Resource Central is selling "Gardens In A Box," which the nonprofit says is an easy way to create a xeric landscape -- or a low-water landscape.
Each pre-made garden box has a variety of flowering and grass plants -- designed by professional landscapers.
“A common misconception is that xeric landscaping is just gravel and cactus and not very vibrant or colorful or green,” Rada Kolmakova, Water Programs Coordinator at Resource Central, said. “What we’re trying to do with 'Garden In A Box' is show that you can have lush, beautiful gardens filled with flowering plants and tall green grasses and that xeric landscaping can be a very diverse set of plants.”
Kolmakova said replacing a 200 square foot portion of your lawn with a low-water garden can save up to 1,000 gallons of water per year.
“We've had a very dry winter and many providers are worried about water supplies for the summer and as a result, water rates could be going up,” she added. “So by replacing just a little bit of turf grass with a garden you could be significantly saving money on your water bill and saving water for our environment.”
Each garden box comes with a map made by professional landscape designers as well as a care guide for each plant variety to help guide people who might not have a “green thumb.”
According to Kolmakova, the organization receives the plants at wholesale prices and those discounts translate to their customers. The garden boxes range between $109 and $159.
“I’ve interacted with people who have sourced their own plants and it’s been two to three times more expensive to source their own plants from nurseries that aren’t wholesale,” she said.
Water suppliers are working with Resource Central on the program, and residents living in the partnering cities receive a $25 discount on xeric gardens while supplies last.
Kolmakova said Resource Central started selling just one week ago, and is almost halfway sold-out of their supplies for this year. She recommends putting in an order as soon as possible.
More information about the program, ordering garden boxes, and participating water suppliers can be found here.
