:
Grand prize for Best of Show Design by a Professional
First place for Best Design of Residential Property by a Professional
First place for Best Design of Public and Commercial Spaces by a Professional
Eligibility: Any Xeriscape landscape in the greater Tucson area installed a minimum of 2 years, or has attained a mature look by using salvaged plants or larger nursery stock.
The following guidelines, based on the seven principles of Xeriscape, provide the criteria for judging the entered landscape in the 2009 Xeriscape Contest.
Xeriscape Guidelines for Professional Entries
- Xeriscape Guidelines for Professional Entries
- Water conserving design with an Oasis no more than 30% of total area landscaped (oasis includes surface areas of water features e.g. pools, fountains, ponds, etc)
- Turf, other water intensive plants, pools and water features should be located in the oasis zone
- Plant selection should include a minimum of 25% Sonoran and/or Chihuahuan desert plants as total of low-water, drought tolerant and non-invasive plants
- All plants should be zoned by water use and irrigated accordingly (e.g., trees on a separate valve from shrubs and groundcovers; low-water-use trees on a separate valve from high-water-use trees, etc.)
- Irrigation must be efficient and based on plant water use requirements, seasonal water needs, soil type, microclimates and other unique site conditions
- Incorporation of rainwater and/or gray water harvesting
- Use of mulch and/or soil improvements to retain moisture and reduce evaporation
- Demonstration of proper maintenance schedules and practices
Complete the professional application form,
and, judge's form, and mail along with the $75 entry fee to
Tucson Botanical Gardens. Applications are now being accepted for 2009, check periodically for updates and prizes.
Grand Prize- to be announced
Each entry that wishes to be considered for this award must also submit:
Special Awards:
The J.D. Di Meglio Artistry In Landscaping Award celebrates the unique beauty of desert landscaping.
J.D. DiMeglio (1960—2001) made a lasting contribution to the community
by sharing his his knowledge of plants, irrigation and design
with a contagious smile and incredible enthusiasm.
He inspired everyone he met to
embrace the beauty of the Sonoran Desert, and to appreciate the natural artistry in
the native landscape.
His company, “Horizons West
Landscaping”, specialized in mixing native and traditional plants, and he left Tucson
with a living legacy through his many private gardens and
public landscapes. The award is given at the Judges descection and may be given to either a Homeowner or Professional entry.
The “J.D. Di Meglio Artistry in Landscaping Award” honors J.D.'s memory, and is
selected each year by the judges from all of the entries.
Community Xeriscape Leaders
In addition to the Homeowner and Professional categories,
the Xeriscape Contest has an award that recognizes individuals and organizations for their contributions to the community, and a special award for landscape artistry.
The Community Xeriscape Leader Award recognizes an individual or organization that has been a driving force in promoting Xeriscape principles and/or the use of native and arid-adapted plants.
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Do you know someone who is an advocate for the use of Xeriscaping principles?
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Is there an organization or person you would like to honor for their dedication and diligence to promotion of native and arid-adapted plants?
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Do you know someone who has made a significant difference to the Tucson community by promoting water harvesting or irrigation efficiency?
If so, then please nominate them by completing the Community Xeriscape Leader Award nomination form  (70 KB)
Tucson AMA Navigation Links
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